Once there was a single fashion trend, maybe two. Thankfully, for those of us who don’t fit into “The Trend,” a
gradual change has evolved, and there are now a myriad of choices.
Every day, at any moment, we can summon an endless flow of visuals through our electronic devices. Knowing
your Harmony’s colors and style lines helps you choose, or tweak, a trend as you like.
This Season: Something for Every Personality
COLOR
Reds from your Romantics to the N+ conservative versions. Even Pinks continue into this next
season (in warmer fabrics). Winters wear it with black; Springs and Summers, try it with grey, or
for more pop, with Hunter greens. Take pink out of the young ingenue look by choosing tailored
shapes and skip ruffles and bows.
Rust looks new when worn with your dark-wash jeans, Blue or Dramatic dark blues.
Camel, Khaki, Beiges, Cognac, Maple or Chocolate browns, grey and greige tones (a warmer
grey with beige or brown mixed into it).
DESIGN
When wearing prints, be sure to keep accessories minimal. Simple earrings that mimic the
print’s shape, and plain shoes prevent sensory overload.
Madras plaids, classic Tartan and Glen plaids. Houndstooth checks are a Fall or Winter
Harmony design. Falls use it in warm tweed shades and Winters may do a black and white color
scheme when large in scale.
Large abstract geometrics, Stripes, some are bold, botanical prints, whimsical Disney subjects.
Animal prints continue to be a staple. Clashing prints (multiple prints in different colors, all in
one outfit) Skip this misguided fashion whim. We’re not talking about coordinated prints.
FABRIC
Technology is giving itchy or hot fabrics –think polyester– a better feel in the hand, and stiff
fabrics more drape with less heaviness.
Knits, cabled, plain, or pleated. Soft shearling. Nubby tweeds are updated via a rainbow of colors
and a touch of sparkle. Camel hair.
Swishy, flirty fringe; crochet, faux fur.
Leathers, suede, patent leather. Grommets, a decorative detail, some with mirrored embroideries
giving a Swiss cheese effect.
The dressy brocade –an embossed woven-silk with metallic threads running through it. Sequins before sundown are just fine when used as accents.
STYLE
Athleisure is a strong trend. It’s clothing that with some minor additions, or substitutions, can be
worn to the gym, to work, or out to lunch.
There’s a mod 60’s and 70’s vibe with new twists. You’ll also see long, lean styles such as a tunic-
over trousers look, or clean angular lines forming geometric shapes.
Then, we have the opposite look of Victorian romantic stylings. Ruffles everywhere, pale colors
and Peter Pan collars. Much of this appeals to Ingenue Springs or Summers. A moderate approach works for the Classic types, using deeper colors and a touch of ruffles.
TOPS
You’ll see a return of the poet-like sleeve, which is a romantic style.
Bows tied at the neck on a blouse or at the waist.
High-neck knit sweaters with ruffled, short, stand-up collars, or a tie-neck. Pair with clean-lined
bottoms.
Shirt styles. Relaxed poncho-style sweaters and other oversized knit tops. Pair these with
leggings or other narrow pants and skirts.
Long vests and tunics. Vests, short or long, lend an instant finished look with the bonus of
coverage where you need it.
JACKETS & COATS
A blazer instantly elevates any outfit. Pay attention to a great fit.
Zipper details on leather moto jackets, military-style flight jackets, and athleisure jackets.
Embellished collars with a sprinkle of studs and beading. Jean jackets, plain, in colors, and with
added embellishments.
Long line blazers. Wear these over wide-leg trousers (if you’re tall), with a pleated, or straight
short skirt. A tie-neck blouse in a contrasting color or print will complete the outfit. Falls use a knot,
not a bow.
Long maxi-coats. This style is very elegant… especially over a midi-skirt. A 3/4 coat can also be
worn over a miniskirt for a sportier look. It’s a very versatile length.
Faux fur jackets and coats. (They’re made of polyester and acrylic.) Ponchos.
SKIRTS
A-line mod minis from the 60s in prints and distinctive textures; worn with Mary-Janes (on a
stacked heel this time around). Short boot shoes work well, too.
Leather, and suede pencil skirts, knit skirts, and asymmetrical closures on a variety of skirt
styles.
Plaid skirts. Plaids cut on the bias will drape nicely, and are more slimming than plaids cut on the
straight grain.
Pleated skirts. Skirts with long shredded or fringed strips over a lace or print slip peaking out.
Straight midiskirts, some with a slit on the middle seam, or the side seam, for style and ease of
movement.
PANTS
Trousers. Voluminous trousers with flared hems. High-waist trousers worn with tucked in tops,
short Moto or jean jackets, or a long open vest. Remember to balance a fuller pant, or skirt, with
a more fitted top.
Jeans with a variety of leg shapes. Choose your most flattering.
High-sheen pants for evening.
DRESSES
The sweater dress if you want to be cozy. Jersey knits in the classic wrap dress and curved-neck
style lines.
The two-in-one dress. The look of two pieces when it is really one. The top has a peplum effect
below the waist. This is a flattering style for many figures, especially when the peplum is more
tailored.
Evening dresses with sheen, shine, and frothy romantic stylings. Pearls, beads, and other
glamorous embellishments.
SUITS
Matching pieces. Flared midi-skirts with longer jackets and high-neck blouses. Trouser suits with
matching short jackets, or straight pants with longer jackets. Also monochromatic color combos.
A punch of color in a sleeveless jacket/tunic or 3/4 coat will let people know who’s running the
show (or at least should be).
An olive suit worn with a rust or cognac top will show you must have creative ideas. A forest
green suit and deep rose, or your elegant red purple, will express that, too.
ACCESSORIES
Jewelry
Our accessories are the punctuation, the attitude that give an outfit personality. Don’t under-
estimate them.
Minimalist earrings in sculptural designs. Wear these with high-neck blouses.
Long pendants in sleek shapes, tassels, or vintage heirloom looks. Don’t layer these. They should
stand on their own.
Vintage brooches are having a revival. Worn on a lapel, dress shoulder, or at the fold on an
asymmetrical skirt closure.
Safety-pin brooches with a variety of charms and jewels hanging on them.
Intricate brooches, barrettes, and hair clips decorate hairstyles.
Headbands bejeweled, made of satin or leather. Wear them closer to your hairline.
ACCESSORIES
Shoes & Boots
The feminine kitten heel is back again and done in suedes.
Basic and colorful pumps and flats. Romantic and architectural stylings.
Brocade shoes can transform a traditional grey suit or pant outfit.
Lace-up styles lend themselves to vintage or romantic looks.
Stacked heel shoes and boots. Wear them with a sweater dress, culottes, or wide-leg pants.
Bedazzled micro-jeweled shoes and slippers.
Ankle or shoe boots are worn with short skirts and maxi skirts, or with slim pants.
Tall boots and over-the-knee boots. The latter can replace tights with skirts. Slim boots are
dressier than slouchy styles.
Combat boots emerge with a more polished look with smooth edges and quality straps. Pair with
tailored, shorter skirts.
ACCESSORIES
Handbags
The newest look in handbags is to be square, or square with rounded edges. They resemble
everything from lunch boxes to treasure chests and trunks.
Short-handle bags with a flap or zip top, and pouch-shaped bags with draw-cords.
Cross-body bags.
Double-bag it with tote-and-purse combos. Laptop, lunch, and shoes go in the tote. Phone, wallet,
glasses, lipstick, and powder go into the smaller purse.
ACCESSORIES
Details
Skinny scarves loosely tied (no bows on these) inside an open-neck shirt.
Faux fur scarves around the neck, wider ones are stoles to be worn around the shoulders.
Knotted belts are cinched over blazers, sweaters, and coats.
Belts with buckles can have the long end lapped under and over the part around your waist to create
a tuck/knot.
Wide belts in strong colors for a retro 80’s look. Neutral colors, too.
Wide-brim hats with a ribbon, a tassel, or a feather trim.
Felt Fedoras.
Short and long statement gloves with offbeat colors and embellishments.
The bottom line: if it
doesn’t look good on you, it’s
not in style.
Let’s Talk About Proportion
Dressing to flatter your body shape is about choosing your best proportions for balance. Seemingly small
things can elevate your look.
If pants or skirts are short, wear longer tops… long over short.
If the bottom piece is long, then add a shorter top… short over long.
For visual interest layer different lengths, fabric weights, and textures, e.g., skinny pants
tucked into tall boots have good proportion and interest with a long, slouchy sweater.
A long top over a long bottom is the most difficult proportion to carry off. It takes a
tall person who is short-waisted. If tall and not short-waisted, wearing heels will help
lengthen the legs. For the shorter person, a 3-piece outfit with a long cardigan left open
to show a center top (tucked in, or not, whichever looks best on you) will visually balance
a long over long look.
When our look comes together in a way that looks authentic and balanced, we are more at
ease and feel more confident.