By Brady Nichols Sloane
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The season is finally starting to change, which means it is time to bring out the cool weather clothing.
Fall fashion is the biggest season of the year. No matter your style, there is something new and fresh out there to help update your wardrobe.
Here are just a few of the fashion trends for this fall.
Ombré, from the French ombrer meaning "to shade," is a dip-dye effect given to fabric in which the color is graduated from light to dark (thebudgetbabe.com). Ombre is considered a cousin to tie-dye; with a sleeker, more chic final effect.
Ombre took the runways by storm and is now available in many locations with all price ranges. Dillard's at the Mall of Abilene carries ombre dresses. GO International, Target's program that provides affordable fashion created by world-renowned designers, just launched a line by Jonathon Saunders that includes a dress and a skirt in blue to black ombre, available for a limited time. Look for other ombre clothes, including tweeds and cardigans.
Purple dresses: Instead of the same little black dress, choose a dress in various shades of purple or other jewel tones. I found an incredible purple satin cocktail dress at Collections II by Holly Morgan and other great choices for evening and cocktail events. The owner chooses to buy an extremely limited number of her higher end dresses (many times just one) to ensure that "you won't run into your twin" while out on the town.
Collections II carries clothes for many occasions including casual for all ages. Brands in Collections II include BCBG, Trina Turk, Flax, and Lafayette 148. Casual wear includes Seven for All Mankind Jeans, Free People sweaters, tops and jackets and more. This is definitely a store to check out. Many brands are newly available to Abilene.
Statement jewelry and neckwear: Big necklaces and bracelets recharge any wardrobe. The bigger and more opulent, the better. Many statement necklaces are made from embroidered and beaded fabrics in dark, rich colors and muted golds.
Jeans: Jeans are a free-for-all this season.
Skinny jeans are still popular, so look for skinny jeans that are a bit too long; the slouch of the fabric around the ankles actually lengthens the leg and helps with proportion. Pair skinny jeans with an untucked oxford shirt (classic or wild) and adorned ballet flats.
Wide-leg trouser jeans look polished with a variety of tops and fitted blazers. Boot cut jeans are universally flattering and never fail.
Jeans are possibly the most stressful clothing item to purchase. If you find something you love, get it. Don't be afraid to spend a little money on denim. Shirts, dresses and other trendy items frequently go on clearance. Great jeans don't.
Katie Holmes, Lindsay Lohan, Reese Witherspoon and other celebrities are wearing the Boyfriend Jean. The Boyfriend Jean has a baggy fit, is distressed and sometimes has holes, and is usually cuffed at the ankle. Boyfriend Jeans aren't work appropriate, but do look very current when paired with a fitted top or jacket. Cuff them to just above the ankle.
Trendy stores are carrying a variation of the Boyfriend Jean or you can look for vintage, straight leg Levis 501s -- maybe you can even get them from your boyfriend (they should be a little big, but not baggy).
Long cardigans: Long cardigans popped up in the stores last year, but are more popular than ever.
Choose a long cardigan with a V-neck and close fit. Wear a long cardigan with slim fit trousers or skinny jeans to maintain a flattering proportion. Long cardigans looks great belted over a slim knee length sheath dress. Long cardigans are available almost anywhere, including Target and Wet Seal.
Country: The country look, popular for fall, is interpreted many ways.
Plaid is a big trend for fall. Feel free to mix plaids, wear more than one and don't be afraid to layer. Plaid flannel is back, and it isn't just for grunge fans anymore. Plus, flannel feels great in cold weather. Plaid flannel mini dresses can be found at a variety of stores.
Plaid can be translated into the English countryside look, Scottish tartans, NYC early punk, New England hiker and why not country/western?
Ya Ya Gurlz is a new store on South 1st Street that carries cowgirl chic clothing that can coordinate into any wardrobe. You can go all out with rhinestone covered belts, cowgirl boots and hats, or incorporate really great oxford shirts, embroidered tunics and dresses into a classic wardrobe.
There is a great variety of day dresses and cute casual evening dresses. Ya Ya Gurlz has a special promotion for Breast Cancer Awareness month: bring in a new/unworn bra, and receive 50 percent off a top in the store and entry into a drawing for a gift certificate.
Fringe: Fringe was another adornment seen all over the runways. Ya Ya Gurlz carries some wonderful leather purses with fringe and an over-the-shoulder strap. Moccasins are also popular. I found moccasins on sale at Target, but why not go to P& D Leather on South 1st Street and buy a kit to make them yourself?
Fringe is not restricted to leather. Try silk scarves and shawls with fringe over a military jacket and wide leg trousers.
Fringed items should be worn with other items in luxurious fabrics and colors. Dress it up for a Bohemian luxe look.
Boots, Boots, Boots and Booties. My favorite thing about cool weather is getting to wear boots, and this season has more styles than ever.
Look for equestrian style riding boots, tough biker boots, Minnetonka boots with fringe, tall dress boots with high heels, and even Uggs.
Looking for a boot to wear to an evening event? Try the bootie. The bootie is an ankle boot, hitting just above or below the ankle. The most flattering bootie has a thicker heel, which balances out the calf muscle. Booties look great with black tights and a mini-dress. Only the truly brave should wear booties without tights.
What else you need to know: Basically for fall, the rules are there are no rules. Wear what you love and incorporate the above trends to your liking. Many trends are continuing from previous seasons, enabling a variety of options and looks.
Keep your leggings or buy new leggings and tights at Kohl's or Dillard's. Keep those wide belts to wear over dresses and tunics. And if you love something but think the trend is over, keep it for a while. |
