Fashion revolves around weather.
Designer collections are organized by seasons, spring/summer and fall/winter with the occasional resort and pre-fall sets. But this whole season-sorting also goes back to the sheer fact that humans dress themselves for comfort according to the uncontrollable elements of Mother Nature.
Obviously, when it’s warmer, we naturally reach for less clothing. But now that the temperatures are finally dropping on Rocky Top, it’s time to think twice about how we’re protecting our bodies and showcasing our personal style. From head to toe, there are multiple simple and affordable ways to transition a summer wardrobe to the appropriate autumnal attire.
And despite what you might think, wearing socks with Chacos is not one of them.
These boots were made for climbing Rocky Top
It’s a sad day when your sandals start collecting dust in the back of your closet, but the bright side is that boots are having a major moment. If this winter turns out to be as blistery and snowy as last year’s, it’s important to be well prepared in the event of the return of the snowpocalypse. Boys, your best bet is on a pair of desert boots, the formal version of the moccasin. With only a few laces and a variety of styles and colors to choose from, these kicks are perfect with various pant and shirt combinations. Besides the default combat boot for girls – if you don’t already have a pair, grab a black version and your life will change for the better – invest in a pair of over-the-knee boots. Thanks to Beyoncé and Ariana Grande, boots that hit at the thigh are fitted and flattering with skirts, dresses and even pants tucked into them. Plus, they’re one extra layer of protection from the howling, East Tennessee winds.
Texture to a ‘T’
Often overlooked and disregarded in the everyday process of getting dressed, texture plays a big part in the overall harmony of an outfit. To be in tune, textures must play off each other in a way that emphasizes their traits. Wearing sheer tights with a pair of lacy shorts has the potential for a rich, textured palette, as does denim paired with leather, a la John Travolta in “Grease.” Being mindful of the different feelings and looks of the pieces you combine in an outfit can result in amplified styles and better organized form in structure and shape.
Pro tip: Stay away from polyester on polyester. Yes, there is such a thing as too much polyester.
Big orange, big layers
An oldie but a goodie, the best and most convenient way to work around the seasons with your existing wardrobe is by layering. No matter how hard you try, it’s pretty hard to mess this one up. By simply picking pieces that complement each other, whether it’s by color family, pattern or texture, endless possibilities can be created. That being said, make sure there’s a formula to it all and you’re not just reaching for the first things you see, or rather, what’s still clean after not doing laundry for a few weeks. Pair plaid with denim, either in jeans or a jacket. Wear black with black for a timeless look. Accessorize with a hat but make sure it’s in a color that is reciprocated in another piece of your ensemble. When in doubt, the classic T-shirt with a button down with a jacket on top will always have your back. Get it?
Lauren Hutton once said, “Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year by designers and style is what you choose.” Hutton, a model and actress who has (only) 28 Vogue magazine covers to her name, outlines arguably one of the most important things to remember when shopping, looking for style inspiration and even simply getting dressed in the morning. Even if it is in the nippy, frigid air of Knoxville in fall.
Every year, every season, even every month, trends change, hence their nature as trends. You may love specific trends and adore them until you take a photo on your Instagram showcasing it and hashtag it #TBT because of how vintage and forgotten it is. And that’s totally acceptable. The whole point of style is to wear what you love and what you feel best in. Who cares if you’re still rocking your orange, pre-high school Converse sneakers on game days.
If you love them, that’s all that matters.
Melodi Erdogan is a senior in journalism and electronic media. She is also the head style guru at UT for the college style website, CollegeFashionista.com. She can be reached at [email protected] or followed on Twitter and Instagram @melodierdogan.
Photos courtesy of Melodi Erdogan and Samantha Smoak
