Fall brings fashion finds, favorites

You don’t need me to tell you the temperatures are falling. If you’ve been outside at all in the last several days you’ve certainly noticed that you have goose bumps, and, ladies, you know that feeling of leg hairs in the growth process? Yeah, you’ve probably been feeling that too.

Welcome, fall. You are my favorite season.

“I’m so obsessed with fall fashion,” said Maggie, a fashion lover who responded to one of my posts on Yahoo! “Fall is like my fashion dream. Who doesn’t love a good fingerless glove paired with a warm oversized knit?”

I share the same sentiment. This year in particular I’m looking forward to fall more than ever. For no specific reason other than I really missed my sweaters this summer in triple-digit heat.

Here’s what to make sure you have in your wardrobe:

Color: Keep the jewel tones you’ve accumulated in the last several fall seasons. While the amethyst, sapphire, emerald and ruby colors are still fabulous, don’t discount something like a coral pink from the mix.

After spending 10 weeks in Portland, Ore., this summer for an internship at The Oregonian, I noticed the people in the city are all about their neutral colors. (I’m told this is a year-round fascination with khaki, olive, white and black.) The haze of mundane and bland colors had me anxious as ever for red, blue, purple, yellow, orange – anything other than a neutral.

When the skies turn gray, there’s a natural tendency to tone down the hues in your wardrobe and opt for something matching the weather outside. While grays are going to be big this winter, it’s not time for them yet – and they should definitely be paired with something bold, like a red lipstick. Finding something more bold will help lift your spirits and make it easier to get through class, not to mention you’ll really stand out against a dull sky.

Boots: Flat is the way to go. Logistically, a boot with a stiletto heel isn’t going to do you many favors for walking around campus, especially on those days where there’s the unexpected rain or snow (we are in Ohio, after all). Don’t be afraid to be a little risky: If you can work a thigh-high boot, do it. If that’s invading your personal space on a level you’re uncomfortable with, get something at, or slightly above, the knee.

Embellishments: It’s all about the studs, baby. Motorcycle boots with added hardware can add a toughness to an otherwise girly outfit – it might sound strange, but wearing them with a floral, flowing dress and tights could become a staple. I’m getting excited just thinking about it.

And, speaking of tights …

Tights: I’m usually not a big fan of cold weather, but thick, cable knit tights are cozy, practical and allow you to take spring or summer fashions and make them more appropriate for fall and, eventually, the dreaded winter.

Other people who replied to my Yahoo! post about most highly anticipated fall fashion said they were looking forward to tights. I can’t say I blame them. They’re versatile and come in so many colors and textures, it’s almost impossible to find something that doesn’t work with what you’re wearing.

Bring it on, fall. I’m ready for the startling chills and blasts of cold wind that feel like a punch to the gut when you step outside. Bring on the changing leaves. If the weather can give me an excuse to bust out my boots, you best believe I’m going to take it.