The seasons are changing, and so is your wardrobe. Check out this fall’s popular color choices and fresh ideas for a fun and flirty outfit.
Well, ladies, we have a fashion-filled fall to look forward to, with some fun colors and out-of-the-ordinary trends.
The changing leaves mirror the hottest colors for Fall 2011. Mustard yellow is hip, a unique shade that calls to be the centerpiece of your outfit. Match a loose-fitting, mustard-yellow blouse with a pair of denim jeans and ballet flats for a simple, everyday outfit. For everyday outerwear, a light peacoat in mustard yellow will get lots of use. If yellow is too bright, look to dark greens, in a pretty blouse or an open-front cardigan, with gold accessories, for a simple, chic fall outfit.
Rust colors are making a comeback this season. For a flirty date-night outfit, wear a rust-red silk blouse with fitted pants and platform pumps. For a business ensemble, a rust-orange top paired with a suit or brown or khaki pants adds color without going overboard. Gold and brown accessories always go with these great fall colors. Ballet flats are still in style, so don’t be afraid to go with orange, green or yellow. If you’re unsure about these shades, start with a scarf or purse, and build up to your color comfort level.
The chilly air means we’ll be adding coats and jackets to our outfits. The versatile blazer can be worn at the office, paired with a dress at night, or combined with fitted denim jeans and a fancy blouse for everyday. For outerwear, the trench coat offers both wearability and fashion. Trench coats are weather-resistant and come in both traditional and fashion-forward styles. Pick a solid color like black or khaki, and brighten the look with some inexpensive solid or printed scarves.
Tweed is a timeless classic. Think Jackie O sophistication in the 21st century. A tweed blazer cut at the waist and trimmed is perfect for any occasion. To dress it up, add a silk or lace camisole with black pants. For a more casual look, go with a light sweater or boatneck top and your favorite pair of denim. If you’re not a blazer or jacket girl, go for a vest, in faux or real fur. These look best with longer tunics, tighter jeans/pants/leggings and knee-high boots. If fur isn’t really your thing, a simple puff vest will keep you warm and comes in an array of colors. When buying outerwear of any sort, be sure to try it on with a sweater or thicker clothes, to ensure that it still fits well and can be buttoned or zipped.
Plaid is the unexpected trend of the season, especially in jackets. Avoid an overabundance of yellows and oranges. A red, black and grey plaid coat is a great start. For daytime, pair dark denim, a grey-and-black fitted button-down and leather boots, with a newsboy cap for edge. For the office, try a plaid sheath dress with a solid-color cardigan, tights and solid pumps. Although there are some cute plaid pants out there, proceed with caution. The lighter and more solid the print, the more flattering it will be. An attractive grey plaid paired with a sweater or turtleneck is perfect for any event. But with these patterns, be sure of the fit. Plaid pieces that fit too tightly are a fashion nightmare.
A playful and easy fall fashion trend is stripes, and don’t be afraid to try some out-of-the-ordinary colors. You can’t go wrong with a striped top and denim jeans for daytime casual. Try a striped, long-sleeved dress and blazer with platform pumps for a night out on the town. Striped cardigans are great for just about anything. Striped tops, in a variety of colors, and in different styles, like V-, boat- or crew-neck, will add versatility to any wardrobe.
An easy trend to manage is pairing black and white. A black pencil skirt and white silk ruffled blouse with a black jeweled necklace will be so tres chic. Black skinny jeans and a black/white printed top with an open-front cardigan is perfect for a casual event. Pair leggings with sassy black knee-high boots and a white tank under a white see-through tunic for everyday. The black-and-white trend is also seen in polka dot tops and black blazers with white scarves or trim.
Although it’s fall, don’t be afraid to show a little leg. Designers have created lines of comfy, casual dresses that can be taken from day to night with a simple switch of accessories. If you’re curvy, try a bold print dress, with shades like orange, green and red, that belts at the waist and loosens up at the hips. If you’re tall, go with a sheath dress, but don’t reach for black. Try purple or green instead, worn with a striped cardigan. If you’re short, pick a dress that hits right before the knee, and avoid horizontal lines and oversized prints. Choose a small to medium diagonal plaid and finish with a bolero-style jacket.
Let’s take the changing weather in stride. There’s truly no need to go any farther than your local women’s apparel stores, where you’ll find the latest styles, keep your purchases local, help your local economy and look sharp all season long.
With this year’s fall fashions, we can put our best foot forward – whether in a cute knee-high boot or a bold-colored ballet flat – and look and feel our best. Stay warm, and stay chic!