Fallmer: A Realistic Look at Fall Fashion

This fall, I am having a major fashion reality check. Does fall really exist anymore? As I write this post, we have yet this month to experience a high temperature in L.A. that is less than 80 degrees. I don’t expect that trend to change for at least a month or two. Last year it was 90 on Thanksgiving in L.A., and we barely had any day with highs under 70 degrees all winter! Yes, I know that California weather is exceptional; but the fact is that most of the country is still in summer climate, even though it is officially fall according to the calendar.

Pardon my Rant:

In my nearly 20 years working in fashion retail, it was always the same story… July new arrivals means its time to start pushing jackets and sweaters! It is no secret that I am a retail and consumer junkie. Not only because of my profession in retail consulting, but also because shopping is probably my most fond hobby. This fall, I am putting an end to buying cold weather clothes that literally sit in my closet and collect dust!

I am starting a movement to add a season to the fashion calendar. I’m now declaring that the months of September, October, and November (depending on where you live) should be known as “Fallmer”. I putting my foot down to the endless fashion bloggers in sweaters and scarves with pumpkin spiced lattes in their hands, posing in a pumpkin patch that is 85 degrees! Can we please stop all the madness of pretending its a little chilly outside when it is downright tropical?

Every fashion blogger will say that authenticity is a priority, and I am in total agreement with this mission. I strive to make my Instagram feed as real time as possible, many days posting what I actually wore that day. My goal of this article is to show you what I am really wearing in Los Angeles during the months of what I am now calling Fallmer.

What to wear during Fallmer:

Phew…now that I got that out, let’s get down to business. What can we really wear that feels new and different from what we have been sporting all summer? Our mission is to feel like we are dressing for fall without sweating bullets. For the season of Fallmer, I have chosen to highlight some trends that I am seeing, but without adding layers. In other words, wearing color, print, pattern, and textures that feel like fall, without covering up.

I began my mission to create a new kind of Fallmer wardrobe in the beginning of August, when stores actually still had warm weather styles. Tops, dresses, jumpsuits, sleeveless sweaters, skirts, and even shorts in fall colors and prints are perfect for Fallmer. While shopping during this time, I am proud to admit that I didn’t get pulled into the endless abyss of sweaters and blazers that I would have in years past.

I am planning to highlight several trends for Fallmer in a series of blog posts. In this post, I chose to highlight graphic prints and stripes. Everything in this post has a bit of a 70’s vibe. This is not only a trend I have been seeing (see my first post from spring here), but it is also very much a part of my personal style. In my first ever blog post, you can read more about how I define with personal style. Stay tuned for more great ideas of what to wear when it’s not Fall, but Fallmer where you live!