Roxanne Carne is a Hollywood-trained personal stylist who has learned the industry by working with celebrity stylists like Sarah Paulsen and Zoe Costello. Between her one-on-one shopping, closet edits or virtual monthly style membership program, Carne works to help women transform both their wardrobe and their lives.
Robin Fisher, founder and editor of Polished image consulting and styling agency, has been working in fashion for over 20 years. “I like to think of myself as more of a teacher,” Fisher says. “Confidence comes from knowing how to confidently dress yourself.”
Benafsha Ghowrwal offers virtual, corporate and event styling services to men in the Washington, D.C., area. While Carne and Fisher’s responses are focused on women’s fashion, Ghowrwal’s pertains to men.
What are your tips for transitioning wardrobes from summer to fall?
Carne: The best way to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall is by introducing key accessories and by layering. Don a stylish fedora. Or add a scarf or ankle boot to your look. Trade in your sandals for some fall-colored pumps. Layer by throwing your favorite moto jacket, blazer or cardigan over your shoulders.
Fisher: I believe that planning is key. I love making seasonal storyboards to plan my overall look for the season. You can do this the old school way with magazine clippings or digitally with Pinterest. Once you’ve got your visual plan, you can quickly access what you have and make a list of the additional items you need to achieve those looks. This will ensure that you don’t overspend and keep your shopping trips focused. I also recommend shopping before the season starts to guarantee that you’re ready to strut your stuff without the stress of figuring out what to wear when the season breaks.
Ghowrwal: Tone down your summer lighter pieces with a dark color piece. Keep your solid color pieces handy. Stop shopping for summer prints and bold colors. Layer up your summer pieces with a light cardigan.
Best staple of clothing to invest in for fall?
Carne: I always recommend investing in stylish, yet functional coats that will take you through the season. Remember a statement coat is the first thing people will see when you arrive and the last thing they see when you leave.
Fisher: A great fashion-forward winter coat in a neutral color and a pair of basic, high-quality booties.
Ghowrwal: The best staple of clothing to invest for fall is a light biker jacket. It is light yet stylish and on trend.
Favorite ways to accessorize in September?
Carne: It’ll be fun to accessorize this September by scale. Go big with long statement chandelier earrings for a dramatic look; and go small with miniature patterned lady bags that still make a statement while carrying your essentials.
Fisher: I love to start incorporating on-trend fall colors into my looks. This signals that you are fashion forward and aware that the fashion season is changing.
What look or trends are you most excited for for the upcoming fall season?
Carne: I’m really excited about plush faux furs hitting the scene again this fall with varying lengths, bold colors and rich textures. These are great, animal-friendly options that look uber stylish. I’m also quite tickled about the notion of wearing sequins as daywear, from turtlenecks to jackets to fitted skirts. Be on the lookout for these looks this fall.
Fisher: I am very excited that fashion coats are continuing to trend and layered looks are what’s in now.
Ghowrwal: Layering and oversized pieces trend, they are both easy and affordable to pull off.
Favorite colors or patterns to wear in September?
Carne: My favorite color to wear in September is a rich mustard/greenish color—it’s a nice blend of bright and deep at the same time, which is perfect for the early transition into fall.
Fisher: I’m loving all the plaids in multiple colors and scales. If you choose to incorporate the plaid trend into your wardrobe, don’t just settle on the first one you see. Be picky, make sure the colors flatter and the scale is not to big or small, but just right.
Ghowrwal: My favorite colors to wear in September are maroon, camel and olive green shades, and any pattern that comes with shades of brown and cream colors.
Who is your style icon?
Carne: My style icon will always be Audrey Hepburn. Serving as a muse for Givenchy, her style was always classic, elegant and impeccable even in its simplest form. No one had a style quite like Audrey.
Fisher: Meghan Markle is effortlessly killing it right now and if I’m being totally honest, she was always a queen before she became a princess.
Ghowrwal: My style icon is Ryan Reynolds in men and Victoria Beckham in women. They both have classy styles.
Fashion philosophy for fall?
Carne: Whatever you choose to wear, own it.
Fisher: In this region I always recommend that you have an assortment of fashion sweaters in colors that flatter your personal coloring, and an assortment of basic bottoms. Snowy, cold days don’t mean you have to compromise your style, so keep it simple.
Ghowrwal: Start shopping for fall now; most of the stores already have their fall collection out, so shop your favorite pieces before they sell out.
