Keeping Fall Bright

Statement necklace with print top and bright crop pants. All photos by Shannon Van Grinsven.

When the trees are bare and the sun sets at 5 p.m., you know we’re well into the fall season. During this time of year, I often find myself adorned with dark browns, army greens, and blacks to match the drab and chilly weather outside. However, this fall I’m trying something a little more daring. Rather than making my fashion match the gloomy weather, I’m focusing on spicing up my wardrobe with pops of bright colors. Here are some fun colorful suggestions to make your days a little brighter.

Big statement necklaces are perfect accessory for fall. Although most people wear bold pieces in the summer, fall is the time that these pieces make a dreary outfit really pop. While I’m partial to orange around October and November, any vivacious color will do in contrast with a darker fall palette (try hot pink or electric blue). For more fun with accessories, pair a neon necklace with a monochromatic outfit or coordinate with another bright bangle to make yourself stand out.

Pastel pencil skirt

Another great option for spicing up your wardrobe is a bold pencil skirt for work (or adventures around Milwaukee). While your co-workers may fall prey to gloomy colors (notice a sea of black on your floor?), you can stand out with some bright pieces for the office. I love this bubblegum pink pencil skirt (right) paired with a more causal chambray shirt (that I manage to wear throughout the year), and it also looks great with a more business casual blazer and subtle silk shell. By adding fall accessories, like this fuzzy fur scarf, you can transform your attire into something more fall friendly.

Blouse by J. Crew

Another essential wear to work piece is my favorite silk top in this beautiful bright purple hue (left). A simple silk top is perfect with a pair of dress pants, or leggings and jeans on the weekend. I bought this Blythe Blouse at J.Crew last season, and I find myself layering it or wearing it alone throughout the year. However, I like wearing this blouse best in the fall when the colors really pop with my wardrobe. Paired with some simple blacks and one of my go-to bags, this outfit always makes a dreary fall day sunnier.

Turquoise cropped pants

The fall trend of colorful cropped pants has been one of my favorites this season. Although pants are the aspect of my wardrobe I tend to overlook the most, I challenged myself to expand my horizons and go for bright colored bottoms this fall. This turquoise pair of crops is wonderful for the season—bold enough to stand alone, and fun to pair with metallic (like my silver tipped heels) or other colorful accents.

By adding a few vibrant key pieces to your wardrobe, your fall attire can turn drab into super chic. Head to toe brights may be a bit too much (even in the summertime), but mixing one or two pieces in with your typical fall looks can make you stand out from the crowd. I encourage you to re-evaluate some of your favorite summer pieces you’ve already hidden away and find creative ways to add them into your usual fall looks. Bright pinks, oranges, blues, and purples can make a fabulous reappearance in your wardrobe with classic pieces, giving you a more daring look.