How to Wear Fall’s Hottest Fashion Trends in Los Angeles

Fall officially began on September 22nd, but you’d never know it in Los Angeles as temperatures have been averaging 80°!

While magazines and department stores have been showcasing beautiful fall fashions for the past month, it’s difficult to envision dressing in layers or sporting leather and tweed when it still feels like summer!

Although the crisp autumn air won’t be upon us for a few more weeks, it’s still important to start transitioning our wardrobes with a few key, versatile pieces.  From refined, ladylike pieces to those with bold, menswear inspiration, there is a lot of fabulous fashion to look forward to this fall!  Here are the season’s strongest trends and how to incorporate them into your SoCal lifestyle.

Burgundy

Burgundy is the “it” color for fall!  This luxurious hue is sophisticated and sexy, an easy addition to an eclectic California wardrobe.  A chic oxblood blazer is a stylish choice for day or night, and a perfect layering piece for the office or a night on the town.  A pair of jewel toned skinnies is a great alternative to blue jeans, and can be paired with a tee or billowy tank.

 

A statement making top handle handbag or stiletto booties are a great way to add a pop of color to your ensemble.  This neutral shade is also striking when worn from head to toe.  For a fashion forward look, pair burgundy pieces with more vivid colors such as green and gold.

Leather

While essential in the world of fashion, Leather has always been a tricky fabric to pull off in Tinseltown.  Aside from the classic jacket or bomber, it’s often too hot in LA to rock this material.  Luckily, this season’s leather has had a feminine makeover!  Of the moment leather pieces are ladylike and very wearable.  An everyday top with leather accents are an unexpected twist, a modern choice to pair with pants, skirts or denim.

Leather skirts are also on trend, from fuller a-lines to sleek pencil skirts with geometric illusions that help to define your waist.  Pair these styles with a sheer blouse or basic cotton top.  The key to wearing leather in SoCal is to mix materials – a tweed sheath with leather detailing is the epitome of understated elegance.

Granny Chic

The Granny Chic trend is all about covering up, a welcome return to the demure days of fashion’s past.  While this might be in stark contrast to traditional Angeleno attitudes, fashionistas are embracing a look that is refined and modest.  Chunky, cable knit sweaters are perfect for those chilly autumn days.  Pair them with skinnies and leather riding boots and you’ll have your go to outfit for the season!

Blouses and dresses with high necklines, knee length hems and long sleeves are both prim and polished.  Add a bit of LA drama with ornate floral designs and embellishments.  Intricate textures such as tweed and brocade are also classic additions to any closet.

Ankle Boots

The must have shoe for fall is a pair of Ankle Boots!  For a laidback but stylish vibe, opt for the Chelsea Boot. This boot has a mod, 60s inspiration, and is paired best with skinnies, cropped pants or a mini with tights.

Western Boots are also making a comeback this fall, in leather and suede options with cool embellishments such as fringe and buckles.  This casual shoe is best with denim, but you can also offset an ultra-girly ensemble with chunkier styles.  For the most dramatic look, a Moto Bootie with studs and zippers is sleek and sexy, perfect with everything from pants to dresses

 

Kara Birkenstock

Kara Birkenstock is a TV Host, Style and Shoe Expert, Brand Spokeswoman, Actress, and Model. Kara has been featured on TV Guide Network, Style, Access Hollywood, ABC News, and KTLA in Los Angeles, to name a few and is also Fashion Editor for Positively Celebrity. Kara has had the pleasure of working with renowned companies such as DSW Shoes, Acuvue Brand Contact Lenses, Johnson & Johnson, Target, Bare Minerals, Frito Lay and Intel. For more, check out Kara’s website at www.YourGalKara.com . Stay connected with Kara through her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/YourGalKara and Twitter at www.twitter.com/@YourGalKara .