‘Wear now, wear later’: Putting an end to seasonal madness

ELNA’S FASHION CHATTER

Designers who are looking forward for clothing ideas often glance inspiration. The new motto is “wear now, wear later.” It’s time to put an end to seasonal madness! Why should your clothes get half the year off? Unless a piece serves a specific weather-related purpose, one-season clothing is no longer valid, especially in California and warmer climates. Versatility equals value, so while traditional items may cost a bit more, they also work hard.

With creative layering, pieces you may have dismissed as too trendy or too summery can actually become your newest wardrobe staples.

To add versatility to your neutral latte colors, add toast, blue, dusty rose, sage green, or black. For gray, add shocking pink, vibrant orange, lemon or royal blue. For ivory, add eggplant, espresso, pine or ruby. When it comes to expanding your wardrobe, building from pieces you have and adding something new gives you extra wearing capabilities, and who doesn’t want to expand their wardrobe while saving money at the same time.

Remember, wardrobe building is a free service at Elna’s Dress Shop. Our expert staff specializes in this area. With fall just around the corner, fashion can seem intimidating and inaccessible. We think we need the “total” look, but not all things belong together. Some do, some don’t.

Fall gives us the option of being free-spirited, so feel free to mix and match! Forget the norm; mix prints, textures and colors. This fall, look for leopard and leather, earth tones, plush textures, tapestries, florals, plaids, and flannels. Floral textiles have a history in fashion design. From bold statements to muted prints, they give fashionistas a chance to express their personality. One thing is for sure … floral prints are always in style.

Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and early modern Europeans have all used the color blue. Probably the most popular color in history, it maintains its strength in today’s fashion world. Whether its denim, silk, cotton, or synthetic fabrics, it rules in apparel and home fashions. Known for its “quiet authority,” nude and beige textiles provide a background for bold statements. The popular trend is suitable for everyday as well as on the runway.

Major denim trends for fall and winter range from key silhouettes to surface finishes. This season’s denim is all about elevating this closet staple. No longer just a casual classic, contemporary denim pieces are being put together with sharp tailoring, surface textures, and eastern aesthetics for a fresh, fashion-forward take on utility wear. Stop by Elna’s during the month of August for our special sale featuring 50% off if you buy three items or more, 40% off if you buy two or more, and 30% off if you buy one.

You’ll find the quality name brands we are known for, but hurry, because when they are gone, they are gone. Elna’s is open Mondays, closed Tuesdays, open Wednesdays through Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located in the heart of Solvang at 1673 Copenhagen Drive.