Fashion Tips for Fall
Fall is rich with bold fabrics, glossy details and accessories this year. Gone are the days of minimalism and muted colors. This season, think along the lines of fabulous and chic, with a downtown, earthy, countryside feel.
For the cooler months, embrace the strong and sexy statement of a bold necklace with a cocktail dress, or even glamorize a plain white T-shirt by throwing on a jeweled “collar.” Necklaces are THE statement piece this year, and if you only buy one thing for this season, make it a bright and chunky necklace. Wear it daily as your signature style—wear it with confidence and aplomb. This Fall, there is no reason to be modest or apologetic: Shine bright, girls!
Along with necklaces, bangles have made a comeback too. Wear one on each wrist instead of stacking them; in fact, think “cuff” more than bangle. Accessorize with confidence and take old clothes to new heights with golds, enamels and semi-precious stones in both necklaces and bangles.
Scarves are a tried-and-true staple that is coming back this Fall. Once the Grace Kelly-esque silk square, today scarves are long and refined, with soft wools and elegant detail. Try wearing Chuck Taylors and jeans with a luxe scarf looped around your neck, just so. A scarf rich in texture and embellishments is a quick way to change the look of whatever you are wearing. Think slim and soft as opposed to chunky knots. You want something long and loosely draped around your neck twice, with enough length to fall down the front of your body to the tops of your thighs. Think boho-chic, but high-end boho-chic.
In the shoe department, we are blessed with diverse choices. But beware—there are no wallflowers here! Gladiators are THE shoe to have right now. Worn with an evening dress or jeans, this look is so flexible and fun. With jeans, this is the ultimate contrast—the downtown cool and the Roman cutting-edge sharpness of Gladiators. Toeless ankle booties are very trendy—and downright sexy—worn with jeans or skirts. Try pony-hair ones or a metallic heel. These shoes scream fashion a la Siena Miller. Booties are the place to indulge in this Fall’s lust for patent leather. If you are shy, this may be a challenge best left to the bold. Nevertheless, leave the prim ballerina flats in the closet for now, and embrace details, chunky heels and soaring platforms. Shoes are the place to act out this Fall—be a daredevil and make a statement.
Stylist Rachel Zoe, who dresses the red carpet beauties, says that if you are going to splurge on a couple of items for your wardrobe this Fall, they should be a great pair of patent-leather platforms and a patent bag, as they have become classics in any color. If you want to buy a single piece this year to commemorate 2008, make it patent leather.
With that in mind, let’s shift gears to the two words to remember this season: streamlined and structured. You can emphasize your figure by wearing tapered pants and finish your outfit with a structured jacket that falls at the hip. Think sleek, snug and fitted, mixed with a touch of hobo cool and British countryside carefree elegance. Use belts as much as you possibly can to cinch waists and celebrate the female form. Patent leather is the most modern material to have in a belt this Fall; try one in brown, beige or black. Sleek, clean lines with a defined waist are so feminine and strong. The opposite extreme of this trend is the egg form or the tulip form. This voluminous style is modern and hip—be courageous and embrace the curves and the fluid forms. Try a soft tulip skirt with a wide belt and a diaphanous blouse with a ruffle at the neck. A rounded shoulder in a coat with wide sleeves will complement all the easy dresses of Fall and create contrast. Just be sure to indulge in this season’s signature colors—strong purples, oranges and cobalt blues. The softer shades from the runways are pale dusty blues, muted grays and mauve-pinks. Whatever you do, add color in your Fall wardrobe.
The little black dress comes back with a twist: It comes in lace. And it’s SHORT! If you opt to get a black lace skirt instead, blend it with other fabrics such as sequins or leather. Think Gwyneth Paltrow and wear nude stockings or, better yet, toned bare legs and the highest heels you dare. Remember your posture here: square your shoulders, stand straight and flaunt your newfound confidence. Add detail to the little black lace dress and top it off with a great little tuxedo jacket.
You must get a ruffled blouse this season. With jeans, pants or a skirt, it is totally flexible and can be found in so many styles and fabrics. There is one out there to please everyone! Its soft feminine form is flattering and contrasts nicely with the sleekness of lean trousers. Wear this under a belted, cashmere cardigan or a snug, cropped jacket.
Mix casual (in refined shapes) with luxurious (in bright, deconstructed forms and fluid lines) for the perfect juxtaposition of cool and fabulous. No matter what, this is a statement season, and minimalism is a trend of the past. Live large this Fall—embrace a mix of luxe and bold, soft and refined. And remember to dress with a sense of humor!
Flourish’s fashion column is by Francesca Agnoli and Leslie Brown.