Style Secrets

Cultivate your fall style with of-the-moment accessories, day-to-night versatility and a few style secrets that make your wardrobe runway ready.

Smocked waist dress, $49, Cousin Couture | Bracelet, $55.95, Something You | Kendra Scott earrings in abalone shell, $80, Bless Your Heart | Fur scarf, $99, similar Nordstrom

Select simple silhouettes

A T-shirt dress is a closet workhorse — a blank canvas for standout accessories, such as statement earrings and a classic denim jacket.

Sweatshirt dress, $70, Scout & Mollys | Denim Jacket, $49, Cousin Couture | Beaded leopard earrings, $29, Cousin Couture | Hat, $22.99, Target | Cut out bootie, $34.99, Target

Versatility is queen

A little black dress becomes even more flexible with a reversible neckline, like this one from Something You, which reverses to a scoop neck.

Denim jacket, $99.95 | Sympli Drama reversible dress, $230 | Floral leggings, $72.50 | Long necklace, $84.95 | Short necklace, $50.95 | Earrings, $47.95 | Snakeskin heels, $89.95

Knock their socks off

Own at least one item that is pure wow factor. A vintage dress, designer handbag or a show-stopping necklace — keep something special in your closet to make any occasion, well … special.

NIGHT: Sympli Drama reversible dress, $230 | Layered necklace, $99.95 | Ring, $14.95 | Bracelet, $55.95 | Charleston Shoe cocktail heels, $135 | From Something You

Have fun

Don’t take your clothes too seriously. The draping on this tunic is created with buttons, which can be tweaked and refastened for individual flair.

Sympli Mystic button tunic, $310 | Tribal legging, $86.95 | Earrings, $12.95 | Necklace, $33.95 | Charleston Shoe boot, $150

Proportion control

Oversized styles, like trapeze dresses, are chic when paired with form-fitting counterparts. Here, the tunic’s body skimming arms and waist give way to billowing pants with plenty of movement.

Sympli Mystic button tunic, $310 | Black pants, $190 | Zenzi pearl necklace, $104.95 | Snakeskin heels, $89.95 | From Something You

Layers never fail

Transition smoothly into fall with a cardigan, jacket or even a kimono. Ruffle details on this camo jacket highlight the waist and add femininity.

The new neutral

Leopard print is storming the stores in a big way, and we’re here for it. With dresses, shoes and accessories all sporting the pattern, fall is going to be fierce.

LEFT: Mid-rise skinny jean, $46 | Criss cross v-neck, $24.95 | Camo jacket, $71.50 | Olive crossbody wristlet, $39.95 | From Bless Your Heart
RIGHT: Baby doll leopard dress, $49, Cousin Couture | Necklace, $32, Scout & Mollys | Earrings, $24, Scout & Mollys | Backpack, $27.99, Target

Always accessorize

Go back to your closet, and put on those earrings you forgot. The necklace, too. Even dainty and delicate pieces will complete a look. You wouldn’t forgo sprinkles on a sundae, would you?

LEFT: Camo jumpsuit, $46, Monroe 26 | Denim jacket, $49, Cousin Couture | Necklace, $32, Scout & Mollys | Snakeskin sneakers, $44, Cousin Couture
RIGHT: Leopard-print shirt, $87.50 | Cropped jegging, $99.95 | Necklace, $53.95 | Earrings, $41.95 | From Something You | Espadrilles, $44, Cousin Couture

You already have enough clothes

The fashion lover in me disagrees, but my jam-packed closet concedes. Experiment more with versatility, such as this winter-white skirt paired with a blouse for the office and a textured sweater for the weekend.

Purple blouse, $46 | Belted skirt, $44 | Beaded earrings, $20 | From Cousin Couture | Boots, $55, similar DSW

Color-block sweater, $46 | Belted skirt, $44 | Snakeskin sneakers, $44 | From Cousin Couture | Gold earrings, $14, Scout & Mollys

Make your own rules

Figure out what looks best on your body, and wear it without restraint. Confidence is the ultimate completer piece.

LEFT: Front tie jumpsuit, $69 | Acrylic cuff, $26 | From Cousin Couture | Black hoop earrings, $18, Monroe 26
RIGHT: Tweed skirt, $44 | Ruffled black tank, $34 | Textured cardigan, $49 | Woven teardrop earrings, $26 | From Cousin Couture

Special thanks

Special thanks to Chatham Station for the beautiful venue and Shanell Martin with Drybar for hair-styling.

Chatham Station
110 N. Walker St., Cary
(919) 590-9045
chathamstationnc.com

Drybar
Waverly Place
302 Colonades Way, Suite 206, Cary
(919) 238-7264
thedrybar.com

Models Ashley McRae and Skyler Moore are with Directions USA Model & Artist Management.

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• Style Secrets
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• Oktoberfest Lager from Bombshell Beer Company
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