Dressing for Work in the Unpredictable Fall

School is back in session and football games are up on the calendar. My mom already has pumpkin coffee stashed in her pantry. All signs point to fall, but it's only August, and for those of us in Georgia, instead of cool breezes and crisp air, we're experiencing heavy rains, temps in the high 80's and 90's with humidity that leaves you breathlessly in need of a shower after mere minutes spent outside. Just the same, the weather can still surprise you with a cool morning. Who knows.

Even if it's hot outside does the office feel like a meat locker with an air vent blasting right over your work space? Then the only solution is to layer.

There are lots of options for layers in the fall such as: blazers, cardigans, denim jackets, scarves and even the latest trend - kimonos!

Inspired by the collage to the left, I decided to style a couple outfits from my own closet.

With my first ensemble, I went with a pencil skirt, button up top and a kimono for my extra layer.

 ***Kimonos & Pencil Skirts***

For a little variety, I tried the same skirt and top but changed to a kimono vest and flats.

Top: LOFT/ Vest: Marissa Jill Boutique /Skirt: LuLaRoe / Flats: Baldino / Necklaces & Earrings: Premier Designs
Bag: Target

****Black Skinnies & Chambray****

One of my personal favorites is to style black skinnies with a simple white oxford and jacket. 

Blazer: Banana Republic / Oxford: Chicos /Skinnies: WHBM / Shoes: Nordstrom Rack
Jewelry: Premier Designs / Backpack Purse: Clarks

If I'm out and about and humidity strikes, I can remove the jacket without feeling under dressed. When planning the fall wardrobe, it's best to refrain from outfits that look strangely remiss or incomplete without a third layer.  Am I the only one that adds a third layer to hide bulges or bra lines from time to time? Yeah. I'll save those for the winter.

Another aspect of fall is the continued use of sandals and open toe shoes. I'm taking full advantage with some of my favorites in these ensembles. The heeled sandals (or wedges) are both clearance finds at Nordstrom Rack, while the flats were actually given to me.

***How about those men?***

What do those men do? Sure they layer, but not every guy is a cardigan kind of man. Could it be that their most important layer is what lies beneath the clothing that we see? With the right undershirt, guys can keep warm or cool depending on the fabric and quality of material. I'm going to test this theory out of my husband for sure.

Sweating in that suit? Take off the jacket and then rest assured that your undershirt is absorbing and drying quickly.

What are your favorite styles for business casual in the fall? And what do you think is the secret to men staying comfortable, but fashionable in unpredictable weather?

Chrissy

Linking up with Fashion Should Be Fun, HLS, Posh Classy Mom, Shelbee On The Edge, Classy Yet Trendy, Not Dressed As Lamb