How to Wear Fall Fashion Trends in Warm Climates

As proud as we are about our year-round summer, we can’t help but gaze longingly as New Yorkers bundle themselves up in cozy turtleneck sweaters and oversized cashmere scarves, while we’re sitting at home sweating in our yoga shorts.

I am all too familiar with the feeling of mild resentment in August when Fall/Winter trends make their way down the runway and all I can do is countdown the days to my next winter holiday. Well, now you don’t have to stick to summer trends while the rest of the world transitions into fall. Here are some FW2015 trends you can rock under the hot sun without breaking a sweat. Keeping up to date while keeping cool is what this post is all about.

 

1. Sleeveless Coats

Before getting into the 2015 Fall trends, I thought I would start off with a fall essential – coats. However, with our 32 degree (90F) weather, we have to improvise a little. Hence, sleeveless coats. This genius design allows you to pull off the silhouette of a winter coat, while keeping you nice and cool. You can now layer, like all the others do in fall, without feeling like you are going to overheat. There are also many different styles to choose from – a trench coat, duster coat, or blazer. They make any outfit look just a little bit classier and put together.

 

Dress them up by pairing the coat with a pair of trousers. For a more professional look, I recommend sticking to neutral colours.

 

Or dress them down by pair them with a pair of denim shorts or jeans.

 

 

2. Turtlenecks

As mentioned in my last 2 posts, it should be no surprise to us that turtlenecks have made a comeback this season. One of their best qualities, is that they keep us warm – really warm. However, to us girls living along the equator, that isn’t such good news. So, very much like winter coats, the best way for us to wear them would be without sleeves. That way, we can keep in style, without feeling like you’re drowning in your own sweat.

Pairing a cute cropped sleeveless turtleneck with a skirt would probably be my favourite way to style them. If you’re going for a more casual look, pair them with a denim mini-skirt. If not, go for a midi or maxi skirt for a more sophisticated look.

  

Pairing them with skinny jeans would be perfect for a night out. A black sleeveless turtleneck dress would also make for a cute date outfit.

  

 

3. Plaid

Plaid has been a summer favourite for many years now, and luckily for us, this year we get to wear it in fall too! Opt for thinner and more breathable fabrics, such as cotton, as opposed to thicker ones, just to minimise trapped heat. The simplest way to style a flannel is by layering it over t-shirt and shorts, or tying it around your waist.

Tip: If you are as opposed to sweating as I am, I suggest layering it over a cropped tank top instead. 

  

However, if you are thinking of mixing things up this season, try to do something different. Pair your flannel with a overall for a more westernised look. Or instead of wearing a flannel, look for a cute plaid dress or skirt for a more girly outfit.

  

 

 

4. Fringe

Bring back the 70s with one of its most iconic trends. A quick and easy way to include fringe into your wardrobe is by stocking up on fringe accessories; bags, jewellery, and belts are on sale everywhere this season. They are a simple, yet heat-free, way to keep your outfits trendy.

  

One of the best things about having a year round summer is being able to suntan whenever you feel like it. Try sunbathing in a fringe bikini for a switch up from your regular bathing suit.

  

If you’re one who enjoys more unique looks, try including one or two fringe skirts or dresses in your wardrobe. They give off a more bohemian vibe and are a surefire way to make your outfits more interesting.

  

 

5. Mini Skirts

Guess what Miumiu, Marc Jacobs, and Saint Lauren all featured in their collections this fall season? You wouldn’t believe it – Mini Skirts. I can already hear a unanimous “YES!” echoing across the equator. Mini skirts are already a staple for those staying in warmer regions, which means you probably already have more than a few in your wardrobe. However, for the fall season, try to leave your flowy florals in the closet. Instead, try out button down A line skirts, in fall-friendly fabrics, such as corduroy, suede, and even denim. This youthful and flattering silhouette makes for chic and stylish outfits.

  

Tip: Don’t forget about the mini skirts we talked about above. Fringe and plaid skirts work too! 

 

6. The Skinny Scarf

Scarfs are a fall fashion staple. They are great accessories that add character to an outfit in a way no jewelry can. The skinny scarf is the answer for those who want to wear a scarf, and yet stay cool at the same time.

  

  

For a more interesting take on the skinny scarf, pair it with a crisp white button down shirt. Looking like a tie, the scarf will give your outfit a more menswear-inspired look.

  

7. All of the Above

My last tip would be to not aim just to include one trend/item in each outfit. I think mixing and matching the trends would help to create an all-round fall inspired outfit. For example, pair a sleeveless turtleneck with a button down corduroy mini skirt. Or a skinny scarf with a sleeveless coat. Or a fringe backpack with a flannel. The possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid, fashion is all about experimentation. Most importantly, have fun! 🙂

  

 

Stay tuned and follow for more fashion posts! Let me know which is your favourite fall trend, and what you would like me to post about next. 🙂

If you’re travelling to somewhere cold, or you live somewhere with Fall and Winter season, please check out my Top Fall 2015 Trends to Transition into Winter and my Turtleneck styling post for more fashion inspiration!

 

xoxo

S

 

// Please click on photos for their sources