Life. You wear it well. (TM)

Guest Blogger: Monica Dahl, Sr. VP, Christopher & Banks/CJ Banks

Back to school shopping for the kids – check! Fall fashion previews in fashion and entertainment publications – read! Once the kids are back in class and the schedule settles into more of a routine, it’s time for you to take some time for yourself, focusing on looking and feeling great.

At CJ Banks, we know that finding your own style and having the confidence to pull it off can be intimidating at times, especially when your focus has been fixed on everyone but you. This fall, find your own style, keep it fresh and feel confident no matter where your busy life takes you.  Here are five trends to buy now and wear forever:

1. Layer Your Look – Great wardrobes are built layer by layer. Start with a piece that’s absolutely perfect on it’s own. Add elements that take it in an entirely different direction. Transform a tee. Layer a sweater. Switch out your pants. Suddenly you’ve got the fashion freedom that helps you pull together the perfect look on a moment’s notice.

2. Shades of the Season – Take the colors of an autumn sunset. Lavish it in reds. Tint it toward teal. Then slather on shimmering shades of gold. Don’t be afraid to use tone on tone in your outfits. Incorporate sheen and texture to keep things interesting.

3. Jackets, Jackets, Jackets – When it comes to jackets, consider the long and the short of it. Versatile toppers can take you here, there and everywhere. Textures, layers, details and versatile silhouettes make it easy to flatter any figure.

4. Fit to be Tried – Get it right from the bottom up. This season anything goes in pants – from slim to curvy, and in any length imaginable. Find the fit that works for you and try it in tweed, twill or denim. At CJ Banks, our personal shoppers can help you find the best plus size pant style for your shape—the moderately curvy fit, straight fit, slim fit or city fit.

5. FINISHING TOUCHES – Go big on the little things. When it comes to updating your look, accessories are major accomplices. Today’s scarf wraps new life around last season’s sweater. The right jewelry speaks volumes about you. And don’t forget to add handbags and belts to your must-have list, they can add a pop of color or change your silhouette to take your look from day to night in a flash.

Christopher and Banks/CJ Banks has a new look this fall and we want to invite you to come into our stores, meet with our personal shoppers and find a new look for yourself too. Our personal shoppers will help you find an affordable, quality, updated style that doesn’t have you dressing like your daughter, or your mother. It will be a style all your own, using the best of what fall fashion has to offer.