Today’s post was inspired by a bunch of my blog readers who have been loving the posts about fall fashion but told me that they wish they could actually start wearing them. For these readers, who live in places like Florida, Arizona and other places where it will be a long time before the thermometer will dip, I wanted to share some tips on how these warm weather readers can all wear and enjoy the new fall fashion trends in the warm weather.
First, people in warm weather climates tend to dress very differently than people in more seasonal areas do. First, warm weather wardrobes tend to be a lot more colorful and, second, I find that the dress tends to be a bit more casual simply because it is way too hot. I remember going down to Florida in the middle of February, thinking I was dressed colorfully. By NYC standards I was, but once I deplaned in Ft. Myers, I looked as if I was going to a funeral compared to how everyone else was dressed. By my third day on my trip I found myself actually interested in designers like Lily Pulitzer. As a former fashion designer, I also understand the differences in the way people dress based on geographical location.
Yet, despite the differences between where I come from (a lifelong northeasterner and NY’er), and where these readers live, I decided to take a stab at putting some looks together that embrace an autumn attitude but are perfect for the hot weather that will be with these people for quite some time. Here are my tips.
Tip #1- Look for summer pieces in richer colors
My guess is that my readers who live in warm weather climates will be wearing summer dresses for quite some time. While I don’t want to abandon color completely, I chose this Modcloth dress that is a print in green and gray. The color may be autumnal inspired, but the dress says summer. I paired the dress with a metallic pair of silver loafers from Zara, a bright green bag from Banana Republic and a simple pair of silver earrings from Stella & Dot.
#2- Look for summer weight fabrics in fall colors…and layer
Like the first look, I chose to take more summery silhouettes and put them in richer colors. I also looked for fabrics in lighter weight fabrics, like these ankle length pants from Boden. I paired the pants with an airy white blouse from Anthropologie and a pair of mustard oxfords which I subbed out for a pair of sandals. Lastly, I layered. As the weather gets cooler…eventually, a scarf will come in handy. The look is finished with an animal print tote bag, Blu Bijoux earrings and Yochi bracelet.
#3- Enjoy the trends that cold weather folks can’t
Shoes like oxfords in the second look and peep toe booties, like these from Elie Tahari, are things that women in colder climates can only enjoy for a super small window. In warmer climates, however, you can definitely get your money’s worth. Instead of full boots, which you probably won’t be able to wear for a long time, if ever, a peep toe bootie is something you can get wear out of for most of the fall and winter. Here, I paired these booties with a basic pencil skirt in a cool cotton blend fabric, a sheer sleeveless blouse that those in cool weather climates would have to layer and belted the outfit with a python belt. The outfit is richly, yet colorfully, finished with a purple handbag that tonally works with the top and a pair of silver earrings by Zina Kao.
