Ambassador David Heil: Summer Fades into Fall Fashion

After Labor Day, we can officially start counting down the last, fading days of summer. And even the most dedicated beach lover secretly anticipates the time of year when the morning air holds a hint of crispness. Even we in California have to put away the shorts and reach for jeans and slacks.

But fall style doesn’t have to mean formal—in fact, this year it’s just the opposite. The David August Fall/Winter 2013 collection focuses on warm colors, textured fabrics and classic patterns, taking the detailed tailoring and sophisticated ease of the English country gentleman and injecting a modern West Coast attitude.
This season’s soft, textural fabrics and warm colors in burgundy and dark brown make layering not just fashionable, but a refreshing change from summer’s trends.

Herringbone checks in greys with yellow accents make the transition from summer to fall less harsh, especially in the fading warmth as the days shorten. Plaid sport coats in navy, grey and hunter green paired with dark jeans create a more finished look, and can be made formal for evening events with the simple addition of a dark coordinating tie. The black lapels and pocket details on our tartan jacket make wearing jeans to a black tie affair perfectly appropriate, with just enough of an edge to be distinctive.

A nylon activewear jacket plays well under a tailored sport coat in classic grey flannel, and this season even a leather motorcycle jacket allows slacks to go from daytime meetings straight to evening play.

We’ve also welcomed back the cashmere/wool car coat this season and, in either single or double-breasted, it wears well layered over any outfit. Not all outerwear works over a sport coat or blazer, but the car coat is an exception, and one that makes looking great around town seem effortless. Let a flash of color escape from under the layers of a charcoal grey suit and a caramel car coat, or stay under the radar with classic black over dark jeans and a richly colored sport coat.
There’s no need to mourn the end of summer when the fall season’s fashions are such an appealing combination of comfort and style.