Blog: Crossroads Style

‘Tis the season, for layering that is. Layering is an essential part of fall and winter dressing and it can get, quite frankly, a little boring with the repetition of the same cardigan or coat thrown over your otherwise carefully curated outfit. With a few simple tweaks to your typical layering routine, you’ll be able to refresh your fall and winter wardrobes without completely revamping your entire closet.

Double Up on Your Knitwear

Two sweaters are better, and warmer, than one. Double up on your knitwear for a cozy look in the frigid weather.

Layer Your Cardigans & Coats

A cardigan under your coat is not only a simple way to add a layer of warmth, but also an opportunity to add additional color, texture, or print to an outfit.

Bring New Life to Your Favorite Dresses

Layer a long sleeve knit or a chunky sweater under your favorite dress or jumpsuit to breathe new life into the piece and take it from summer to winter.

Invest in a Vest

Live in a climate with finicky weather? I’m looking at you, Cali! Opt for a vest instead of a coat for comfortable fall layering.

Don’t Underestimate Undergarments

Tights, socks, leggings, and thin long-sleeve t-shirts are an easy way to add an invisible layer of warmth under your outfit without having to change the look you’re attempting to achieve.

Trends cycling back into fashion from the ’80s is not new. This year, we’ve seen the resurgence of kitten heels, bike shorts, neon colors, and chunky sneakers. But this fall, more trends that we (rightfully) bid adieu to more than two decades ago will be cycling back into style. The key to pulling off these bold ’80s trends without looking like you’re dressed in your Halloween costume is subtle. The art of being subtle while trying to style neon colors, bows, lace, exaggerated sleeve,s and shoulder details seems almost impossible. The solution is to focus on one aspect of a trend you’re interested in and build an outfit around it, not completely of it. Then, keep the rest of the outfit understated.

Acid Wash Denim

One of the many current denim trends is the rise of acid wash jeans. This faded wash is not just being resigned to bottoms, but jackets, dresses, and jumpsuits too.

Prairie Dresses

Ruffles, lace, and puffy sleeve details are all components that make up the sweet, nostalgic prairie dress that is pretty and flattering for all body types. They can be styled in a variety of ways, from rocker chic to free-spirited boho.

Strong Shoulders

Shoulder pads are back! They may not be as big as they were in the ’80s, but the strong detail will give you the confidence that you deserve. Throw a strong-shouldered blazer atop your outfit for a smart casual look.

Scarf Prints

Traditional scarf motifs have been expanded from strictly scarves to blouses, skirts, dresses, and even accenting accessories and jackets. Pair these bold pieces with otherwise minimalist outfits to make a statement this season.

Classic Prep

My Instagram feed is full of influencers and style gurus knotting their sweaters over their shoulders, layering a collared button-down under a simple knit sweater, and pairing trousers with loafers. All of these are a nod to the classic prep school chic of the ’80s.

It’s boot season and whether or not you are in a climate that has already cooled to breezy fall temperatures or enjoying extended warm summer weather, it’s time to start investing in your boot collection for the turn of the season. While it may be a bit bittersweet to put your strappy sandals and open-toed mules in the back of your closet, making room for new boot staples will kickstart your fall wardrobe turn over and spark your creativity for the new season. Take a look at 5 boot styles to invest in this season to complete your cold weather footwear collection.

Mid, Knee, & Over-the-Knee Boots

Tall boots are a timeless fall staple that can help transition your dresses and skirts from summer to fall or add a chic element to a pair of skinny jeans.

Square-Toe, Chunky Heel Bootie

The newest boot silhouette on this season’s trend list is a modern square toe, chunky heeled ankle bootie which creates a comfortable and stylish way to pull your outfit together.

Pointed-Toe, Kitten Heel Bootie

On the opposite end of the spectrum detailed above, a chic pointed-toe, kitten heel bootie is the cold-weather version of a classic pump. This smart bootie pairs well with any style, from skinny to wide-leg silhouettes.

Lace-Up, Chunky Boot

Think Dr. Martens or combat boots, the lace-up chunky boot may just be the most practical trend this season. The all-weather, all-terrain footwear has received a sophisticated update and it will no longer look like a pair of construction boots, but an edgy addition to your fall look.

Classic Chelsea Booties

A classic Chelsea bootie is just that: classic. This style will never be out of style and is a fantastic starting to for refreshing your boot collection for the cold weather.

Don’t shoot the messenger, but with August 1st literally around the corner, we will soon be inundated with fashion for the upcoming fall season, both online and in stores. As much as I love fall style, it’s my absolute favorite season for getting dressed, I understand that researching fall styles is a bit hard with the triple-digit weather we have been experiencing recently. So, I’ve bitten the bullet for you and rounded up 5 styles to look forward to next season. This fall is all about classic style, meaning you either already have it in your closet or you’ll be investing in pieces that you will be able to wear for seasons to come. Take a look at 5 classic fall styles to begin shopping for and investing in now.

Bootcut Denim

You’ll love this controversial denim silhouette more than you remember. The subtle flare is perfect for pairing with your favorite fall boots.

Classic Plaid

Plaid will forever be a staple for fall. Invest in a timeless plaid piece, like a coat or scarf in neutral colors.

Square Toe Boots

Out with the pointy toes and in with the chic, sophisticated square toe!

Tote Bags

As the temperatures rise, bags seem to get smaller, i.e. the belt bag trend. So as it would go, as the temperatures lower in the fall, the bags will be getting larger. Invest in a roomy, versatile tote bag this fall to carry all your essentials.

Luxe Leather

Real or faux, leather is always in style. Go for an unexpected piece, like leather trousers or a leather midi skirt this fall, instead of the typical leather jacket.

This summer has been full of micro-trends, popping up throughout the season, which, if I am being honest, I typically tend to like more than the “must-haves” of each season. They are usually a bit more fun and open for individual interpretation. The common theme between the most recent trend proclamations is that they are all nostalgic; from the ’60s to the ’90s, the late summer trends are calling back to the most carefree summer days with modern updates. Check out below what my four favorite late-summer trend discoveries are!

Silk Scarves

As Samantha wrote last week, summer scarves have made a big splash. Silk summer scarves are being re-purposed in a modern way to bring a fresh feel to this retro accessory.

Anklets

As most 90’s trends have made it back into the trend cycle, it’s no surprise that we have begun to see anklets coming back in full force. From dainty chains, charms, and the notorious puka shells, anklets are an unexpected trend that has upgraded from bohemian to chic.

Seashell Accessories

From earrings, anklets, and even bags, accessories comprising of seashells have slowly infiltrated my Instagram, Pinterest feed, and all my favorite stores. As with each trend that cycles back, this has taken a modern update from the puka shells of the ’90s.

Tie-Dye

The nostalgic print has reappeared this year and has somehow grown from childhood family vacation souvenir t-shirts to chic summer style. Try pairing this print with elevated fabrics for a refreshing take on the trend.