GALA Guide to Florida Fall/Winter Fashion
One of the aspects that I love most about being from Florida, along with our many statewide eccentricities — from gators to Carole Baskins — the fact that we live in perpetual summer climate is a major bonus. Especially when fall rolls around and the temperatures reach peak perfection with days of sunny skies and 70-degree breeziness in the evenings, you can find me on the beach with a chunky blanket and a glass of full-bodied chardonnay!
Considering the tropical year-round climate throughout most of Florida, cold-weather dressing in the sunshine state can get a bit tricky (as seasonal dressing can get in many places), where we’ll experience an icy glimmer of winter in the mornings and then revert to summer humidity all through the afternoon, until again, another perfectly chilly evening rolls through. Due to this, it’s key to find the right balance of warmth, functionality and style, when winter dressing in Florida. Especially during a time when (while we still love a fashion moment) we’re at home more than usual, so comfort is critical!
I’m all about a simplistic wardrobe full of basic pieces that you can use for years and easily transition and layer depending on the season. This as also key when I was doing constant travel for work and play (not so much these days).
While it may be tempting to pick up some trendy in-season pieces — I almost splurged on a pink rancher hat today but made myself rethink my priorities before clicking “proceed to payment.” I’ve made it my cardinal rules to #1) shop my closet this season and #2) if I’m going to spend any money on clothes, they have to be timeless wardrobe staples.
Read on for some of my Florida-climate fluid wardrobe staples that I’ve had on repeat this fall and plan to take into winter/spring 2021 and beyond!
Coordinating Sets
Whether a matching bottom and top or matching camisole and blouse, you can’t go wrong with a matching set to toss on and easily appear polished and put together. It’s a fun way to try funky patterns while still balancing prints in a flattering way for your body type.
What I love about this tie dye satin shirt set is that it makes a statement while feeling comfortable and easy to wear. I tend to get cold easily, so this is the perfect combo to wear from day to night — featuring an eye-catching camisole to pair with my favorite jeans during the day and an easy, tie up blouse to dress me up in the evenings. Fun fact, you can now match your face mask to your outfit too!
The Slip Dress
A simple slip dress is a must-have wardrobe staple throughout any year, as you can easily dress it up or down and adjust/accessorize based on the climate. Once reserved for under clothes and 90’s inspired looks, the slip-dress has made a major comeback for a reason. It’s cool, flattering and versatile to the maximum.
The best part about the slip dress is that you can go with a really basic neutral color to pair with various jackets and tops, or you can go with a bold pattern to really make a statement. For fall, I’ve been repeating my favorite tie-dye the slip dress + chunky cardigan, paired with slide on mules or a fresh pair of sneakers.
Satin Midi Skirt
The satin midi/mini/maxi skirt is exactly where you want to be transitioning from fall to winter this year, especially in steamy Florida climate. Whether monochrome, patterned (like this leopard print one from Free People that I can’t stop wearing), side slit, no slit, the midi skirt this is my go-to skirt this year!
What I love about this skirt style, is that it easily drapes across the body making a flattering silhouette for most shapes and sizes. It’s also a great neutral bottom to pair with a range of tops from formal blouses and camisoles to t-shirts and bodysuits.
Structured Blazer
Instantly dress up your look from head to toe with a structured blazer over an easy camisole or band tee. The blazer is perfect for Florida winter as it’s such a chic alternative to a heavier cold-weather jacket that can easily be worn from the office to happy hour and in between over jeans, leggings, a skirt and even shorts. I also love an oversized leather blazer, which can really transform any look from day to chic night outfit in a snap!
Slip-on Mules
A good mule is an easy to wear shoe that will transition fashionably through the seasons, with comfort and ease. I just picked up this faux-crocodile pair on sale from Nasty Gal and love that the textured material can jazz up any monochrome winter outfit.
Winter Whites + Neutrals
Whoever said wearing white after Labor was not allowed is seriously disturbed! Living in the South, it’s easy to get away with wearing white all year long, but I get an extra kick of a clean and crisp winter white look, especially when it’s extra cold out (snow bunny status even though it’s not gonna snow!).
Anytime I’m coat opting for a coat, I love to pick-up a beige, cream or light colored topper to easily pair with an array of looks and be able to toss on until spring.
Swimwear
Living in Florida, fall is one of the best times of year to lounge on the beach (see opening paragraph) and one of the best times to show off stylish poolside attire. This is a great time of year to get away with darker-toned bathing suits and matching cover-ups and hats (see more below).
Hats
Hats have definitely made a comeback this year, from bucket hats to fedoras, it’s become more fashionably widespread to get away with a hat look any time of year. I like to think folks have finally embraced the many wonderful qualities of hats, such as the fact that a stylish and well-fitting hat can elevate just about any fall/winter outfit, they’re a chic and discreet way to hide unwashed hair and also a great way to keep you protected – both from the sun and a means of organically socially distancing (kind of funny but actually useful).
So next time you’re having a bad hair day or want to keep strangers out of your face, find the widest brimmed hat that coordinates with your fall look!
Always remember to look your best and keep galavanting! xx Alexia