With summer coming to a close, we begin to pack away the light and airy pieces of the season. With the open space in our wardrobes, we can now welcome the fall dressing staples with anticipation for cooler days ahead. The practice of trading textures during seasonal changes is one we know too well, but a quick refresher on the hallmarks of fall dressing can do us all good.
When it comes to dressing for any season, there are a handful of factors that affect the final ensemble and the overall appearance it exudes. Colors, silhouettes, patterns, and, of course, texture all contribute to achieving specific looks. Let’s focus on the latter, hopefully providing insight into what may be missing from your fall wardrobe.
The calling card for fall dressing is best summed up in one word: Natural. Not only in terms of color palettes, but also in textures. Leathers and suedes, wools and cashmeres, furs and feathers, and rigid denims all share the natural element in their sourcing. While all pair nicely together, these also ensure warmth and comfort through the season and, when invested in high quality, many more to come. These textures frequently come to mind in many categories when contemplating fashion in the latter half of the year, proving their place in all our closets.
Other classic and notable seasonal feels include corduroy, velvet, satin, quilted items, and flannel. Corduroy adds weight and warmth in pants and jackets, and velvet falls into this notion as well, just with more sophistication. Satin, being the seasonal swap for silk, is perfect for elevating a sweater or denim. Quilted jackets add another layer of warmth and comfort, while being pleasing to the eyes. Flannels are thick in their composition and make for great layering pieces, mixing a timeless feel and pattern to any pairing.
When it comes to elevating an ensemble, lurex or metallic finishes, tulle, lace, and adornments all add interest visually and physically. Each of these additions was seen on the runway for the FW25 season. These may not add warmth, but are synonymous with the cooler season when it comes to elevated outings for the way they pair with other classic textures of the season. Lurex and metallics add a hue of luxury and sophistication. Tulle and lace overlays and pieces convey a dark romanticism, and pair beautifully with leather or suede accessories. Adornments, like chunky buttons, further add interest to a piece or pairing, immediately and effortlessly creating a memorable feel to any ensemble.
While textures can influence weight, comfort, and warmth to an outfit, they also add visual appeal and invoke certain emotional connections, which translates into the overall look and memorability of any ensemble. Ensure your closet is ready for the season, and at least has a handful of these notable textures to mix and match!
