After all these years, two things still come to mind when the hot and hazy days of summer start turning into the cool and crisp evenings of fall… high school football games and back to school shopping.  Even though it’s been almost two decades since I last walked the halls of Parkersburg High School, I still get excited this time of year to refresh my wardrobe with all the latest fashion finds. 

As the creator of the Kim Parrish Collection found on HSN (Home Shopping Network), I’m constantly searching for those seasonal must-have items which can easily update a wardrobe without breaking the bank.  After all, many of us already have a closet full of “everything” and still “nothing” to wear!  So how do we take what’s become bland and make it brilliant without spending a fortune?  We need to recycle our basics and pair them up with some of the season’s hottest trends. 

The white button-down shirt is an essential this fall and one of the easiest items for anyone to wear.  This cool and crisp silhouette can work back to most everything already in your closet. “A wardrobe staple like the classic white shirt never goes out of style.  This season, pair it with a narrow pant and polish it off with a great belt” said Kristin Black, Apparel Buyer for HSN.  For the fashion-forward “fashionista”, try a tunic-length button-down with leggings and a wide belt to achieve the 80’s retro look with an element of modern sophistication.

Yes – you heard correctly - the ultra lean silhouette that leggings can achieve is red hot for fall!  Of course, your initial reaction may have been similar to mine - sheer panic!  But with a little peer pressure, I’ve begun to embrace this trend for its comfort as well the personality it can add to your wardrobe.  Already a huge trend on the young Hollywood scene, leggings have now started to trickledown to mainstream America.   On a recent business trip, I couldn’t turn a corner without seeing leggings - from sassy teens sporting them with a mini skirt or dress, to business professionals wearing them with a long sweater or tunic blouse.  Belted or unbelted, the 80’s look is here to stay – at least for the duration of the fall season. 

Our choices for what to wear as bottoms this year has never been so diverse.  A definite seasonal must-have is the gaucho pant.  “Wide leg gauchos are a perfect pick for a curvy or full- figured woman.  The loose fitting material makes your legs look slimmer and longer.  For those cold months, pair these pants with tights or a tall boot”  said Kristin Black.

One of the most feminine styles for fall is the kabuki sleeve or dolman sleeve sweater.  The wide sleeves and loose fit can disguise a multitude of figure flaws, and the upbeat, upscale, and fashion-forward look can turn your ordinary jeans and dress slacks into a sophisticated statement. 

Complete your outfit by topping it all off with a great, new belt.  All eyes are on the waist this year, from a skinny buckle style to a wide leather sash.  If you’ve got a closet full of boring twin sets and want to breathe some fresh air into tired looks,  try accessorizing with a simple ribbon sash.    

Whatever your style, you’re sure to find some great seasonal pieces this fall that can add just the right amount of updated flair to what you already own.  Remember, it’s not about buying a completely new wardrobe each season, but simply adding a few key pieces that will renew and refresh your classic basics. 

 

Credits

Photo 1 - Gabrielle Colombo models a Crisp White Shirt with tonal embroidery from the Kim Parrish Collection on HSN. (Photo Credit: Dean Stobbe)

Photo 2 - Hanna Law models a Kabuki Sleeve Sweater from the Kim Parrish Collection on HSN (Photo Credit: Dean Stobbe)