People always ask us, "what do you absolutely need for Fall?" Our answer….everything! The line between what is needed and what is wanted is always blurred. Time and time again, however, we are drawn to a few basics that we turn to religiously.
1). Jeans. The great thing about jeans is that you can wear them pretty much anywhere. Our rule: the darker, the dressier. So if you need to go to work, or to dinner, choose some that are darker. Use your own discretion with the level or "distress". — sometimes it's acceptable. Other times not. Another note: At Blonder, we believe you can wear white (anything) year round. So keep your white jeans, and pair them with a blazer or cozy sweater. Speaking of which….
2). Sweaters. We are sweater girls at Blonder. Cannot get enough of them. In enough colors. In enough knits and textures. Our rule is: the bulkier the knit, and the bigger the cable, the more casual it is. One exception is cashmere, since it speaks of inherent luxury — so this may be the one exception to our rule. We wear our sweaters with jeans and skirts. We play with lengths and styles — big and boxy over skinny, long over short, wide over narrow — always seeking to balance the look. One exception — long over long. We do it — but usually belt it.
3) Cardigans, in particular, are a favorite at Blonder. We think of them as the casual sister to the blazer or structured jacket. You can wear them anywhere. Depending upon the details and the material, you can dress them up or down. Again, adding a belt lends a lot of options. You can interchange the belt and have an entirely new look with one sweater. If you are looking to choose one color, you cannot go wrong with camel or grey.
4). Have fun with a hat. Or two. If the weather isn't so fair where you are, grab a statement making hat. Go boho or flirt with western. You can always take it off if you're not "feeling it." But we think you'll feel it. They frame your face. Play up your eyes. And, let's be honest, are a big helper for those not so great hair days.
5). Boots. We love them, and we wear them all the time. Again, this is a great way to play with styles and heights. Change the height of your heel and you feel more dressed and polished. Go with a clunky chunky heel for comfort and a relaxed, casual look. Try a slouchy boot — they can go to the club (think 1970's) or to lunch — and they look great with jeans and skirts and dresses.
6). Scarves and throws. The bigger, the better, in our eyes. They frame your face. They add color and texture and softness. They keep you warm. They are an inexpensive way to completely change the look of your outfit. Play with different ways to tie them. Toss one over your shoulder for drama. Have fun.
This being said — the line between what we need and what we want are usually one in the same. We have our favorites that we turn to year after year: Basic jeans. Lots of sweaters. Boots. A fabulous hat and some even more fabulous throws. That's what we always want, always need and always wear during Fall at Blonder.