September Style: You Don’t Need a New Wardrobe—You Need a New Way to Wear It

September always gives us the feeling that something new is beginning.

The magazines start showing boots, sweaters and layers. The windows begin changing colors. Suddenly we are surrounded by chocolate browns, deep wines, olives, animal prints and all the beautiful shades that tell us fall is coming.

And then, of course, we step outside in Naples and it is still very much summer!

So how do we enjoy fall fashion when we live somewhere warm?

I believe the answer is simple: you do not need an entirely new wardrobe. You need a new way to wear what you already love.

That has always been one of my favorite things about fashion. Style is not about constantly buying more. It is about collecting beautiful pieces and learning how to make them feel new again.

Start With Color

One of the easiest ways to move into fall is through color.

You can still wear your lightweight dresses, silk blouses, linen pants and flowing caftans, but begin introducing the richer tones of the season.

Think wine, chocolate, olive, camel, taupe, deep navy, warm gold and, of course, a fabulous animal print.

A beautiful wine-colored blouse with cream pants immediately feels like September. A lightweight leopard print can give you all the drama of fall without one ounce of heaviness.

The fabric can still say Florida.

The color says fall.

Let Your Jewelry Do the Talking

Sometimes the quickest way to transform an outfit is not to change the outfit at all.

Change the jewelry.

A fabulous amber necklace, a strand of baroque pearls, a bold gold coin, a beautiful cross or an unexpected statement piece can take the simplest blouse or dress and completely change the feeling.

I have always believed jewelry should start a conversation.

When someone stops you and says, “Where did you get that?” you know you chose the right piece.

And as we move into fall, jewelry becomes even more important because it allows us to add richness, texture and personality without adding layers of clothing.

Add One Unexpected Layer

Here in Naples, we may not need a coat, but we certainly know the power of air conditioning!

A lightweight embellished jacket, a beautiful wrap or a dramatic blouse can become the perfect finishing piece for dinner, travel, the theater or an evening event.

I love pieces that can completely change depending on how you style them.

Wear the jacket over a simple white shirt and pants during the day, then put it over black in the evening with statement jewelry and suddenly you have a completely different look.

That is what I call dressing intentionally.

Never Underestimate a Great Pair of Pants

Every woman needs those pieces she can reach for again and again.

For me, one of those pieces is a beautiful, flattering pant.

A great pair of pants gives you a foundation. Add a silk blouse, an embellished top, a fabulous necklace or even a simple white shirt and suddenly you have endless possibilities.

The best clothes in your closet should make getting dressed easier, not harder.

Style Does Not Have an Expiration Date

Perhaps this is the most important part.

As women, we sometimes hear invisible rules about what we should wear at a certain age.

I have never believed in those rules.

I believe a woman should dress in a way that makes her stand taller.

Wear the color.

Wear the print.

Wear the necklace.

Wear the dramatic hat if it makes you smile.

Fashion should never make us disappear.

It should help us express who we are.

Whether you are 45, 65, 75 or beyond, you are still allowed to walk into a room and be noticed.

Not because you are trying to look younger.

Because you look completely, confidently yourself.

This September, Shop Your Closet Differently

Before you decide you have “nothing to wear,” take another look.

Pull out that blouse you have not worn in six months.

Put the statement necklace with the dress you usually wear simply.

Pair your favorite summer pants with a richer fall color.

Add the jacket.

Change the shoes.

Put on the earrings.

Sometimes all it takes is one small change to make everything feel new again.

And that is really what style is about.

Not chasing every trend.

Not becoming someone else.

But continuing to discover new ways to express the beautiful woman you already are.

At Elsie in Naples, that is what we love most—finding those special pieces that make you stop, smile and say, “This feels like me.” 

Isn't  it wonderful? 

So as we begin this new season, remember:

Live beautifully. Dress intentionally. And never be afraid to be seen.

Something good is going to happen to you.

With love,
Elsie