Fall / Winter 2016... The Reinvented Classics

Pastels are the surprise modern take in color choices for this season. These will be on warm sweaters, jackets, and coats. They are mint greens, soft pinks, and blues.

Shades of green... olive and moss greens, deep emerald green and Kelly green.

Red, berries, rich wine, and burgundy, orange, purple blue toward violet, and purple.

Gold and yellow.

The neutrals are a range of caramels like camel, tan, and taupe. Steel blues, navy, grey, and black. Bronze, gold, and silver metallics.

Menswear checks, plaids, and stripes. Large chevron designs have a graphic-arts look as do large abstracts.

Romantic floral and leaf prints. Micro abstracts and florals. Playful, whimsical prints.

Wildcat prints. Look for low contrast here to avoid a busy look. They are a Fall Harmony print.

Stripes feel new in monochromatic colors. Many stripes are bold with white added, and are for the Winter Harmony. The smaller, narrow stripes work well for Springs.

Knits... smooth and cables, crocheted. Leather and faux leather.

Menswear herringbone, English plaid tweeds, suede and faux suede (micro-suede).

Shearling (a crinkled-looking wool) used on jackets and coats as trims.

Velvet and lace. Embroidery and new mix of prints on lightweight knits. Tapestry made in to simple silhouettes.

Fine pleats on tops, skirts, and dresses. Fringe on you name it.

Tencel denim is a softer, more drapey alternative to traditional denim.

Try wearing your favorites in a new way. Shop your own closet before you hit the stores. As you do this, make a list of what's missing that could be added: an updated cardigan or vest, a new skirt shape or texture, a great scarf or piece of jewelry, fresh footwear. The perfect jacket or coat to top existing clothes.

Shirt-style blouses, tie-neck blouses, bell-sleeve sweaters and blouses.

We all can use a special blouse or top... something with shimmer, special details, or an unusual print. Pair this with your closet staples like a solid skirt or pants and dressy shoes.

Off-the-shoulder knits and blouses or cut-out shapes on the outer shoulders.

Asymmetrical tunics. The sleeveless ones worn now could be a layering piece when needed later on for cold weather. Crocheted tunics. Layer over a cami if needed for coverage underneath.

Vests, including the long vest which is easy to layer and gives a finished look.

Long cardigans. Some are crocheted in a variety of designs. Wear them over all one color, top to bottom, to look taller. Try to get a matching sweater or blouse, and pair them with a neutral short skirt, or slim pants, or leggings.

Culottes or wide-leg cropped pants. Leather versions can be dressed up or down.

Straight to skinny pants. Long vests, long cardigans, or tunics work well with these pants. Heels, ankle boots, booties, or loafers are the shoes. For athletic leggings, sneakers or slip- ons are best.

More flowy wide-leg trousers. Wear with slim tops. Micro-suede pants offer a luxurious feel, but can be dressed up or down.

Pant suits are still a good choice for work. Mix in a textured knit sweater-blazer for a new, yet still professional, twist.

Fancy pants in silk-cotton jacquard prints. Ankle pants in small abstracts.

Straight, A-line, and waist-defining wrap skirts with asymmetrical closures. Uneven hemlines, slit side seams, above-the-knee to midi-length skirts.

Visible zippers running off-center, down the front length of the skirt.

Boot skirts are longer, smooth through the hips, with a flared hem. Wear with slim long boots, or booties and tights for a sleek, long look.

Flounce-hem skirts are feminine and flattering.

Skirted suits sport a cropped jacket worn with a turtleneck or a tie-neck blouse, or a jacket with a pleated or flared peplum. They come in subtle menswear checks, Glen plaids, or herringbone. Swap the suit jacket for a knit sweater-blazer for another look and mood.

Lightweight leather and wool styles. Some are sleeveless, leaving room to add a thin, fitted turtleneck or tee-shirt underneath to create a sleeve.

Knit sweater dresses. Some have blended woven designs or bold stripes. A solid color offers more versatility. These dresses should skim over curves for a figure-flattering effect. They could also become a tunic when worn over slim pants. Taller or slimmer people will wear the latter best, or add heels to give yourself more visual height.

Knit dresses with pleated skirts have a fit and flare style.

Add a blazer or cardigan to a dress for the workplace for a change from the usual suit.

Sheath dresses with front side-draped wrap closures or kick pleats for flattering added interest. Some sheaths are sleeveless or have 3/4 length sleeves.

Evening dresses are short, or long. Some sparkle, shimmer, or shine. You'll see dresses with flat, wavy ruffles circling the dress or sewn asymmetrically. Off-shoulder or shoulder cut-out styles.

Blazers in English plaid tweeds are a good choice for the Fall Harmony. Corduroy, wool or knit, everyone can choose.

The trench in a variety of lengths. Tie, don't buckle, the belt for an effortless look.

A trench-cape combination has a trench look on the front with the cape as the sleeves and back. Trendy or Dramatic types might go for this look.

Utilitarian jackets in 3/4 lengths. Asymmetrical zipped closures.

Quilted jackets and coats (“puffers")

Cuddle up in a soft wrap-jacket or coat. Loosely tie at the waist, or trade the tie for a belt, instead.

The traditional camel coat... some have asymmetrical closures. Consider a coordinated coat and boot combination in one solid shade. Choose a soft neutral combo, or for more impact, a deep, saturated tone. A longer coat over the boots is key.

Fit and flare jackets give a peplum look which is flattering for straight, or slightly curved, figures.

Ponchos and capes. There are capes with sleeves and a front closure which gives you a jacket/cape combo for more warmth and ease of movement.

Bomber jackets in leather and "puffer" styles.

Make every add-on count.

Collar or choker necklaces are back, but are best on Springs. (They follow the circular shape that is their main design line.) There are elegant gold ones and velvet ones accented with a jewel.

Sculptural necklaces with sleek, simple shapes could dress up a tailored shirt.

Wearable art necklaces and bracelets made in fabric, stones, polished jungle seeds, and metallics. Animal print designs are also incorporated.

Dangle earrings work well when shoulders are bare and hair is up.

Rethink you scarf... swap out some of your necklaces for a silk or woven scarf. Choose a print for your all-solid outfit. Tie a scarf to your purse handle for a pop of color. Tie one around your ponytail or use as a belt.

You don't need to wear heels to be in style. Try loafers, mules, or ankle booties that are comfortable and chic.

Some mules have a loafer-look front styling. You'll see luxe loafers and mules in rich velvet, tweed with tassels or bling, and in patent leather.

Two-tone wooden heels on booties and other styles add interest for the trendy types. Biker booties also appeal to trendy tastes.

Chunky, stacked-wood heels. Fabric-covered heeled shoes. Ankle-strap flats and heels.

Platforms in prints and solids.

Corset and cage pumps. Plush velvet pumps and boots. Quilted ballet flats. Metallic sling back flats, pumps and boots. Dark metallics are a good dressy shoe choice instead of the mundane black.

Tall boots or over-the-knee options are worn with skinny jeans, or with skirts to give one long look.

Chunky military boots are back, but this time they look sleeker. Boots 5" above the ankles. They look more boot-like than ankle boots or booties, which are more shoe-like.

Short-strap shoulder bags. Shorter cross-body bags. Slouchy handbags as well as structured bags. Embroidered fabric bags.

Frontier stylings with fringe, tassels, and whip-stitch accents.

Fun little bucket bags with big personalities

Detachable faux fur collars, and a hint of glamour and warmth to sweaters, coats, and jackets.

Felt, wool, and patent leather hats. The latter are rain hats.

The cloche with feminine trims.