Now that early fall is in full swing and the weather varies from day to day, it can be challenging to figure out how you should dress, but there are plenty of tricks you can implement to make it easier. TV host, broadcast journalist, and producer Sharon Carpenter loves playing with her wardrobe to make the most of what she has across seasons. Here are five tips she lives by that you can try out yourself!
- Don’t ditch your short hemlines.
“Dresses are one of my favorite style staples and I have a ton of experience wearing every silhouette you can think of,” Carpenter shares. “I was a host on the viral quiz show, ‘HQ Trivia,’ and rocked over 500 different looks – from shirt to slip dresses, cocktail to bodycon in one year! When transitioning to fall, rather than setting aside my above-the-knee or strappy frocks, I make them weather-appropriate. Layering goes a long way – perhaps a cute blazer or jacket and comfy booties or knee-high boots. Once the chill really sets in, I just break out the tights for a chic fall twist.”
Carpenter rocked a pretty sundress with a jean jacket at a Fugees concert last month, making a cute, comfy outfit for a night out:
- Opt for a monochrome outfit.
“Forget that passé rule ‘no white after Labor Day,’” Carpenter insists. “I LOVE to mix and match shades of cream, white and beige for fall. It’s a great way to achieve a statement monochrome look without appearing overly ‘matchy-matchy.’ You’ll look extra luxe and sophisticated while you’re wearing those soft, cozy fabrics.”
You can also look chic with other neutral colors, like olive green:
- Bring in a seasonless staple.
“At the start of any new season, the weather can be unpredictable, so fashion needs to be flexible,” Carpenter explains. “A stylish knit minidress or a lightweight trouser are perfect for summer but can easily transition into fall. And make sure your wardrobe contains its fair share of seasonless colors like cobalt blue, lemon yellow, fiery red, and fuchsia.”
These colors can help you make a statement even with a more simple, “traditional” outfit – see Sharon’s effortlessly stunning look for a lunch date:
- Don’t forget the basics.
“A traditional tee is a must-have all year long and is super easy to pair with your favorite fall finds,” Carpenter shares. “Tuck it into a pair of stylish jeans or a skirt and throw on a leather jacket, statement purse, and heels for the perfect autumn outfit.”
You can also pair it with sneakers for a fun casual ensemble:
- Layer, layer, layer!
“If you’re like me and you’re not always ready to put away your favorite summer tank or skirt, incorporate them into your look,” Carpenter suggests. “For example, pair a cozy cardigan with a tank top or pair shorts with a chunky knit or oversized hoodie. You get to work with the best of both worlds and still look fab!”
You can find Sharon Carpenter on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and her official website for more chic inspo!
