Autumnal Accoutrements

Finally, finally, finally! Fall weather has arrived! I was delighted by the cool, crisp temperature and the gentle, refreshing breezes that accompanied my backyard Zumba session earlier today. :)

With the arrival of fall comes the opportunity to break out my near 20 scarves and the cozy sweaters that have lain dormant through the last 2 seasons. It also means that different color options are now available as each season carries it's own palette.

Pantone, "the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries," presented this list of the top ten colors for women during fall 2011 and winter 2012 (fashiontrendsetter.com).

For men, emberglow is replaced by burnt sienna, honeysuckle by raspberry wine, and orchid hush by cadet.


The appeal to these colors is that they allow you to create varying fashion forward statements; it simply depends on how you pair them. To create a standout look, pair the "louder" colors with similarly bright hues. For a more classic, complimentary approach, team up the more vibrant hues with more neutral ones.You can go bold by mixing deep shades together, or create a softer look just using the pastels. The ball is in your court!

My favorites of this lineup are as follows:
1. Phlox - As I have stated before, purples are my go-to's. I look fabulous in them. I can wear this color effortlessly.
2. Emberglow - I just recently got into this shade; although, my true preference lies with one that swings more towards coral. Paired with coffee liquer, it's a match made in Heaven.

3. Bamboo - Bamboo is beautiful, but sometimes difficult to be worn. Accessorizing with it, however, is easy and allows you to take advantage of its appeal without being drowned in it. In fact, this belt on the right was a recent purchase of mine, and I'm on the prowl for a cross body bag in this color as well. (Forever21 to the rescue!)
4. Deep Teal - I have a sweater in this color that I can't wait to wear again. It is simple and therefore perfect to wear with a brooch or a scarf. =D



5. Burnt Sienna - While Pantone allocated this color to men's fashion, it works really well with my natural color palette. My first fall clothing purchase this season was in such a shade. Pining for colored denim and after much searching, I finally found a flare pant in this alluring red hue that is perfect for autumn.








Concerning fall fashion, corduroy is back now, of course, and GAP has a love-at-first-sight pair for women in 4 fall friendly colors - dried berry (as seen on the right), milk chocolate, hematite, and camel.

Another on-trend look you'll likely see - mixing materials. Predominantly seen in over/outerwear, designers have taken us back to the 70's, pairing tweeds with leather or leather with cable knits, and brandishing faux fur aplenty. Doing so creates a luxe look that can go just about anywhere. (Both of these items can be found at H&M - Men's Blazer, Ladies' Jacket).

Riding boots and capes are coming in strong, making an equestrian look easy.








And these are just a few of the "must-haves" for this season. So if you haven't already, unbox those sweaters and cords, air out those scarves and tweed jackets. I have a strong feeling that this autumn is going to be a good one, so why not look great the whole season through!