Realistic Fall Trends for My Southern Friends

Fall is always a bewildering season for me. I love the vibrant trees and the crisp air that takes my breath away and calls me back outside after a long hiatus from the summer heat. But let's be honest, we only promised vibrant trees if we got a surplus of rain, and sometimes the crisp air doesn't arrive until January. Therefore, I'm still stuck inside. If you live in the south, then it's safe to say you've lived through my predicament because the south tends to skip the fall and sometimes winter. I've worn shorts on multiple Thanksgivings and Christmases. If I'm lucky, I'll get to experience a few fall days sprinkled here and there.

www.glamour.com  L-R: Helmut Lang,
Rachel Zoe, 3.1 Phillip Lim

I am constantly in a state of turmoil because I never know what to wear. It's basically still summer outside, but yet my tan has faded. I can guarantee that I have to add an extra 30 minutes to my wardrobe planning process because I am constantly faced with the fall trend dilemma. Do I follow Fall Fashion Week trends or do I stray? Do I continue to hang out with my summer friends or do I move on despite the heat? The fashion mags bring me this (right), and yet it's totally unrealistic.

 Lady Gaga is not my fashion icon, yet I do give her props. She spiced up a Ulyana Sergeenko haute-couture gown coat, and she looks amazing. However, I'm not as dedicated to fall fashion as Ms. Gaga because it was approximately 80 degees in London when she sported this coat. Look at the chicks in the background: dresses, sandals, and cut-outs. Apparently they dressed for the weather not the fashion season. Realistically, I would be a chick in the background; yet, I would desperately want to be the brave Lady Gaga who would sacrifice comfort for fashion on an 80 degree fall day.

The key to fall fashion success is modification. I can easily modify the above structure white and black looks by removing the jackets and maybe skipping the above the knee leather boots. Besides the boots and my thighs probably wouldn't be friends. Might I also take this opportunity to inform you that the "White After Labor Day Rule" has officially been disband. Please stop referring to it. Fashion rules were meant to be broken anyway. Rule breaking sets the stylish apart from the rest of the crowd.

www.glamour.com
L-R: Libertine, Altuzarra, Skaist-Taylor

The Runways were loaded with not only blacks and whites, but anything from the red pallet: crisp reds, pale pinks, blood red burgundies. Patterns also made a huge splash. I highlighted looks that were achievable trends for a typical southern fall. You can also easily transform your summer looks into fall fashion must haves with a few simple accessories. Holla for the Collar! I am dying for a few collar necklaces that I will transform my simple summer T's into professional chic blouses. Belting for Belts! A simple skinny black belt will not only accentuiate your waist, but will also help you to stay on trend for fall. And can we give an AMEN for modesty this fall! High necks were a runway favorite.

So cover up your 'lady friends' and come out and play in the crisp or not crisp southern air!