Fashion. Some shudder at the word.
But I hope to change that thought by showing you how easy it is to become fashion forward.
Whether you're a size 4 or 16, whether you have a large savings account or make just enough with a little extra, or if you simply feel this small town isn't ready for such a wardrobe, I want to show you that everyone can be fashion forward, even in Smalltown, USA.
Who am I to make such a broad statement?
I am a 31-year-old woman, who loves fashion, who reads fashion magazines and articles every month, and who knows fashion isn't just for the people in New York City who design the clothes.
I attended Penn State University and my time there helped to open my eyes to the huge world of fashion. There are students from all over the world there, and seeing the different styles and the confident attitudes people carried with them, made me an even bigger fashion geek than I had been before.
I have friends who comment on my outfits, my shoes, my purses and my makeup, saying they wish they could get away with the things I pull off. What I want to show you is that you can!
Fashion is not simply something a model, a millionaire or a Kardashian can get away with, but for us hometown girls (I grew up in Watsontown), too.
As long as you use some of the tips I give you, take some chances with your clothes, and readjust your frame of mind, then you definitely can bring the forefront of fashion to Williamsport's closets.
One of the most challenging ideas in the fashion world is the ever-changing seasons, with the changing wardrobes to match.
Some people think you need to go out and buy an entire new wardrobe for each season, every single year but they're wrong.
There are many items from past seasons' wardrobes that can be incorporated into the new season's outfits. One of the great ways to do that this year, is to add key pieces from your summer wardrobe into your 'new' fall wardrobe.
You may think it's not possible to bring your summer brights and pastels into the dark and muted colors of fall, but it is one of the best ways to keep your wardrobe fashion forward, especially while keeping this year's fashion trends in mind.
Not only is this a trend right now, but it also helps with that bank account during this current economic slump we are all too familiar.
I'll give you a couple ideas on how to add summer pieces into your wardrobe now, and what few key pieces you may need to buy if you don't already own them. And I will give you the places and prices for these items in our area, that won't break the bank or empty your gas tank.
Neon was a big trend this summer, but it can still be used in your fall wardrobe. If you use your neon items as accent pieces, you have the ability to do quite a lot with them. For example, add that hot pink tank under a black blazer, and then couple it with a pair of jeans.
Throw on a multi-colored scarf, and a pair of tall black boots or some gray heels, add simple silver jewelry and you just made a fun outfit for dinner and a movie, or for a daytime trip to the winery.
Blazers are key pieces to any wardrobe, but are definitely essential in fall for layering. Burlington Coat Factory carries great blazers for less than $30, which will tie any look together from summer to fall. You also can find some great flat or heeled boots for $20, which is a steal in my book!
Another great way to tie in a summer piece with your fall wardrobe is with those adorable sundresses. A lot of sundresses are versatile enough now for you to simply add a jean jacket or a cardigan, some tights or leggings, a pair of stylish flats or booties and you have transitioned into fall by adding very little to your key piece, the sundress.
Dark jean jackets are an essential piece for every fall wardrobe because they can be added to just about any outfit, and any color. Old Navy has a great dark jean blazer for less than $20, as well as a jean jacket for $35. I also mentioned adding a cardigan to your sundress.
Cardigans of any type can be found most anywhere now, because the trend is one that is classic.
Cardigans have been a staple in any wardrobe since my mom's generation (hopefully I didn't make my mom feel too dated with that statement, but like I said, classic).
Target is a great place to find many different styles and colors of cardigans. One I really like is the boyfriend style they have for only $15, which is at least half the price of other stores. Target also has a great choice in shoes, and carries beautiful suede booties for less than $30.
One last way to bring together your summer and fall wardrobes, is with those bright, colored jeans. Multi colored jeans were a huge hit in the summer, and the trend has carried forward into the fall.
If your colored jeans are super bright, try pairing them with a darker sweater, in a brown or black. Add the jean jacket or blazer to it as well, and keep the bright jean as the focal point of your outfit.
If you need a pair of bright jeans, Target again comes in with the best price, with colored jeans for less than $25.
Fall doesn't have to be dreary and dull, even if you feel like the weather makes it that way.
Keep your fall wardrobes colorful and fun, and I bet you will start feeling the same way very soon.
Morone may be reached at life@sun gazette.com. Her column is published on the third Friday of each month.
