FALL STYLING WITH COLOR

Maria McManus blazer, top, pants; Lizzie Fortunato baroque pearl necklace; Prada bag; Zara silk bandana

Fall looks are filling my mood boards for inspiration. I’m not buying yet, just visually collecting the pieces that have potential to do something interesting for my wardrobe. Sometimes simply adding a single piece has impact, or introducing a color story that feels fresh. It’s never an overhaul of my closet. Years of mindful shopping has rewarded me with a wardrobe of great staples to use as a jumping board for adding complementary pieces and creating new looks. So, before I make my first fall purchase, I want to take stock of what I have and am still excited to wear. That will hopefully prevent me from the terrible habit I have of repeat buys.

This mood board is a good example of what’s spinning around in my mind for fall. It’s not trend driven but serves as inspiration for rethinking my closet and how to make my most loved pieces feel new. I’m starting with another (see this post) striking color palette – shades of brown and blue working in perfect harmony with black. So good. It’s a sophisticated story that feels both timeless and modern. I own a strong selection of black staples, so the investment this season will be in finding a couple of interesting blue pieces. A slate blue, faded indigo, or deep petrol blue would create just enough contrast to feel intentional. I’ll also want to bring in a brown trouser and sweater for this story and a million others. Brown looks good.

It’s also worth noting the focus on accessorizing the neck with something other than gold jewelry. I’m drawn instead to pieces that add an element of softness: scarves worn high and loosely wrapped at the back or tied in a low knot at the front, creating that effortless, undone elegance. Lustrous pearls work here too. Classic white is always good, but I’m eyeing something with more personality in unusual blue-gray tones or the irregular, organic shapes of baroque pearls that create beautiful contrast against structured silhouettes.