Once the extended Indian summer we experience here in the southern slice of heaven truly turns to fall, it’s time to start thinking about attire and accessories for the cooler temps ahead. What’s hot? Global references have inspired everything from clothing to jewelry. There are also plenty of repeat performances from seasons past. Here’s a list of fall fashion finds to fill your wardrobe for work, date night and everything in between:

Plaid Tartan-Tastic – Plaid for fall may not be the most original concept. The perennial checkered trend isn’t going anywhere this year, but we don’t mind. Coats, pants, skirts, shirts or dresses—there’s a plaid option out there for everyone.

Oversized – Most people like the idea of the oversize trend sticking around for fall, mainly because it’s the best way to hide an extra few pounds. All hail bigger sweaters, pants, and coats for these reasons: casual, comfy, cozy and chic.

Fringe Frenzy – You can find it from head to toe. My Favorite way to wear fringe for fall is with one statement piece. Make it your purse, a pair of boots, jewelry or a cape.

kristin2kristin3

Shades of Gray – From pearl to stormy, when black and white feel overdone, try the hue that’s a happy medium of both. Gray was styled from head to toe on the runway, but for everyday wear, add a jolt of cheeriness to the subdued shade with rich violets, vibrant greens, and bright yellows.

Orange is The New Black – This fiery hue has been spotted all over clothes, bags and shoes. But before you say “not for me,” know that there are different shades for every skin tone—from juicy, bold brights to subdued, muted hues.

Blue Hue – From light periwinkle to deep sapphire, it would seem that designers had the “blues” this season. For a modern take on the color trend, wear your favorite shade from top to bottom, or mix a few and go the color-block route. Tar Heel fashionistas, bring on the Carolina blue!

Renaissance & Baroque – Think jewelry such as pendant earrings, bonbon bracelets, statement rings, cuffs and necklaces.

Fur Real– Fabulously faux fur is pretty inevitable for fall fashion. Also pull out the shearling. Nothing protects you from a relentless polar vortex quite like shearling. Presented on vests, bomber jackets, collars, and even booties, shearling has proved to be the most essential of cold-weather necessities this season.

kristin1

In downtown Chapel Hill at Sugarland, I stumbled upon these four fashionistas all incorporating fall 2014 trends into their looks:

  • Designers have declared sneakers as the footwear of the moment. See sneakers above on second fashionista from the left.
  • This season, designers also took a walk on the wild side, incorporating animal motifs into their collections. See the black cat print skirt above on the far right. Perfect for Halloween! Plus a jacket, which is a great idea for taking summer clothes into fall.
  • Orange is the new black. Check it out in the pants on the far left and some of the tops above.
  • Tights, especially ones with boots, are great for transitioning summer wear into cooler temps. Check out the perfect summer to fall transition example above. Shorts with tights and boots plus orange is sported on the third fashionista from the left.

 

Share your fall faves and winter wardrobe starting lineup with Chapelboro Insiders in the comments below.