8 Styling Tips to Optimize Your Fall Outfits
We’re finally seeing the telltale signs of a shift from summer to fall, and all we can think is … sweater weather. Leading up to the official start of the season, we’ve shared essential fall wardrobe staples and delved into this year’s shoe trends. Now, we’re enlisting the help of Nashville wardrobe stylist Carson Love to complete our fall fashion deep-dive with outfit inspiration from Southern boutiques.
This season’s shoot took place at the historic Germantown Inn in Nashville, TN, an idyllic property with 10 charming guest rooms, light-filled common areas, and a lush courtyard already showing hints of changing leaves. Read on to see the results, along with styling tips and tricks from Carson!
Don’t underestimate your outerwear.
Outerwear can easily get overlooked when editing or refreshing your wardrobe. We often store our larger coats in a separate closet or area and forget about them until winter rolls around again. When the temperatures drop, a clean and tailored peacoat can not only make an entire outfit, but it’s also an investment piece that can serve you for years to come.
This sleek, chocolate brown dress paired with a navy pinstriped peacoat is a great neutral alternative to an all-black ensemble. The coat’s menswear-inspired pinstriping is a nice balance with the dress’s feminine cut.
Mix and match your textures — and don’t be afraid of color.
Bring a little shine to your next dinner party! You might not have thought that “cozy” and “festive” could describe the same outfit, but with this easy pairing, it’s totally possible. Even if sequins aren’t your style, you could translate this same look by combining a knit and skirt. The key here is to make sure the look stays balanced (and not too boxy) by thoughtfully front-tucking or cropping the sweater.
Bright and saturated colors shouldn’t be saved for summer. Adding a bright sweater can be a simple way to brighten up your autumn wardrobe.
Tip: Here’s a little video I made on how to shorten a sweater without adding bulk!
Try patterned sets for effortless glamour.
It looks like Nashville has its very own Brigitte Bardot! This matching patterned blouse-and-pants set exudes retro glamor in a very approachable and easy way. I love pulling out the subtle violet in the pattern by adding a pop of color with a handbag. Matching sets like this are great for a bold look, but I also love that you can style the pieces separately: The blouse could just as easily be paired with denim, and the pants could be worn with a solid top and jacket.
To my petite ladies: Don’t be afraid of bold patterns or full-length flares! Old-fashioned rules can go right out the window with the proper styling.
Although it looks like a midi dress, this teal and ivory outfit is actually a separate skirt and top! I love matching pieces as an alternative to dresses — they can often be an easier way to find the perfect fit. Rarely is a woman the exact same size on her top and bottom, so a matching set allows for more sizing flexibility. It also has the versatility to be worn to so many different occasions throughout the fall, from brunches to cocktail hours.
This midi skirt is paired with a tall, sleek boot, which adds an elongating effect and hints at one of fall’s trendiest colors: chocolate brown.
Try a monochromatic look.
Who says black has to be boring? One of my favorite ways to add visual interest to a totally monochromatic look is by mixing textures. In this case, leather pants add that perfect touch. The embellishment on the neckline of this sleek sleeveless blouse acts as built-in jewelry, so dressing up couldn’t be more effortless.
So you’re not a “hat person” …
When I hear clients say they’re intimidated by wearing hats, I encourage them to try wearing one with a very simple outfit as a backdrop — like the sweater and denim shown here. This fun felt hat by Nashville’s own Premonition Goods comes in a variety of unexpected colors to mix into your fall lineup. The soft pink adds the perfect pop to an otherwise understated look!
When in doubt, denim on denim.
Feeling stuck on what to wear? A head-to-toe denim look always feels right here in Nashville! From concerts to football games, a denim dress is the perfect backdrop for adding game-day pins and hats. Pair it with your favorite boots or fashion sneakers for an easy daytime look.
One look, two major trends.
Here, we’re combining two of my favorite super-wearable trends for this fall: chocolate brown and big hits of suede! Pairing this look with a fashion sneaker is the perfect way to elevate your travel attire. As chic as these pants look, they’re easy pull-on leggings, so comfort has never looked so cool.
Tip: Since this sweater is oversized and a bit longer, I like pairing it with pants that offer a slimmer leg. This way, the overall silhouette stays balanced and doesn’t become overwhelming.
A great blazer is your secret weapon.
Sometimes, work meetings merge into cocktail hours, and your outfit should be able to keep up! Think of blazers outside of the realm of suiting — they can add extra coverage to your favorite dresses, so you can get more wear out of them through the fall and winter.
Pairing a midi dress with tall boots and a blazer is one of my favorite outfit equations for styling dresses through the cooler months.
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RESOURCES:
Location: Germantown Inn
Photography: Courtney Eckdahl Photo
Boutiques: e.Allen + Oak Hall + Emerson Grace
Makeup: Leslie Moore of The Cosmetic Market
Styling: Carson Love
Models: Suzanne Crook of Carden Avenue + Ivey Childers of Southbound + Tana Smith of Hoop House
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