Freshening Up Fall/Winter Trends

By Ashley Close

Every year with the change in seasons comes a new opportunity to switch up your wardrobe. Sun dresses and short shorts are no longer an option once thermometers start to plummet. The beginning of the season brings the chance to finally break out those knee high boots, and wool jackets which is always a welcome change from sandals and tank tops. But, once the slush starts accumulating in the streets, these cool weather standards begin to lose their appeal over the colorful clothing of summer. Clothing is, however, meant to protect us from the harsh elements in the city, so here are some ways to keep your cold weather standards feeling fresh, and up-to date.

Knits

Dina Ellen
817 S. Aiken Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412-621-6133
Hours: Mon-Tues 10am-5:30pm; Weds 10am-7pm; Thurs-Sat 10am-5:30pm; Sun 12pm-4pm

These are not your grandmother's sweaters and hand knit socks. Knitwear has traveled a very long and chic road from the itchy wools of seasons past. High quality knit socks under worn under clothes is a great option when the weather gets chilly. Bonus points if it has a cool pattern. Just because others can't see it, doesn't mean you can't be happy knowing that it's there. Since winter pieces are almost always an investment, you want something that can pull double duty. When buying a knit sweater, see if you can't find one long enough to also be worn as a dress! You can find Free People knit sweater and socks at Dina Ellen in Shadyside.

Leather

Talbots
5428 Walnut Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412-682-7700
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-5pm

Leather has been heavy in fashion rotation for the past few years. Motorcycle jackets and grungy boots are model-off-the-runway staples. This season was no exception. (Leather shorts, anyone?) But, perhaps some of these trends are reserved only for the most daring fashionistas. So, for the rest of us, a wet Pittsburgh fall calls for something more practical. While leather remains a standard footwear option when the cooler weather rolls around, it does not mean you can't find other less predictable and subtle ways to tie it in to your wardrobe. A pencil skirt is a great staple piece in any working girls wardrobe, but in leather it will never be boring or overlooked. If you want to keep things understated, but up to date a, great pair of perfectly fitting driving gloves is timeless option to keep your fingers warm. Find gloves and skirts like this available at Talbots.

Plaid

H&M
535 S. 27th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-481-2810
Hours: Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Sun 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Often associated with school girl uniforms and the grungy flannel shirts of the 90s, plaid has been brutally ignored for the past decade or so. If you did see it pop up, it was in the most tartan of plaid patterns available and always around the Holiday season. But it is back (in flannel and wool) as a cool weather staple, and is surprisingly versatile. The key to avoiding looking straight off the highlands of Scotland at Christmastime, or the gutters of Seattle in the Nineties is what you pair your plaid with. If you are wearing a flannel plaid top, make sure to pair it with a streamlined bottom. If you choose jeans, have them be a dark wash and in very good condition (no holes). A plaid skirt can be grown up as long as it is not cut too short or paired with knee-high socks. Try it with textured tights and knee high boots! Find great looking plaid like this at H&M.

Ashley is a native of Pittsburgh with an English degree from Chatham College. She spends her time stalking the New Kids on the Block on Twitter, and making wishlists on e-commerce sites she cannot afford. She also does yoga. Sometimes. You can follow her on twitter and maybe someday she'll say something interesting.