If you can believe it, another summer has come and gone, and we are in the home stretch of 2018. Fall is officially here. The weather has gone from brutal and neverending humidity to chilly mornings and soft breezes. With cooler temps come the fall-only privileges of pumpkin spice coffee runs, warm apple pie and giving your air conditioning unit a rest for the season. But arguably, the most important things about fall is the fun in changing up your wardrobe, shoes, handbag, hair, etc. (says the fashion, beauty and lifestyle columnist). One of the best parts of a changing season is the opportunity for a change in you, however small. So, in honor of the idea of changing up your look, this month I have brought you some of fall’s biggest overall trends.

Cold brew hair
While we’re on the topic of coffee, does anyone else love the fact that pumpkin spice is back at every local coffee shop on the block? (I know it will be my go-to flavor through December.) If you are just as excited about this coffee kick as I am and want this to translate to your overall fall look, try the newest hair highlighting trend known as the “cold brew” look. This dark-root-to-light-brunette transition is staying put for this season, fondly recognizable by its unmistakable coffee-hitby-cream color.

Boho bag
Crossbody bags have been in for a while, and even though they are still considered a hot commodity, a less-structured look has been hitting the streetwear scene this season. Slightly oversized, somewhat slouchy, but never sloppy, boho-inspired handbags are making a serious comeback. These are great to pair with an already relaxed look and are handy, given that they can fit more stuff than their smaller, crossbodied cousins. These bags can just as easily be paired with a more dressedup look if it consists of a neutral color or renowned print or monogram.

The lob
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: The lob is not going anywhere. I myself had a huge hair overhaul and chopped off about 8 inches in favor of a more chic, effortless and, frankly, much lower maintenance haircut. Instead of the traditional, shoulder-grazing look, opt for an inch or two below traditional lob length with no layers and minimal angling to give your hair the illusion of some extra volume.

Dark mocha nails
The only unfortunate part of this change in season is that we are, quite literally, losing daylight. These darker days can be paired with some darker choices in nail color, especially dark mocha. (Can we sense a coffee theme here?) Dark mocha is a bold, chic, yet neutral way to wear nail polish this season to appear festive and not overdone. Think coffee with just a touch of cream, and pair it with a wardrobe full of warm-toned neutrals.

However you do fall, take an opportunity this change of season to make a change in you, big or small. One of the best ways to stay motivated as the days get shorter and a little more chilly is to find one or two seasonal commodities that get you excited. Plus, who doesn’t love a little change in the scenery every now and then?

April Goddard