In this dynamic world of entrepreneurship, women in business understand that their style is more than a means of personal expression – it’s a career accelerator. The fashion choices of female entrepreneurs not only create fluidity between our feminine and masculine energies, but are also an integral part of our business strategies. Yes – the way that we dress can directly determine our success.

The Closet Conundrum

Of course, we all want our fall wardrobes to work as hard for our businesses as we do. Yet, we fumble through our clothes, sticking to the same old outfit we wore last week, feeling entirely underwhelmed and uninspired by our style with the change of each season. Statistically, women only wear between twenty to thirty percent of the clothes that currently reside in our closets because we are constantly battling a never-ending shopping cycle, accumulating items that don’t mesh well together, ignoring those that don’t fit us anymore, and chasing new fashion trends that fizzle out faster than our morning pumpkin spice latte.

Let’s face it – last year’s autumn outfits seem a bit passé and our closets are overflowing with pieces that just aren’t giving the professional fall we envision for ourselves. The struggle is real—we have too many clothes, not enough strategically-planned outfits, and hide under oversized layers in fear of being seen in an outfit that doesn’t make us look and feel like the trailblazing CEO we are.

Make a Statement with Timeless Fall Fashion

With a little more intentionality into our style strategy, we are capable of dressing more powerfully and leading with elegance. It’s about time to start feeling fierce, fabulous and fall-ready as our little miss female entrepreneurial selves. The secret lies in mastering the skill of spotting timeless workwear from fleeting fall trends. By understanding this distinction, you’ll shop more intentionally and invest in high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time, make a statement, and advance your career.

Enter Ali Brodeur, Signature Style Strategist and Decluttering Expert dedicated to the success of women in business. She is decoding professional dress code so you can bid adieu to trendy purchases that never coalesce into a coherent look and easily identify fall essentials that exude sophistication and professionalism, season after season.

Ali’s Approach: Timeless vs. Trendy

In this game of Timeless vs. Trendy, Ali spills the tea on this season’s styling secrets that only experts on the inside have privy to. You will discover everything you need to know about The 10 Most Popular Fall Fashion Trends for Female Professionals so you can invest in only the most timeless styles while turning the other cheek to the presently tempting trends.

1. Tweed: Timeless.
   Tweed’s textured and cozy nature makes it an ideal material to incorporate into your professional fall wardrobe, offering stylish warmth for cooler temperatures. Its classic versatility for autumn allows it to seamlessly transition between professional settings and casual outings, whether in the form of blazers, skirts, dresses, or accessories like hats and bags. Ali approves tweed as a timeless signature style staple that will last for years to come.
2. Slingback Shoes: Timeless.
   The pointed-toe slingback shoe is a necessary addition to your capsule wardrobe for fall, yet, is appropriate to wear year round. These shoes seamlessly blend timeless elegance with modern flair, elevating any ensemble. From tailored pantsuits to midi dresses, their versatility shines, elongating the silhouette no matter your height. Opt for neutral tones, such as black or nude, for optimal adaptability, while you radiate confidence and style through fall and every season thereafter.
3. Loafers: Trend.
   You may want to reconsider adding loafers to your closet this season. While currently trendy, chunky loafer shoes lack the timeless appeal needed for enduring professional wear. The limited versatility could restrict their integration into various workplace settings, and their seasonal suitability might further limit their use. If aiming for a polished and traditional professional image to enhance your career, a more classic and refined shoe like the slingback might be a better fit.
4. Trousers: Timeless.
   Women’s trousers are essential for your professional fall wardrobe, offering a universally sophisticated look suitable for any workplace. Their tailored appearance aligns with professionalism, providing coverage and warmth during cooler mornings or brisk evening temperatures. With the ability to be dressed up or down and mixed with various tops, trousers offer endless outfit possibilities. Opt for timeless styles in neutral colors like beige, black, or navy.
5. Trench: Timeless.
   Trench coats will never go out of style and are a practical, elevated addition to a professional fall wardrobe. Their structured silhouette enhances any ensemble, making them practically perfect for work settings. With the ability to be dressed up or down and layered over various outfits, they provide both style and protection from the sometimes unpredictable fall elements. Opt for neutral shades like beige, olive or black to seamlessly coordinate with all of your different looks.
6. Turtleneck: Timeless.
   High-neckline shirts are elegant, sophisticated, professional pieces to have as part of your signature style. They effortlessly enhance outfits, imbuing a refined aura perfect for work settings and beyond. With their adaptability for layering and seamless transition from office to evening events, these shirts offer a chic solution for maintaining a fashionable, yet cozy allure throughout the fall season. Ali has heard that turtlenecks are here to stay.
7. Plaid: Trend.
   While plaid suits are currently popular, Ali thinks you should pass on the plaids this fall. Plaid’s strong seasonal association with fall and winter might limit its relevance beyond those months, leading to a decrease in popularity into the following year. The trend’s saturation in the market, potential dated perception, and mismatch with various professional pieces contribute to the likelihood that plaid might quickly go out of style as quickly as it came back in.
8. Midi skirts: Timeless.
   Midi-length skirts strike the perfect balance between classic sophistication and modern style, making them an essential choice for workplace ensembles. Their enduring appeal allows for year-round wear, and during fall, they pair effortlessly with tights or boots for added warmth and flair. Serving as a canvas for creative layering, midi skirts enable a range of elegant outfits, while their length exudes professionalism with a touch of contemporary allure. If you must add a skirt to your wardrobe, you must add a midi-length piece to take with you through the entire year.
9. Puff Sleeve: Trend.
   Puff sleeves seem to be slowly fizzling out as fashion evolves and fresher styles emerge. The puff sleeve design aligns better with summer workwear aesthetics and don’t provide the necessary comfort and versatility required for layered during fall. If their seasonal transition is limited, their practicality diminishes. While puff sleeves can infuse fun and playfulness into your style for a short time, they might not align with the enduring and adaptable nature needed for a well-rounded fall closet. Ali sees the puff sleeve as a dying trend.
10. Power Vest: Trend.
    While the allure of the women’s suit vests is undeniable, tread lightly when it comes to hopping on the power vest trend this season. Although they exude gender-neutrality and female empowerment, they could be limited in their versatility, as they can rarely be stretched beyond one season into winter fashion. Ali recommends investing in more enduring pieces might offer a wiser approach to building a professional wardrobe that stands the test of time.

Paving the Way: From Wardrobe to Workload

As female entrepreneurs, our journey to success is paved with deliberate choices. Your signature style is no exception—every piece in your professional wardrobe should reflect your brand, your values, and your aspirations for your business.Why simply manifest success when you can strategically style your way to it? With Ali’s guidance, you’ll strut confidently through this season, turning heads, making deals, and conquering the business world with your powerful presence and timeless, professional outfits.

Connect with Ali

Instagram: @alibrodeur
Website: alibrodeur.com