Simple Fall Fashion for Every Body Type

This past week I caught up with my dear friend and fashion designer/stylist, Anna Redmon. She’s between work on movie sets right now and I was thrilled to steal a few hours of her time to catch up on life, motherhood and to get the scoop on what busy moms need to know about fashion this fall.

J: Anna, thank you for taking the time to share your fashion know how with the rest of us moms. Welcome to Grace for Moms.

A: I’m so happy to be here and I’m excited to share a little bit about what busy moms need to know to make fashion work for them. I’m a busy mom myself so I know how it goes. It’s hard enough to get yourself showered and kids ready to get out the door let alone worrying about how perfect your outfit or accessories are. But the truth behind my style philosophy is this: I think we over complicate style. For the modern mom, the best advice I can give is:

Keep it simple.

J: OK, that is so relieving to hear. I feel like I need to follow all the latest trends; whether they work for my body type or not. So I end up with a pile of clothes that looked good at the store but look wrong on me. And I know I’m not alone. Thank you for coming to our rescue!!

A: Absolutely. Keep in mind that stores and ad campaigns make us think we have to have the latest everything. And there is always room for a new trend or two. But there are smart ways to use them that won’t complicate your closet or your morning routine.

J: So let’s start here. . .what would you say are the Top 5 Must Haves for Fall?

A: My top 5 list will always be heavy on staples. Easy pieces you can mix and match and other items that create a foundation for your long term wardrobe.

1 – Jeans that fit well. We all live in jeans, right? {Well, when we aren’t in yoga pants.} But we constantly settle for less than perfect jeans because we aren’t willing to invest in them. But if we wear jeans what?. . .3 or more times per week. . .I’d say it’s worth the investment. Even if you aren’t willing or able to get fitted for a $150 pair of jeans, you can easily make less expensive jeans work well for your body by investing in alterations. People seem to forget that you don’t have to buy off the rack and leave it at that. It may be worth the extra $30ish to have someone tailor those jeans you’ll be living in.

My favorite jeans right now are No Your Daughter’s Jeans. They were made for moms. They are a great jean for lots of body types.

2 – Boots. Closed toe for fall/winter. Black and brown if you can swing it. Real leather if possible. Good boots are going to last you years. And you will wear them with everything. Depending on your body type {more on this later}, determine whether you should get taller boots or booties and then invest in good shoes.

You can probably see a theme running through this list so far:

Invest in basics that will last.

3 – Short jacket that you can throw over anything. A moto jacket if that’s the look you want. Or a cropped, wool peacoat if that’s more your style. A well-fitting blazer {don’t forget you can get it tailored} is also a great layering piece you can throw over anything. A great cardi is also perfect for a softer, layered look.

These types of pieces can be paired with a simple t-shirt and jeans or over a dress. This is simple style.

4 – Accessories. Accessories make an outfit. They complete your look. You can keep your outfits so much more simple if you make them pop with a great necklace, scarf or bracelet. Accessories also create a layered look which is perfect for fall/winter.

5 – A good bra. The right undergarments make everything fit better. Bras {as well as supportive undergarments} will change the game of your wardrobe. This is another staple you may have to invest in. Get fitted. If you cannot afford the bras at the special store that does fittings {many are upwards of $100} then take good notes and find what you need online.

J: What a great list. It’s so simple! I look at my closet full of clothes I don’t wear and I wonder why I bought them in the first place. My husband told me the other day it’s because when I’m feeling down about my body {carrying a few extra pounds} I keep grabbing tops and sweaters and things in search of the perfect outfit that makes me feel great. But most of the time it’s all wrong. Which brings me to my next question. Body types. What are they and what are some of the rules for dressing each?

A: Understanding your body type is so important for dressing to win. We all see trends on TV, in magazines and on Pinterest that we love. But not all trends are created equal. Not all trends work for all body types. You need to know what works and what doesn’t for YOU.

{Apple Shape}

Characteristics: shorter, hippy, thick middle, shorter legs

Rules:

• Lengthen legs by wearing a skinny jean and short booties, not tall boots that cut you off at the knees
• Create vertical lines with long scarves, necklaces, etc
• Layer a longer tunic with a cropped jacket to create a cut at the waist

{Pear Shape}

Characteristics: heavy bottom, smaller on top

Rules:

• Focus on balancing your top and bottom
• Wear flared or boot cut jeans, not skinny
• It’s all about the pant for the pear shape
• Create an emphasis on top with a statement necklace
• Wrap dresses work well on most shapes, especially pear

A good overall rule, no matter your shape is to narrow wide areas by creating vertical lines.

{Triangle Shape}

Characteristics: broad or heavy top, slimmer on bottom

Rules:

• Again, focus on balancing top and bottom, just opposite of pear
• Wear well-fitted wide bottom or trouser jeans, not skinny
• A peplum top will add balance to top and bottom
• Narrow your shoulders, no hard lines like blazers, focus on soft lines like a cardi
• Vertical lines also help the triangle shape

{Boyish Shape}

Characteristics: petite and lean, no hips, small bust

Rules:

• Create a waist, hips
• Full skirts or fit to flare dresses create shape
• Wear fitted tops that accentuate waist
• Don’t be afraid to use a push up bra
• Don’t overpower your body

{Long and Lean}

Characteristics: the body we all want

Rules:

• Wear whatever you want
• Don’t get upset when others hate you : )

 J: Anna, this list is so simple and so helpful. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us!! We look forward to having you back again when it’s time to think through Spring/Summer clothes!!

Friends, pray for Anna as she continues to bring her gift of grace and truth to the fashion industry through her work on various films and her own clothing line. Also keep her family in your prayers as regular travel can do a number on dynamics at home. But we all know that when we are called to do something there is so much grace. Grace upon grace to you Anna. Thanks again for being with us today!

                      

{Hanging out with Anna and her adorable son, Adron {2} in her Nashville studio.}

Anna Redmon is a designer and stylist serving the music, TV and movie industries with her great sense for simple style. You can find her on the set or shopping for clients in between being mom to Irabelle {4} and Adron {2}. Anna has worked on films such as Moms Night Out, October Baby and Grace Unplugged. She has styled artists such as Lee Brice, Tyler Farr, NEEDTOBREATHE, Casting Crowns and Natalie Grant. Wife of Jeremy Redmon {Big Daddy Weave}, Anna and her family live outside Nashville, TN.

 

This post is sponsored by ScoopNYC.