Illustration by Katryna Estrada
With the sun still up and the sky still blue, it’s hard to believe that summer is just about over. Time to break up with our mini shorts and flip-flops and make up with some old flames.
Nights are getting colder and days are ending shorter here in Southern California, which means fall is right around the corner.
Many of us haven’t prepped for the season, finding our only fall pieces in our wardrobe to be well out of date.
Here is a shopping list of fall fashion essentials to keep guys and gals warm and stylish throughout the season.
Gals
VELVET
For the past decade velvet has been receiving negative feedback for being a tricky material to wear. It’s commonly worn by 7-year-olds during the holidays and old ladies with 10 too many cats. This blast from the past of cozy material is subtly bold and will help you endure those gusty fall winds.
LEATHER
A leather jacket is a staple in every girl’s wardrobe. Since the material is heavyweight, leather skirts and shorts are acceptable during cold weather.
MIDI SKIRT
This piece is not too long and not too short. A midi skirt will solve your quandary when So Cal weather cannot decide between hot and cold.
PARACHUTE/BELL BOTTOM/PALAZZO PANTS
Step outside your comfort zone and try something different. Flared pants are no longer a ‘70s trend only your mother would be caught dead in. Celebrity designers like Nicole Richie and Lauren Conrad have been spotted turning this groovy garment into trendy and chic.
THIGH HIGH/OVER-THE-KNEE SOCKS
Lo and behold! These socks will keep you warm when you cannot seem to hang up the mini skirts. To create the illusion of long and slender legs, you can pair them with a skirt or shorts and platform booties.
BOOTS
Take your boots to higher lengths and match them with thigh high socks for added warmth. Knee/Thigh high boots tend to be on the pricey side, so be on the lookout for fall sales at local and online retailers.
BRIGHT-COLORED BAG
This season you will be surrounded by every shade of black and grey. Make this accessory piece the highlight (literally) of your outfit.
DARK LIPSTICK
Summer was all about the bright red lip shades. This season go dramatic and take it two or three shades darker. Try a mahogany or dark purple lip shade. Complement it with a dark outfit to achieve a grungy rocker look or with a girly floral outfit to roughen up your ensemble.
Guys
CAMOUFLAGE PRINT
It has been a spectacle on runways for designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino. This print is now being released at affordable prices to street wear retailers such as Zumiez and Active Ride Shop. Pair this print with a neutral canvas backpack for an artsy, urban look.
JEAN JACKET
Either super affordable or pricey, depending on where you go. Try your local thrift store. You’re bound to find the perfect denim jacket.
CARDIGAN
They’re no longer limited to girls. Go for an intellectual, romantic look with these button-up, light-weight sweaters. Cardigans make a great layering piece if the weather gets warmer throughout the day.
FLANNEL
Try layering it under any type of jacket to show a hint of print when wearing solid-colored attire. You can also wear it with a pair of jeans.
LONG-SLEEVE HENLEY
Intended to wear as an undergarment for those cold days, try wearing it alone and show off the hours spent working out at the gym.
WHITE T-SHIRT
Maybe it’s just the James Dean lover in all of us, but a plain white tee accomplishes the essence of “cool.” They’re inexpensive and come in packages of two or more. Stock up for the fall season; heck, wear it every day. They’re so basic, no one will ever notice. It’s your easy out!
KHAKI PANTS
Stand apart from denim and go for a laid-back look and pair them with a basic or printed tee and beanie. To achieve a more sophisticated look, wear it with a long sleeve button up, but make it suitable for school and balance your refined look with Converse sneakers or classic Vans.
BEANIE
It’s okay to play with pops of color. Lock your hair in place and out of your face, but more importantly conceal last night’s shameful moments.
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