It’s that time of year again — a time when summer’s heat starts to subside, and your mind begins to shift from beaches and weekend getaways to cardigans and apple cider. Fall has arrived, which also means a shift in your morning closet routine. Everyone’s personal style will be different, but this year, there are a few key go-to’s that will ensure you’re putting your best (stylish) foot forward in the office.
1) Loafers. During the summer, flip-flops and espadrilles are all the rage, but in the fall, your preferences shift more toward comfort, and loafers are a great laid-back but professional option. Cole Haan’s bright color palette is trendy without being over the top. For more budget-friendly options, Gap has a great collection of them, from pink suede to herringbone, and everything in between.
2) Polka dots. Whether they’re on your shoes or on your sweater, you can’t walk around anywhere without seeing this fun, girly print in a variety of colors and sizes. Kate Spade is a personal favorite, with polka dots popping up on their accessories year-round. Old Navy and J.Crew also celebrate this classic style with sweaters in jade, tan and more.
3) Blazers. File this under the I-love-this-trend-but-don’t-own-enough-of-them section. “Gossip Girl” brought them back in a big way, and while they seem uber-preppy, blazers are versatile, so it’s also possible to go more glam with this item, depending on the fabric. H&M has a great selection, ranging from buttoned-up to cool and casual.
4) Gold jewelry. I have to admit that I was a little late to the party on this one. Growing up, I despised anything gold and insisted on wearing sterling silver only. But gold is back in a big way (I’m including rose gold in this group as well), and I can’t get enough of stacked gold bracelets and, of course, chunky watches from Michael Kors. A dainty gold necklace can add femininity to almost any outfit, as well as a little pizazz to an otherwise muted ensemble.
5) Sock buns. While this is definitely a trend that started this summer, I think it’s safe to say it will spill over into the fall. There are a million and one YouTube tutorials that demonstrate how to create the perfect bun, and it’s a great way to style your hair in a way that requires little maintenance throughout the workday. From what I’ve heard anecdotally, it’s a craft to be perfected, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t look quite right the first few times.
This is by no means an extensive list, but by integrating these few items into your fall rotation, you’ll no doubt find yourself more confident in the workplace.
What fall must-haves would you add to this list?
Today’s post is written by Erica Moss. Erica is the social media outreach coordinator for Georgetown University’s online masters degree in nursing, offering one of the nation’s leading midwifery programs. Follow her on Twitter @ericajmoss.
