Welcome Coat Season – the time of year when your outerwear is as important as what you wear underneath.  Schedule time in your coat closet sometime soon with our handy coat checklist and see what you might need (want!) to add. Extra incentive: Coat sales start getting underway this month too. Enjoy!

Whether real or faux, leather and suede can add sophistication to your everyday style, especially this time of year.

A year ago I turned on my video camera and announced “Dressing Well Wednesdays — Three Tips in Under Three Minutes to Inspire Everyday Style.” I honestly don’t even know where those words came from. Probably from my years of doing TV work and having to master the art of the sound bite!

What is “leather weather”? It’s the time of year when real and faux (your choice!) cool and sophisticated leather and suede accessories and clothing emerge from the closet and instantly shout fall, fashion and fun. Traditionally used in accessories, today, we find real and faux leather and suede in all different types of looks – from handbags to tops, to joggers, and everything in between.

Today’s Dressing Well Wednesday topic is sweater weather — enjoy! Our talented stylist team is at the ready virtually and in-person to help you with all your fall wardrobing needs.

In today's Dressing Well Wednesday video, we are featuring three of our Top Ten picks for fall. You can view the full Top Ten list here.

With cooler temperatures heading our way and calendars filling up with indoor, outdoor, and virtual events (and work!) once again, getting your wardrobe in check and planning ahead will give you a quick boost of confidence in your wardrobe. Yes, life is still fairly casual for many of us, but there is something to be said for dressing up a notch as we embrace fall routines. Here are a few ideas that are as simple to implement as they are fun and easy to wear – enjoy!

1. Bright Saturated Colors
Rich, vivid, saturated colors are a great way to make a statement. Pick a signature color (or two!) to add some vibrant hues to your everyday look. In addition to autumn’s expected rust, olive green, and cream palette, brilliant colors such as rich reds, bright blues, illuminating yellow, and grass green can brighten up your look as well as your mood.

2. Tonal Layering
There is something very soothing about a monochromatic look in a muted tone as the days get shorter and the temperatures cooler. Layer up beige, camel, cream, grey, blush, and soft earth tones to create a sophisticated silhouette. Relaxed tailoring, cozy knits, corduroy, cashmere, and suede all lend an additional level of comfort to tonal layering. Pair suede boots, loafers, or ballet flats to keep the vibe polished and on point.

3. Slip Dresses

The simple silhouette of a slip dress can take you from day to night effortlessly. Pair a slip dress with a boxy blazer and modern footwear, throw a sweater over it and treat it like a skirt, layer a t-shirt underneath for a ’90s throwback look, or rock this fresh look as a wedding guest this season.

4. Split-Bottom Jeans
Expand your collection with this fresh cut. Pair them with retro sneakers, a fresh bootie or flat. Keep them the centerpiece of your outfit with simple tops. Go all '90s retro with duster coats, vintage jewelry and other '90s inspired pieces.

5. Versatile Vests
Vests in a variety of colors and fabrics are the layering pieces of the season. Varying lengths and shapes abound. Pair a shorter vest with a wide-leg pant or a longer silhouette with a slimmer leg. Layer with t-shirts, button downs, turtleneck and “puff” sleeves to make them pop.

6. Chain Accents
Chunky chain elements on purses, shoes, tops, and jewelry make a show-stopping statement. Pay attention to buttons, zippers, stitching and other details on clothes and accessories to connect your look. Keep other details to a minimum to showcase your lush links.

7. Boots with Sole
Rugged lug-sole boots step into fall with an edgy no-nonsense look. Pair them with skirts, denim, and dresses, for a functional and fun outfit. Leather, suede, faux fur, and shearling accents give a modern and sophisticated twist.

8. Mini Bags
Keep things simple with a mini bag. Don a compact mini bag to take the essentials with you as you go about your day (and night!). Less is more in terms of size, however minis can pack a punch with detail and color. Cross-body straps add functionality and ease, while vibrant colors, chain, fringe and leather details add interest.

9. Cape Coats
Add elegance to your everyday look with a cape coat. The sophisticated silhouette doubles as outer wear – perfect for fall, and easily paired with denim, leggings, polished casual slim pants or even over a jumpsuit. Have fun with patterns, fringe accents, and comfortable fabrics.

10. Bows & Ties
Finally, Zoom is here to stay. If you’re looking to elevate your look on video calls, blouses, shirts and sweaters with bows and ties help you fit in yet stand out in all the right ways. If you are bored with your zoom tops, try some of these embellishments which are in abundance at all price points.

Last Word
Our proprietary 5-step Dressing Well Method is designed to help you evaluate, organize and then elevate your personal style. A confidence booster that never goes out of fashion, the Dressing Well Method remains our best tool for getting rapid results for our clients as their style journey evolves. If you’re interested in learning more about our process and how it can help you create a wardrobe that is easy to wear while making you feel great, please contact us for a complimentary call to assess your needs. Whether we work with you in a group, meet with you in-person or virtually, we can drive this process seamlessly – promise!

Tips for incorporating olive green as a base transitional neutral to transition your late summer wardrobe into fall.

Yes, summer greens of all sorts are great for your body, mind and spirit. Olive green in particular is also an easy way to transition your late summer wardrobe into fall.

From gingham to polka dots to florals galore, there is nothing like summer to try out some new prints and experiment with your perennial favorites in new ways as well.