One thing I love about Fresno Christian is Chapel. My boys are in third and sixth grade and have Chapel every Monday morning. I sit in the back and listen (and try not to embarrass them). I always get something out of it and it’s an awesome way to start my week.

I confess, when I was walking to Chapel this past Monday I walked by a bunch of leaves on the ground. I walked past them, stopped, turned around, walked back and stepped on them. I felt like a five-year-old kid, but I couldn’t resist. There’s something about stomping on crunchy leaves with your boots that screams autumn. I hope no one saw me!

Speaking of autumn and boots, let’s talk fall fashion must-haves. Grab your pumpkin spice latte and check out my take on some staple pieces to have in your closet this season.

[media-credit name=”Google images” align=”alignleft” width=”197″][/media-credit]

Blazer

You might think of a blazer as something a businessperson or banker wears, but it’s way more versatile than that. Yes, it has a professional vibe, but it can also work casually. Pick it up in a fun color or texture, like tweed, and throw it over jeans and a t-shirt to look a little more polished (bonus: it’ll keep you warm).

Scarf

I grew up in Boston where scarves are a necessity to fight the cold. Thankfully, in Fresno, they can be worn both to keep you warm and as a more decorative accessory. There are so many varieties of scarves, but my favorites are the chunky, hand-knit ones. And there are so many online tutorials showing 97 different ways to tie a scarf. You can buy one scarf and wear it a different way each day all season long.

Corduroys

Zhut, zhut, zhut… Know what I’m talking about? It’s the sound that corduroy makes when you’re walking. I love corduroy! It’s such a great alternative to leggings or jeans, it’s comfortable, and it comes in a variety of colors. And you’re not limited to just pants, either. You can wear a corduroy skirt or overalls. My only tip is to stick to thinner wales (wales are the individual cords in the fabric). Thicker wales are a bit dated (think of your grandpa’s pants).

[media-credit name=”Google images” align=”alignright” width=”300″][/media-credit]

Biker Jacket

Leather is a fabric that will never go out of style, but it’s definitely tricky to wear in the summer without looking like you’re trying too hard. This is the perfect time of year to break out your biker jacket. Keep the jacket as fitted as possible. This is not something that needs to be oversized. Also, go easy on the studs and fringe – the simpler, the better.

Over-the-Knee Boots

If you want to splurge this season, do it on a pair of over-the-knee boots. They can have heels or be flats, in leather or suede. They are way more wearable than you’d think! I love them paired with an oversized chunky sweater and leggings, or with your jeans and biker jacket. They’re definitely for a bolder personality, but I think with a little confidence most girls can pull off this look.

[media-credit name=”Google images” align=”alignleft” width=”200″][/media-credit]

Trench Coat

A trench coat is the perfect outerwear for Fresno, because it doesn’t get super-cold during winter here. Trench coats date back to World War I when British soldiers wore them in battle. The British designer Tom Burberry (yes, that Burberry) designed a lighter weight and weather resistant fabric to come up with the trench we recognize today. A trench coat is equally fashionable for men and women. It’s a classic that goes with everything.

Next time we’ll talk about what trends to avoid this season!

~ Silva

If you have questions or topics you’d like to see addressed in this blog, please email me at [email protected]. You can read more from me at www.onmyshoebox.com.

To read more Style Session, check out Style Sessions No. 2 – Fair-Weather Fresno Fashion