Fall Fashion Survival Guide – What NOT to Wear
Store windows already display smart outfits to market the new fall and winter fashions. We know what is “in”, but what is “not so very in” right now? Here are some tips on what items you might want to pack away for another season.
Soft winter pastels
The delicate ice princess shades of pale pink, lavender and blue won’t mix well with the dark neutrals that dominate the fall and winter clothes. Black, charcoal and dark brown are paired with white, light gray and camel, but this isn’t the season for the softer shades. Against this somber backdrop look for deep jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire and amethyst to incorporate color into your wardrobe. A standout choice this season is a dress in lipstick red. Wear it and be noticed.
Layers of necklaces
Put the heavily embellished layers of bohemian jewelry away for another season. Going overboard with the accessories is the major fashion “DON’T” when wearing the fall looks. The trend in accessories is minimalist – think one large necklace or a single bold bangle. In fashion layouts the clothes themselves seem to be the accessories, layered sublimely over simple tights and boots. For a fresh look layer your body-conscious pieces under oversized shirts, unstructured knit cardigans or dusters.
Small clutch purses
Save the cute clutches for another year, this fall you will need to balance out the oversized fashions with a serious sack. This is the year of the carryall bag – a more stylish option than the sporty messenger bag. If you have been looking for a reason
to buy a new handbag this fall’s luscious leather offerings sport substantial hardware and pricetags but are worth every penny.
Flare-legged pants
The silhouette is layered up top and long and lean on the bottom. Skinny jeans in the darkest wash possible are a must have item . Black cigarette pants, slim cropped pants and skinny tuxedo pants are featured in many fall lines. This season also marks the return of leggings. Fear not, the comfortable but cringe-inducing mainstay of 1980’s fashion returns with a sense of maturity and practical style. Winter leggings in the finest wool are the ultimate in the skinny look and are reborn with a tunic length sweater and ankle boots.
Shrugs
With the exception of the oversized knit sweater shrug – the shrug of the past few seasons has evolved into the fitted cropped jacket. The selection of jackets for the fall are amazing, ranging in styles from tweedy equestrian to military to leather urban glam. Opt for one that is versatile enough to wear with a pair of elegant pants or those skinny jeans.
Fabric belts
The embroidered belts from the bohemian trend have been replaced with thick leather belts with impressive hardware. No longer slung about the hips, this fall the belts are firmly anchored at the waist lending shape to the layered look.
1940’s-look tweed suits
The look for the fall is edgier and less ladylike than in past seasons. Break up the suit for a change of pace and look. Nearly every fall line has some element of menswear, so this year give your tweed blazer an equestrian feel by pairing it with skinny wool pants and tall flat boots. Add a pair of the modern longer leather gloves to complete the look.
