This time of year usually connects us to nature in our wardrobe choices. We gravitate to warmer colors, cozy fabrics, and interesting textures. Different types of natural and complex prints come forward, along with the familiar classic designs..
This season: Classic Elegance is Updated
COLOR:
The typical seasonal colors are mixed with some of the Spring and Summer jewel-tone hold-overs. Due to the immensely popular Barbie movie, Fushia and Magenta will be a choice for Winters and Springs.
Golds, Teal-Greens, Teal-Blues. Jewel and Deep Blues, Plums, and Purples. Rich Burgundies. Burnt, Rusty Oranges, and Cinnamon.
The Neutrals are Dark Walnut Browns, Denim, Indigo Navy, Black, and Creamy White, which is usually worn during the holidays.
The Neutral + Shades are Tan and Cognac, Deep Moss, Herb and Forest Greens. Spicy Brown-Cinnamons.
DESIGN
Small woodland florals, leaves and other nature themes.
Plaids, stripes, menswear, including tiny medallions on both clothes and accessories.
Monet blended prints. Winding paisleys, Southwestern influences and animal prints.
Patchwork with a new, updated artisan style offering a twist to traditional designs.
FABRIC
Many soft textures like fleece, faux suede and sweatshirt fabric. Some are more nubby-like. Sherpa fleece or bouclé, which has a more refined short loop.
A wide range of knits from refined to cabled, waffle weaves, and multi-color chenille yarns.
Naturally, its tweed, corduroy and faux leather season. Stretch in these fabrics adds comfort and control.
Quilted outdoor fabrics are enhanced with light-weight, yet warm, qualities.
Fringe trims, tassels, and lace. Satin, shimmer and sparkle for dressy styles.
STYLE
Think Layers: Begin with 2 basic pants and 1-2 skirts.
Think timeless, versatile, effortlessly stylish layering with classic pieces such as a vest, blazer, or outdoor knit jacket. One of those might have a cable, quilted, or unique design for interest.
Wear these over a shirt or sweater. Add a scarf, or finish with a cross-body purse or a tote in an interesting design you like.
Don’t forget to wear just the right flats, chunk heel shoes, or boots… and a smile.
STYLE
Tops
Lengths will vary from just below the waist, to hip or tunic length.
Always choose what looks best on you!
Ruffle neckline, sleeve, and hem edges, or fringe on sleeves and hemlines. Billowy sleeves; some are lacy or sheer.
Relaxed fit blouses, shirts, and tunics. Tees and tops with a center gathered seam are figure flattering, and dressier than your standard tee.
Johnny collar knits. They are a pullover with a short zipper or buttons. Layer over a blouse or tee if you wish.
Cardigans, short or long, lighter weights or heavier cabled knits. Some have front patch pockets: two at the hem, or two more added at the bustline. A matching tank, tee, or other top is a bonus.
Vests are perfect for layering. Button-up, or the casual zip style.
Some sweatshirts are dressed up with a more fitted styling, and ruffled collars and sleeves. Skip the ruffles if you’re a Fall.
STYLE
Pants
You will be able to choose from every length, width, and waistline placement that suits you best.
Wider pants need a higher heel so the hem hangs well to your instep and covers part of the heel.
Fine-wale stretch cords in both straight and flared legs.
Casual joggers, high-waisted leggings, and cozy fleece pants. I like matching top and bottom sets which can also be worn with a different color top for variety.
Pant suits come matched, but the two pieces can easily be mixed with other tops and bottoms, e.g. dress up dark jeans with the suit’s jacket. Add a shirt or sweater underneath.
STYLE
Skirts
A-line, straight, flared… choose your length.
Tiered styles, some with a peasant vibe, others in dressier floating fabrics.
Gauchos. These are part skirt, part pants.
Fringe-trimmed wrap skirts. Leather and denim skirts. Plain or button-front styles.
STYLE
Jackets & Coats
A basic neutral blazer is a must; then expand to a color that goes with many other outfits. Muted golds, forest greens, or teals mix well.
A current choice is the short Chanel jacket. It has a round collarless neckline, but it could be finessed by you Falls by wearing a collared shirt under it. The pointed collar tips will hide the round neckline. Try it to dress up jeans.
Short, above the hip capelets. These look good over a turtle neck top.
Warm, short sporty zip or classic buttoned cardigan-style jackets. Necklines vary from crew to V-neck.
Shirt jackets. Belted will give them a fitted style. You’ll see plaids or solid colors in faux suede, heavy cottons, or warm wool blends and sherpa.
Bomber style jackets in longer lengths, and some in prints. Quilted jackets.
Capes: pullover style, or buttoned and collared. Ponchos with zip necklines for ease.
Duster-style coats. They come to the knees, are simple and relaxed in style. Classic Trench or button-up coats.
STYLE
Dresses
Classic, go-anywhere sweater and other knit dresses. Short ones can be worn with below-the- knee ankle boots.
The new hoodie dress has an easy fit, and is above the knee. Wear it with tights and boots, or sneakers.
Fit and flare dresses are always flattering, as are side-wrap dresses, some having uneven hemlines. The classic shirt dress is a wardrobe staple, and can serve many purposes.
Button-up shirt dresses in corduroy with straight skirts. Zip-up denim dresses.
Dressy dresses in satin, shimmery, and sheer fabrics. Unusual necklines add a dramatic touch.
Billowy sleeves add glamour.
ACCESSORIES
Jewelry
Many natural beads and genuine stones, both chunky and refined. Mixed metals.
Artistic statement pieces. Pendants. Cascading beaded strands. Simple open chain necklaces, delicate or substantial styles
Stretch bracelets, bauble-bead style or cuffs.
Small pins in whimsical, classic, and seasonal themes.
Larger brooches with floral, leaf, or modern stylized designs.
ACCESSORIES
Shoes
A variety of prints, plaids, and stripes adorn many shoe styles.
Basic pumps are still an option, with 2” and up heights.
Boots, including the popular cowgirl boots. Short ankle boots to tall boots, and the new wedge heel boot. Kitten heel boots look dressier.
Flats are a step into comfort. Casual to dressy styles like moccasins, loafers, and Mary Janes. There are also chunky heels on Mary Janes.
Buckles, tassels, or bows and prints accent some loafers. (No bows for the Fall Harmony.)
Sneakers are plain, or have colorful designs.
ACCESSORIES
Handbags & Totes
A variety of styles in classic leather, faux suede, and a variety of printed fabrics. They are made with fancy to casual themes.
Cross-body bags, small evening bags, and coin purses.
ACCESSORIES
Details
Wool or felt fedora hats are trimmed with plain grosgrain ribbons, or dressed up with a brooch or feathers.
Floppy felt packable hats. Knit caps, plain or with a poof on top, or a band of sequins for sparkling fun.
Gloves that match knit caps and scarves, or purses.
Scarves, fun socks, and hair decor like barrettes and headbands
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 when
worn 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.
The bottom line: if it
doesn’t look good on you, it’s
not in style.
Continuing Your Winning Impressions
Call for class times and dates, or form your own group to suit your schedule