My favorite season is literally right around the corner.

Fall.

The season of perfectly pieced together layers.  The season of messy updo’s and berry-stained lips.  The season of sweaters, scarves, skies-the-limit thigh high boots, your favorite vintage leather jacket, your… I cant.

Because this year, I get to celebrate the arrival of Fall with the success of reaching yet another career milestone- my very own store.

Well, it’s not exactly “MINE”.  But its mine in the sense that I am now responsible for every single aspect of its success.  No biggie.  I mean, come on, you’ve read a little bit about the men I’ve dated.  You’ve gotten a taste of my fashion sense.  Obviously, it takes a LOT to shake my confidence.

And that’s good.

Because with my new role comes the complete freedom to push work day fashion to the absolute limit.  To boldly express myself the best way I know how.  The universal language of fearless style that simply says- “I’m a Boss“.

(Honestly, can I get an Amen??)

We all know the proper term for dressing like a professional:

Business Casual

Gag.

Now take whatever outfit you have pictured in your head and throw it away.  And don’t ever bring it up again.

Because if the Fall/Winter 2015-16 runways showed us anything, its that business is ANYTHING but basic.  Of course, there are always going to be the familiar and iconic seasonal hints of warmer tones (berries/nudes), layered buttery soft textures (leather/fur), and slightly heavier accessories.  But this year its more detailed than ever.

Its edgy.  Its polished.

Its heaven.

So with that, I decided to share my own personal challenge of the moment.  The challenge of building a wardrobe not only for a new career, but for a new season.  A visual guide of staples so chic, you’ll wonder how your closet (or you, for that matter) ever survived without them.

Bring it.

 In a previous post (See Post Here) I talked about Fashion Week’s most coveted Fall looks.  And sure enough, those trends are everything they promised they would be.  But we need to break it down even more.  Because you’re not just a Fashionista- you’re a Boss.  A tiger.  A strong independent female who calls the shots.  In all areas of her life.  In heels.  You’re trying to run the world AND look fierce.

#1:  LEATHER

Leather leggings are everything this season.  I prefer styles that feature more of a motocross look to them- zippers, textured prints, etc.  It gives them a slightly more interesting look, and are way more forgiving to anyone who doesn’t have perfect mile long twig-like legs (and honestly, who really does?).

But that’s not only way we’ll see leather this Fall.  Fashionistas rejoice- it is now 100% acceptable (and encouraged- by me) to be worn to worn.  But keeping it classy is key.  I don’t care where you work- looking like you’re heading to a Stones concert probably wont be appreciated.  Unless, of course, you’re actually going to a Stones concert.  So the trick here is simply a looser fit.  That instantly keeps leather more chic, less BDSM.

So maybe leather pants aren’t your thing?  Maybe you saw that episode of Friends where Ross tried them on- and it scarred you for life.  And that’s okay.  I still have plenty of other leather options to help keep you on point this season.

Like skirts.  Yes darling, you read that correctly.

Leather.  Skirts.

And I cant lie- this is probably one of my favorite fall accessories.  And the styles are limitless.  Fringed, short, long, adorned, plain, asymmetrical- anything goes.  And as long as you’re keeping your proportions (and hemlines) in check, you’ll be able to rock any of these looks to work AND keep it classy-

And of course, I saved my favorite leather piece for last- the always classic, always chic, always perfect leather jacket.  The only trick here is to keep it fitted.  Don’t be afraid of color either.  But black, camel and white all scream 70’s chic while keeping things classy.  Collar or no collar- its up to you.  Studded or plain Jane?  Either is fine.

#2:  Blanket Scarves

I’ll be honest.  I was one of the first to rock these last winter.  And I had a lot of very mixed reactions.  Men, of course, were confused- “Why is it so… big??”.  I remember one particular date where the guy told me it was “weird”.  I’m sure he also found it weird when he never heard from me again.  But most people were just curious.  And with so many different way to wear them, I cant really blame them.  But the best part about these babies is right in the name itself- they literally become blankets if needed.  And who doesn’t love that?  Plus, if you’re stuck in a blanket scarf styling rut, simply head to YouTube.  There are plenty of videos from stylists showing you ingenious new ways to wear them.  Here are some of my favorite classic looks for blanket scarf beginners-

#3: Monochrome- Black/White

Okay, seriously.  Is there anything more classic than head to toe black?  There is now- White.  Remember the old rule of never wearing white after Labor Day?  Good news- you can now file that in the same place where it says you cant mix gold and silver.  Who even came up with these “rules” in the first place??  To me, an all-white look is a symbol of strength.  Class.  Status.  Confidence.  Even dignity.  No one dares wear white, let alone ALL white, unless they plan to be seen.  And heard.  The same can be said for black.  An all black ensemble screams utter sophistication.  Luxury.  Power.  Regardless of your preference, these two monochromatic looks both deliver the same message- “Look, but don’t you dare touch”.

#4:  Grunge Tee’s

You heard me.  The chance to mix your inner child and outer boss.  Just please- keep it appropriate.  In other words, feel free to declare your love for My Little Pony or Guns N Roses.  Avoid political messages or personal beliefs.  While I’m all for making a statement, one that could potentially offend a co-worker (or anyone, really) is just ignorant.  Spread love, not hate- #BombshellCode.  So use your imagination.  Tap into your creativity.  Or musical inspiration.  And have FUN with this trend.  Jus be sure to balance it out by keeping the rest of your outfit more structured and tailored.  This is the key to pulling this one off.  Its the perfect combination of quirky and chic by adding that unexpected element of playfulness.  And who knows- maybe you’ll catch the eye of another secret Aerosmith fan.  😉

#5:  Accessories

My favorite.  There is no better investment simply for the fact that accessories are the details that can make or break any outfit.  At the same time, they can completely change any outfit.  The addition, or removal, can take an outfit from day to night, or vice versa.  And chances are, they’re worth holding on to.  Because unlike a lot of other trend pieces, accessories CAN be recycled.  Often through multiple seasons even.  Take the Bohemian movement for example.  Many thought it would be over with by the end of summer.  As we were preparing to pack our feather cuffs away next to our Coachella ticket stubs, Fall 15/16 came along and breathed life right back into it.  Albeit slightly darker.   So fear not, gypsy souls.  Many of your summer favorites can transition into your fall wardrobe.

#6:  Thigh-high Boots

Thigh high lovers- this one’s for you.  This season we’ll be shattering sex pot records.  Fashion week unveiled boots so high, sometimes it was hard to tell just where they ended.

And I couldn’t be happier.

Wear over leggings, or alone with a dress leaving just a peek of thigh.  Avoid looking too disco queen when it comes to material.  Flat out leather is best.  Anything shiny needs to be kept strictly for outside of the office.

#7:  Brooches

Another trend I touched on in a previous post, this is probably my favorite for the season.  Its a chance to mix old with new.  A chance to personalize each outfit with details NO ONE else will have.  And its a chance to comb every vintage store in your area.  As if you needed one…  But seriously, theres finally a trend out right now that I can honestly say I haven’t tried before.  And even better- you can go absolutely crazy with it.  That’s the whole point!  So grab every brooch you can find.  And then plan on needing at least 20 more.  And pin them wherever you see fit.  Shirts, collars, cuffs- even your hair.  The more dramatic and personalized, the better.

And there you have it darlings.  A general overview of how I’m preparing for both my new adventure and Fall.  And whileits important to pay homage to trends, and embrace them while we can, its even more important to remember that trends come and go.  They should be treated as an enhancement to your personal style.  Because style is forever.  In other words, the most successful fashionistas are ones that take trends, and tweak them to make them their own.

WE wear the clothes- the clothes do not wear us.

#BombshellCode

So have fun.  Mix it up.  And be fabulous.

But be YOU.

Because the best thing you could ever put on is your confidence.

X

To see more of these looks, or for more ideas, simply visit (and follow!) these two Pinterest boards:

I Mean Business

Fall Fashion Guide 2015