Menswear Inspired Looks Perfect for Fallmer

If you read my last fashion post about what I am now calling Fallmer, you know that I predicted that we would still be seeing highs 80’s in November in LA. With fall continuing to be non-existent in California, I am still striving to reinvent fall fashion. This time with menswear inspired fabrics that feel like the season, but are in styles and fabrics that are lightweight enough to wear when its 85 degrees at 1pm.

Featured in this post are glen plaids, pinstripes, houndstooth, and checks; all traditional patterns you see in menswear. Many of the looks featured in this post are from Forever 21, making them very affordable. Although Forever 21 has the reputation for stocking young, juniorish, fast fashion, I continue to be impressed with how this store has elevated itself in the last few years. I have found countless adorable clothes here lately, and it has quickly become one of my favorite places to shop. Sizing does run on the small side (I buy most things in a Large and I am a size 6). Also, a word to the wise to only shop this store online, stores can be very overwhelming and messy.

Below I have listed a few general tips for dressing in the fall when the temperatures are more like July than November

Footwear:

The first change I make to my wardrobe when fall rolls around is to start bringing out my boots. You may be surprised that many of your clothes you have been wearing all summer long, look new again if they are paired with boots. Some days, high boots are just not an option in the heat. However, most days, even in the low 80’s are appropriate for booties. This doesn’t mean that sandals have no place, I just wear them selectively. Sandals with a little more foot coverage and made of materials like suede can also work nicely for Fallmer.

Skirts and Dresses:

One advantage of living in warmer climate during winter is that we can wear skirts and dresses all year around. I love wool plaid and leather miniskirts paired with boots. Growing up in Ohio, it was a rare occasion that you could be warm enough in a skirt during winter. Even then, heavy tights were a must. In warm climate, you can show off some leg without freezing. Dresses are also the perfect fallmer uniform, I like to look for ones that have short sleeves in fall fabrics like pictured below.

Hike up the Sleeves:

You will rarely see me with sleeves covering my wrists unless I am downright cold. I love blouses, knitwear, and shirt dresses that have sleeves that can be rolled up. This is not only great for making dressing tolerable on hot Fallmer days, but it also just looks cooler and allows you to show off a little wrist bling.

Layering:

For fall, I buy pieces than can be layered. Even though it is in no way jacket weather most days in Southern California, it does get chilly in the mornings and at night once the sun goes down. Also, layering doesn’t just have to be on top. In this post, I have shown some examples of layering pieces under dresses and jumpsuits.