Every fall mustard sashays onto the runway,  saunters into the realway, limps over to the sales racks and, finally, hobbles off to mass discounters. Few shades have a sadder life cycle. Designers love it for fall because it’s hard to think of a more “fall” color.

Autumn Leaves

But it’s also one of the hardest colors to wear and sell, which is why sales associates hate it and you’ve probably never bought it. If you’re one of the 6 people in the universe who look stunning in the color then you should wear it every single day just because you can. Really- make it your signature color, save it from its sad life and stock up.

Top row: Akris; Tahari; Alberta Ferretti. Bottom Row: Lanvin; Cynthia Steffe; Cacharel.

If you’re the rest of the population, when you wear it you’ll look anywhere from tired to corpse-like. (Or “death warmed over,” as my mother would say.) Of course, you might be thinking “Why bother when there are so many other colors to wear?” Fair question. Here’s why:  It’s the epitome of autumnal hues- just seeing it makes you want woolly clothes and a cup of hot cider. It’s also the perfect color for those early spring days that are filled with fickle weather. You know, when it’s balmy blue skies one day and soggy grey skies the next.

Top Row: J Crew; Marc by Marc Jacobs; Boden. Bottom Row: Anthropologie; Akris; Halogen.

Plus, at some point in life, everyone falls in love with the wrong thing, clothing included. Let’s say that one day you become enamored with and purchase an exorbitantly expensive dijon cashmere coat. Instead of being saddled with buyer’s remorse, you’ll know what to do and will stylishly solider on in your new coat.

Purple Scarf & Gloves, Nordstroms. Rust Gloves, Portolano. Rust Scarf, Talbots. Coat, J. Crew.

For the coat, pick up a scarf and gloves in a color that you look radiant in and you’re good to go. I like patterned scarves with solid colored gloves, but that’s just me. The beauty of having a coat in a color that you don’t normally wear is that you never have to worry about it clashing with anything else in your wardrobe so you can wear it with everything.

Necklaces, Top Row: Sparkling Sage; Kendra Scott. Bottom Row: Guinevere; Sheila Fajl. Dress: Akris.

Think of the dress as a blank canvas for display accessories. This is an excellent opportunity to trot out your statement necklace from last year or pick up a new piece or two. Street vendors and craft fairs are fantastic spots to find affordable, unique jewelry.

Navy Turtleneck, Veronique Leroy. Teal Heel, Butter. Striped T, Topshop. Denim jacket, American Eagle. Skirt, Halogen.

On a cold spring day, a navy cashmere turtleneck looks tres chic with your skirt. If the forecast predicts warmer temperatures, a white button down or navy striped boat neck with a denim jacket is perfect. And a bright shoe keeps the whole look springy.

Contact me for a wardrobe that’s stylish, effortless and versatile.