Are you looking in your closet wondering how you can stretch those summer fashions into the fall?  Are you thinking to yourself, “I just cannot spend a lot of money right now to buy a fall wardrobe?”  Well, the answer may be easier than you think.  My goal is to give you some suggestions of how to stretch that summer wardrobe a few more months through the fine art of ENSEMBLE.

First I want you thoroughly review your closet for these five basic pieces:

1.      Classic trouser in black, brown, navy or gray

2.      White blouse

3.      Khaki skirt

4.      T-Shirt (crew neck) in black, white or cream

5.      Sleeveless summer dress

Next I want you to look for the following items:

1.      A suit, preferably in black, brown, navy or gray

2.      Cashmere pullover v-neck sweater

3.      Little black dress

4.      Trouser jean –boot cut, dark wash

5.      Cardigan

Now you are ready to mix and match to extend those summer pieces into the fall.  Here is a short list of what could reveal infinite possibilities:

1.      Pair the trouser pant with the white blouse and cardigan sweater; add a skinny belt at the waist for definition and detail.

2.      Pair the khaki skirt with the white t-shirt and put on the suit jacket; accessorize with a scarf around the neck.

3.      Pair the summer dress and/or little black dress with the cardigan (look for complimentary colors) and button the cardigan only at the waist.

4.      Pair the suit bottom (skirt or pant) with the cream t-shirt and the pullover  v-neck sweater; accessorize with long necklaces.

5.      Pair the trouser jean with the suit jacket and black t-shirt; add a brooch.

Clearly, I haven’t touched every possible combination, that’s where your work comes in.  Use your imagination by combining pieces and accessorizing with scarves and necklaces.  A fun purchase for the fall would be bangle bracelets, metallic or colored.   And last but not least, drag out those boots.  They are back in a big way this fall, both ankle booties and up to the knee.

The good news is that you may have a majority of the pieces already in your closet.  The best news is that you can extend your wardrobe into the next season without spending a week’s salary and still look fresh and stylish.

Jaci Shiendling                                                            www.beautywithin-llc.com

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