Take a walk in the woods this season, and you’ll see the rich colors and textures which always influence
fashion this time of year.
This Season: The Return of Cozy Layers
COLOR:
Rich harvest hues are always available in the Fall. Nature’s palette is restful, calming, and
brings with it a dash of spiciness as the leaves turn color.
So many greens from what we see in the forest, and the harvest of vegetables.
All the cinnamon, pumpkin, spice, and terra cotta shades. The golden tones of honey and sunflowers.
Teal-blues, dusty and deep blues. Blues with cooler hints of purple.
A variety of berry tones like blackberry, raspberry and a surprising warm, medium holly
berry pink.
Burgundy and regal purples finish out the palette.
The Neutrals, which are the backbone of a wardrobe, have the come-back brown family of
dark to chestnut hues. Also plentiful are dark and deep shades of herbs and moss, which are
a N+.
Neutral khaki beiges, camel, grey, navy, dark denim, & black.
Neutral + burgundy, dark red-purple, plum, or fig shades.
Remember, a Neutral is always worn to the outside of the body. You must add color to the center, near your face. A neutral + has more energy and can be worn anywhere, but has lower energy than the romantic, dramatic, and elegant colors. It offers a calm, quiet look.
This is a more effective use of neutrals and colors to make you look more interesting, having personality and style.
DESIGN
Woodland Florals, leafy designs, and colorful abstracts. Swirling paisley prints.
Colorful plaids, muted Glen plaids, muted checks, and stripes. Some stripes and plaids are
more creative in mixed directions, almost like patchwork.
A shirt in a variety of mixed plaids is a major mistake!
Leopard prints in deep rich browns with a more blended look are great for Falls. They look
sophisticated worn as a skirt with a cashmere sweater, or dressier when on a satin skirt.
FABRIC
Color-flecked yarns embrace the change of weather as do tweeds.
Cable, chevron, and waffle weave knits. Bouclé, a nubby knit.
Soft-knit layers, Metallic threads woven into some add a touch of luxury.
Knits combined with plaid flannel cuffs as accents.
Faux suede is always a Fall favorite, as is leather.
Mixed fabrics like soft-stretch corduroy, flannel, and denim for a patchwork effect. Some
having frayed or fringed edges add a rustic feel.
Embroidered fabrics. Satin and velour for a polished, casual skirt or dress, as well as for an
evening look. Velour jog suits are a nice step up from the usual cotton and fleece.
STYLE
It’s sweater weather, so you’ll see sweater dresses, sweater jackets, and sweater knits mixed
with other warm fabrics for new creative styling. Some combinations offer a dressy vibe.
STYLE -
Tops
It’s all in the details…that’s the main theme. Piping, lace, ribbons, ruffles, fringed edges.
Neckline details like tie-neck or bowed, sporty 1/4 zip necks, pleated crossover V-necks, and
ruffled round necks.
Blousy sleeves on sweaters and blouses, along with asymmetrical collars.
Shirts in plaids, checks, woodland prints, and solid colors.
Long and short cardigans with gentle, or loose, fits. Some are V-neck, buttoned, or just
straight which are open with no buttons.
“Boyfriend” cardigans are loose, oversized, and come in two lengths. If you have a slim
shape they could just look sloppy.
A skim-the-body cardigan would be a better choice, even for fuller figures.
The boyfriend style is better suited for teens and college students.
Sweater sets… These are a good finished look for the more casual workplace or social
event. They can be worn with pants or skirts. You also have the choice to wear just the cardigan
with a dress or blouse.
Tunics continue to be popular. Wear this longer top over tights, narrow or ankle pants. Long
over short or slim, is the right proportion.
Vests in a variety of fabrics. They are great for pulling an outfit together.
Sweatshirts are dressed up with prints, embroidery, or ruffled necks.
STYLE -
Pants
There are 3 main leg shapes: Fluid draping, Fitted through the hips with a flare leg, and
Straight. Choose your most flattering shape.
Much needed brown options for pants are showing up again…dark to chestnut shades.
Pull-on pants are gaining popularity, both for comfort, but also for eliminating the zipper
bulge under tops that are not tucked in.
Stretchy leather pants in neutral and bright colors.
Satin pants for special occasions or “just because.” The top you choose will set the mood. A
classic sweater set, tunic, or glittery knit will change the look to fit the occasion.
STYLE
- Skirts
A variety of skirt choices gives you options. There are several shapes, fabrics, and prints from
which to choose.
Pull-on skirts, pleated, and A-line in short to midi lengths.
Short skirts above the knees are warmed up worn with tights.
Midi length skirts in denim, suede, and satin. They have added style when worn with
boots. Skirts with paisley and autumn florals or leaves, as well as plaids.
Deep ruffled hems add a feminine flounce.
Skirts made with a bias cut look more flattering. and give a more elegant sweeping
movement.
STYLE -
Cardigans & Jackets
“Shacket” is the new term for a shirt-jacket style.
Blazers remain a classic staple in short, regular, or longer lengths. They feature plaids,
herringbone, and other tweeds, also solids. You’ll see shawl collars as well as traditional
notched lapels.
The classic Chanel style jackets. These can dress up your dark to medium-wash jeans. This is
not the best style for Falls, because of the round neckline. Some Fall types can make it work if
they wear it with a pointed collar shirt, which can cover and offset the round collar.
Moto zipped jackets, which have a diagonal zip toward the shoulders, are shorter in length.
Ponchos in casual, patterned, and dressier fabrics and colors.
Long and 3/4 length coats in classic styles. Most are single buttoned which are slimming. Double breasted coats add width, so if you are larger breasted, skip them.
STYLE -
Dresses
Tie-waist shirt dresses, short to midi length. Knit dresses ready to be dressed up or down.
Pullover styling with simplicity or added details: ruched waists, asymmetrical or cowl
necklines. Fit and flare silhouettes.
The more casual and sporty knit dresses with a polo collar and short buttoned placket, or the
Johnny collar which has an open V-neck and no buttons.
All the styles have elbow to 3/4 length sleeves.
For evening there are versatile jacket dresses in silky knits, with 3/4 length sleeves and open
front jackets.
Satin and shimmery dresses. Dresses with sheer or lace sleeves.
Sheer tiered layers overlay a matching slip or sleeveless body shaped under-dress.
Capelet dresses have a sleeveless sheath with an attached, softly draping sheer capelet overlay
that reaches to the waist.
Dresses with lace inserts on the bodice and sleeves. ß.
ACCESSORIES >- Jewelry
Accessories can make an outfit. They add flair, fun, or polish.
A new trend is mixing gold coins in with gold chains. The chains are rope, or open link, and
are in different length & sizes.
Mixed beads, necklaces and bracelets.
Nature themes on pendants and earrings. Natural stones in many colors.
Tassel necklaces and earrings. Braided glass seed beads in coordinated shades.
ACCESSORIES -
Shoes
Bows, (not for Falls) or buckles on flats. Block heels on both low and higher shoe styles,
both casual and dressy.
Basic pumps in low to thin heels.
Leopard prints, Glen plaids, suede, leather, calf hair and metal finishes.
Loafers, both casual and in the dressier patent leather.
Tall boots, ankle boots. Dressy booties in suede and leathers. Cozy linings for outdoor styles.
Athletic styles feature neutrals, colors, prints, and quilted stitching.
Slip-on clogs, and boots. Some with cozy sherpa fur.
ACCESSORIES -
Handbags
Neutrals, colors, and prints are seen on all styles.
Woven leather accents and pleating add personality and interest to simple bags.
The useful tote in leathers. Some are made in a new packable, lightweight canvas.
Crossbody bags are still a handy handsfree shopping or sightseeing option.
Backpacks are replacing handbags for all-day outings or travel. They are becoming more
stylish, having handy compartments, yet are not bulky.
ACCESSORIES -
Details
Jewelry for the hair when in up-dos, buns, twists, or ponytails. They can be adorned with
gilded bows.
Sparkling barrettes and clips.
Belts in leather with western styling, lacing, or others with sporty designs and animal
prints.
Sparkling evening belts.
Coat scarves are a cozy weather staple adding colorful interest to neutral jackets and coats.
Knit caps, berets, and beanies with gloves to match.
Fun socks.
Leather or suede hats in casual looks, and the stylish fedora style.
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