September is a time of transition, a month caught in between the summer heat and the start of the crisp autumn days. As the vestiges of late summer start to vanish, heralding in the crisp, golden days of autumn, it brings us an opportunity to renew, refresh and reinvent.
“Fall fashion is just endless. September and October are my favorite times of the year because the sweaters, boots and layers are coming out,” says Tara Vitollo, owner of Olcott Squared in Bernardsville. “That layering piece is essential because the day often starts off chilly, then gets brutally hot and then turns freezing at night.”
Somerset Hills City Lifestyle invited Vitollo to create comfortable but sophisticated looks to help you ease into autumn when the mercury starts to drop.
“You can elevate a simple dress by pairing it with a funky blazer with a pattern or a sweater with embellishments,” Vitollo says. “That is the beauty of a layer: You have one key piece and then you can add a jacket, sweater or duster and change your shoes from a sneaker to a heel or a boot.”
When selecting colors, consider your skin tone. For instance, camel is a popular fall color, but if it does not suit you, you can substitute chocolate brown. “I like reds, but watch what you select,” she says. “There’s a difference between a blue-based red and an orange-based red. Blue, especially darker blue, is great for fall, as is lilac, which you can pair with a camel, taupe or chocolate brown. You can pop in those colors. Marigold is also a prominent fall color.”
Vitollo encourages people to break the rule of “no white after Labor Day.” “I wear white year round,” she says. “If you wear your favorite pair of white pants with a sleeveless cowl neck sweater, put your layering piece over it and a jacket and knee boots, riding boots or Doc Martens, you will look fabulous.”
She suggests selecting accessories that mirror the season’s transitional nature. “You’re coming off of summer hoops and not quite ready for the big, embellished holiday earrings, so look for studs or Raffia earrings,” she says. “Pearls are making a comeback, and gemstones—think turquoise, dark stones or any fashion-forward, showstopping piece—can finish your look.”
With your look complete, it’s time to hit the town. “The Somerset Hills is the most wonderful place to celebrate the coming of autumn: The leaves are gorgeous. You can go to beautiful fields, breweries, cider mills and farms for hay rides. Downtown Bernardsville is popping. The streets are bustling, and we have so many beautiful restaurants and places to shop,” she says. “My children enjoy the farms, which is why I love my Doc Martens and high-top sneakers. They are so comfortable. Layering makes transitioning from day to night easy. I can kick off the Docs or my riding boots, put on a cute heel and am ready for a date night with my husband.”
Check out the fall styles at ShopOlcott.com.