Each season, we will provide you with a Style Sheet spotlighting that season’s trends, new designs and colors. We’ve done the homework for you by reading Lucky, In Style, Bazaar, More, Fashion Boston and other print and on line publications to collect and integrate all the latest concepts and fashion ideas under one heading.
We believe that every woman has a style or look that works best for her and that eclipses fashion trends. Usually she has developed this personal style over years of trial and error. She knows what works on her body and in her life. We also believe a woman wants to look current and fashionable within this personal style. Our hope is that the Style Sheets will be like fashion Cliff Notes: abbreviated, to the point, useful. Clean ideas that speak to you and that you can use to add new elements to your existing clothing. In this way we hope you can update your wardrobe into the current season with clarity, economy and simplicity.
Trends This Season:
For Fall 2007, designers are moving away from soft, floating, smock-like dressing and anything reminiscent of Marie Antoinette. Instead they are trending towards a clean, contoured, sophisticated, tailored, even severe, look and line. (See Areli, Christopher Calvin)
Stronger shapes and silhouettes that are body conscious, not skin revealing, with womanly, not girly, lines…think Greta Garbo, not Dorothy in Oz. Young and girlish is out; unless of course, you ARE young and girlish, in which case, see KLD Signature, Angie, Nikky, Nolita, Star of India, Kaity.
Menswear, in moderation, has cycled back again. Leather trousers, oxford-like lace up short boots with unusual heels and even men’s ties showed up in the runway collections. Moderation is advised, however, so you’ll want to wear only one or two menswear pieces, not an entire outfit. (See Areli)
Knits are back with a vengeance. Of course, this makes sense as the weather is turning colder and we want to cover up to keep warm. The news is that this season’s knits are all about texture. Looped, shaggy, boiled wool, fairy-light weaves for layering, big cable stitches, appliqués, etc. (See Beyond Threads, Iridium, Sevilla, Neesh…by DAR, M. Gibson, BKG, Rico)
Tunics are everywhere. Knit or made of fabric, falling to the hip or the fingertips, belted or hanging loose, worn with a scoop neck or turtleneck and jeans or a pencil skirt, open or closed or buttoned at the front, tunics are a staple of the layered look for this fall. (See Endless Knot, Noblu, CTC, Kathleen Sommers, Dinah Lee, Exotic)
Graphics, often in tone-on-tone colors, showed up in skirts, suits, tops, jackets, coats. Worn with solid blocks of matching color, the graphics create movement and interest. Think of a Japanese woodcut, not a 70’s Carnaby Street look. (See Walking Art)
A general rule of thumb is as follows: When wearing volume on top, balance it with something that is narrow on the bottom…and vice versa. You can’t go wrong following this advice. Think of a tepee or an inverted tepee.
Colors and Combinations:
Color? YES!! Bright, hot and bold or acid and cool, color is everywhere. No need to give up the black and darks we love, though. Pair these bubblegum pinks, fuchsias and purples of all shades and intensities with black, navy, brown, slate, charcoal or bronze. (See Chantik, CTC, Deborah Parker, New Frontier Collection, Tania Nardia, Cut Loose)
If you’ve never had your colors “done”, this season is a good time to check out of the local library the classic on this subject: “Color Me Beautiful” by Carole Jackson. This will guide you towards the colors most flattering to you.
For example, given the popularity of purple this season, if you have Winter coloring, go for full-on royal purple (cool) but if you have Summer coloring, soft fuchsia, orchid or lavender (warm colors) will be more flattering shades for you.
In general, if you have Autumn or Spring coloring, select warm palettes. Warm colors are yellows, oranges and reds and other colors with one of these three in the mix.
If you have Winter or Summer coloring, select cool colors. Cool colors are green and blue or other colors with one of these in the mix.
The “new” color combination this fall is black paired with royal, navy, cobalt or slate blue.
Bold colors will need balancing with either more bold color or with a dark foundation. For example, a bubblegum pink blouse and orange skirt support and balance each other or an acid green top with a pair of charcoal colored of pants work well together.
Hemlines and Skirts:
Anything goes regarding hemlines. You’ll see everything from mini to ankle length. Short skirts or long tunics need to be paired with tights for both warmth and a “clean” look.
Lots of interest at the hemline includes ruffles, pleats, gathers, netting, tulip edges, scalloped edges, stripes, asymmetrical edges, and ribbons, although not all on the same skirt! (See Neesh by D.A.R., Krista Larson, Monika Turtle, Noblu)
Pencil skirts are still, thankfully, in vogue. The work horse of the working woman, the pencil skirt, too, will be seen in varying lengths.
Waistlines on skirts are raised for this season. The “look” is for the top of the skirt (or pants, for that matter) to reach as high as the rib cage and is paired with a skinny belt at the waist. If the skirt is below the knee, this creates a very long line and instant height. Pair a long pencil skirt, for example, with a crisp buttoned up shirt and you are immediately glamorous.
Full, flippy skirts that reach to the knees, or longer, worn with a body-hugging top and a skinny belt are very 1950’s and very much back in style. Top it off with a knitted cloche or beret and you are in business! (See Cottonfield, Sally Bridge, Dick + Jayne, Catherine Doll, Krista Larson)
On legs, wear opaque, knitted tights. Dark colors will generally work best so do stock up on black, navy, aubergine, charcoal etc.
Blouses and Tops:
Here is where our femininity can play out. Loose shell tops, long sleeved blouses with self-tie collars or ruffled fronts top off and balance out the menswear look.
Tunics have already been mentioned and can be paired with everything and anything including nothing but a belt.
Collared, button front shirts in autumnal shades and elegant fabrics are here again. Wear them tucked in or out with a belt. Wear it buttoned up to the neck with the back of the collar standing up or buttoned from the bust line down with a big chunky necklace to put a modern and fresh spin on this classic. (See Deborah Parker, Silk Box)
Abstract prints or solids on loose shell tops, often worn over a turtleneck, catch the eye and make a statement. (See Noblu, New Frontier)
Oh dear, bold shoulders. I suppose everything old eventually becomes new again, but don’t even think of pulling those 1980’s shoulder-padded throwbacks from the dark recesses of your closet. Today’s bold shoulders are positively wimpy to those of us who dressed like Green Bay Packers running backs in the 80’s. Bold now means a bit of a dropped shoulder line or a pleat or two in the shoulder seam or a bit of gathering to form a soft puffed sleeve. The intent is to add width on top to emphasize long and slim menswear lines on the bottom but to keep it feminine with a bit of softness.
Trousers:
As with skirts, anything goes vis-à-vis leg volume. Summer leggings have given way to skinny legged pants. Breezy palazzo pants of summer strolls on the beach have morphed into Hepburn-like widths. Choose freely among slouchy pants with a high rise, jodhpurs, stovepipe, high waist or on the waist (not below), cuffed or not, front, side or back closure, homely or glamorous fabrics in any color. (See Deborah Parker, Noblu, Areli, Monika Turtle, Kathleen Sommers, Silk Box, Frances Francis)
The usual style and fitting guidelines apply. For example, if you want volume at your rear end, select pants with rear pockets but if you want a flatter look behind you, wear trousers with a smooth back.
Trousers now appear with high waists and skinny belts, too. Again, pair volume on bottom with crisp and fitted on top and vice versa.
Well, we’re told that gauchos and gaucho length pants are O.U.T. Personally, I’d rather climb over a snow bank to reach my car wearing gauchos and flat boots than long cuffed pants and high heels, but maybe this isn’t an issue in Paris or Milan?
Jackets:
Jackets remain shorter, in general reaching the waist or just below it. Many have high ribbing to resemble a super-wide belt. Boxy to the waist is another popular look for this fall as is to-the-waist with a bit of an A-line bottom. (See Silk Box, Dana, Sally Bridge, New Frontier)
Short sleeved jackets are “in” for this fall. Combine one with a long sleeved turtleneck and bright contrasting colored gloves for a modern finish.
What to do with your long blazers from previous seasons, you ask? Not to worry. Simply button it up and slip on a skinny belt et viola! If your blazer is double-breasted, cross it over, but don’t button it up if you wear it with a belt.
Longer jackets are still with us, but this time around the waists are nipped in with darts or pleats or sewn-in waistbands resembling a hunting jacket. It’s that tailored menswear look again but with a feminine flourish.
Textured weaves and nubby finishes showed up a lot in jackets. They even LOOK warm.
Dresses and Suits:
You guessed it…menswear. Paid, herringbone, and pin stripes are transformed when made into gorgeous tailored dresses and suits.
The basic shift, worn just above the knee, seems to be the “it” silhouette this season worn both alone and under a suit jacket.
Interesting necklines, tucks, darts, pocket placement, and pleats are everywhere on dresses and suits from office wear to evening wear. These, too, are part of the menswear look in that garment construction is trending towards tailored. Visible construction has gone mainstream.
Modern suiting follows the same guidelines as pants, skirts, dresses and jackets, so apply the same principles that appear under those sections.
Outerwear:
Capes are all the rage and why not? They are universally flattering, practical and one size fits most. Lengths vary from mid-thigh to knee length. The shorter lengths pair well with shorter, slim skirts or trousers below, while the longer length cape will pair well with long skirts or trousers. (See CTC, Dana)
Double breasted coats with lapels (so you can wear that warm chunky scarf) in gorgeous colors are very much in fashion. Choose your favorite length, but go for color, the more fabulous the better. Don’t be afraid to choose scarlet, yellow, deep cobalt blue, or purple.
Do you love your black coat or find that there is no money in the budget for a new coat this year? Easy problem to solve. Simply pair your old favorite with bold colored gloves and matching hat or a brightly colored wide belt and matching gloves.
Interesting trim on coats and outerwear jackets was shown in all the runway collections. Fake or real fur and feathers tones down the in-your-face colors and adds interest and a hint of a feminine touch. The same is true of textured fabrics.
Hats are really the “new new thing” for the fall and winter season, not that in New England we need fashion to remind us to cover our heads when the temperature is below zero and the wind is blowing. Your Mother will be so happy.
Match your gloves and hat and go for color to set off your coat to be both fashionable and protected. (See Pantropic)
Accessories:
In General:
Beads on purses, shoes and belts. Jet beads, crystal and other glitz that reflects light is now viewed as day wear. (See DAS, Maruca, Spoiled Diva)
aux animal prints on purses, shoes, belts are the perfect foil for winter’s darker colors. They add energy, movement and contrast.
Feathers (real or faux) also will be seen on belts, bags and shoes/boots.
Long leather gloves, some above the elbow, in luscious colors are ideal for fall and into winter. Match them to your hat for a unified look.
Sunglasses come in all shapes but most designers are showing very large lens frames. Vintage Ray Ban or Vuarnet shapes and styles are in evidence everywhere. Wrap-around styles are very practical and aviator shapes are flattering to most faces.
The new gigantic weave, long and fat neck scarves are both fashionable and WARM! (See Richard Polish)
Bags:
Anything goes here. Satchels, roomy shoulder bags, frame bags, over sized bags, clutches, bike messenger bags.
What’s different about the shoulder bag is the longer length of the strap(s). This season’s shoulder bags ride at the hip or as low as the fingertips.
Metallic fabrics and leathers are very much in vogue, especially silver metallic. Animal skin prints such as snake, crocodile and alligator, zebra, cheetah, etc. were shown on every size and style bag.
Over sized bags are truly over sized. Some resemble a navy seaman’s duffel bag. Think about your stature and carrying capacity when you think about one of these large bags. After all, you don’t want to look like its moving day.
Clutches for day use are very popular. A “new” and versatile bag design has a relatively flat, rectangular shape with parallel handles. Fold the top and handles down to the mid-point of the bag and you have a clutch.
Patent Leather is very much in evidence for winter in fabulous colors only modern techniques could produce.
Shoes:
Everything from pointy toes and spike heels to shoe boots with platform soles built in. You’ll find round toe boxes, slightly rounded and pointed.
Many styles and shapes sport ankle straps. Not advisable for the workplace, ankle straps are lovely for evening or dressy events and grace shoes from the lowliest flats to the peaks of Manolo Blahnick.
As with bags of the season, metallics, animal prints and bright colors are featured.
Heel shapes vary, too, from pointed to chunky to comma-shaped.
Soles range between the standard flat sole to platforms of varying heights that are built in. You’ll find these modified platforms in open-toed or close-toed high heels, short and high boots with or without laces, as well as mid-range heel heights.
Belts:
Belts as wide as your rig cage, double or even triple buckled in dark leathers mimic the high waist garments and give a long lean line to your middle.
If your skirt or pants have a high waist, wear a narrow belt on your waist. If your dress has a contoured band at the waist, also choose a narrow belt.
Jewelry:
Lucite jewelry that is bright and easy to wear, relatively inexpensive, and informal pairs well with the menswear look, especially for day.
Wide cuff bracelets also are a great combination with the menswear look. Push up your sleeves to below the elbow, snap on a cuff and a pair of big earrings and you’re done!
Bangle bracelets, worn in multiples, continue to generate interest.
Chains of every gage are worn not only as jewelry for the ears, neck and wrist, but also adorn shoes, bags and belts. Moderation is the key here. If your bag has chains and buckles, that’s enough.
Chunky necklaces, earrings and pins also combine well with the menswear look and they are just plain fun.
Chunky watches with colored animal skin bands or chain bands are back in. I hope you stored yours where you can find it.
Key Words This Season:
Purple, plum, fuchsia
Black and blue
Red and anything
Short jackets
Wide belted midriff
Menswear
Tailored, constructed
Metallic
Animal prints, feathers
Textures
Baubles, bangles, and beads
Stylesheet courtesy of the Designers Circus
1 Braintree St
Allston, Ma 02134
617-747-4251
What’s in; What’s out; What’s Hot; What’s Not
Each season, we will provide you with a Style Sheet spotlighting that season’s trends, new designs and colors. We’ve done the homework for you by reading Lucky, In Style, Bazaar, More, Fashion Boston and other print and on line publications to collect and integrate all the latest concepts and fashion ideas under one heading.
We believe that every woman has a style or look that works best for her and that eclipses fashion trends. Usually she has developed this personal style over years of trial and error. She knows what works on her body and in her life. We also believe a woman wants to look current and fashionable within this personal style. Our hope is that the Style Sheets will be like fashion Cliff Notes: abbreviated, to the point, useful. Clean ideas that speak to you and that you can use to add new elements to your existing clothing. In this way we hope you can update your wardrobe into the current season with clarity, economy and simplicity.
Trends This Season:
For Fall 2007, designers are moving away from soft, floating, smock-like dressing and anything reminiscent of Marie Antoinette. Instead they are trending towards a clean, contoured, sophisticated, tailored, even severe, look and line. (See Areli, Christopher Calvin)
Stronger shapes and silhouettes that are body conscious, not skin revealing, with womanly, not girly, lines…think Greta Garbo, not Dorothy in Oz. Young and girlish is out; unless of course, you ARE young and girlish, in which case, see KLD Signature, Angie, Nikky, Nolita, Star of India, Kaity.
Menswear, in moderation, has cycled back again. Leather trousers, oxford-like lace up short boots with unusual heels and even men’s ties showed up in the runway collections. Moderation is advised, however, so you’ll want to wear only one or two menswear pieces, not an entire outfit. (See Areli)
Knits are back with a vengeance. Of course, this makes sense as the weather is turning colder and we want to cover up to keep warm. The news is that this season’s knits are all about texture. Looped, shaggy, boiled wool, fairy-light weaves for layering, big cable stitches, appliqués, etc. (See Beyond Threads, Iridium, Sevilla, Neesh…by DAR, M. Gibson, BKG, Rico)
Tunics are everywhere. Knit or made of fabric, falling to the hip or the fingertips, belted or hanging loose, worn with a scoop neck or turtleneck and jeans or a pencil skirt, open or closed or buttoned at the front, tunics are a staple of the layered look for this fall. (See Endless Knot, Noblu, CTC, Kathleen Sommers, Dinah Lee, Exotic)
Graphics, often in tone-on-tone colors, showed up in skirts, suits, tops, jackets, coats. Worn with solid blocks of matching color, the graphics create movement and interest. Think of a Japanese woodcut, not a 70’s Carnaby Street look. (See Walking Art)
A general rule of thumb is as follows: When wearing volume on top, balance it with something that is narrow on the bottom…and vice versa. You can’t go wrong following this advice. Think of a tepee or an inverted tepee.
Colors and Combinations:
Color? YES!! Bright, hot and bold or acid and cool, color is everywhere. No need to give up the black and darks we love, though. Pair these bubblegum pinks, fuchsias and purples of all shades and intensities with black, navy, brown, slate, charcoal or bronze. (See Chantik, CTC, Deborah Parker, New Frontier Collection, Tania Nardia, Cut Loose)
If you’ve never had your colors “done”, this season is a good time to check out of the local library the classic on this subject: “Color Me Beautiful” by Carole Jackson. This will guide you towards the colors most flattering to you.
For example, given the popularity of purple this season, if you have Winter coloring, go for full-on royal purple (cool) but if you have Summer coloring, soft fuchsia, orchid or lavender (warm colors) will be more flattering shades for you.
In general, if you have Autumn or Spring coloring, select warm palettes. Warm colors are yellows, oranges and reds and other colors with one of these three in the mix.
If you have Winter or Summer coloring, select cool colors. Cool colors are green and blue or other colors with one of these in the mix.
The “new” color combination this fall is black paired with royal, navy, cobalt or slate blue.
Bold colors will need balancing with either more bold color or with a dark foundation. For example, a bubblegum pink blouse and orange skirt support and balance each other or an acid green top with a pair of charcoal colored of pants work well together.
Hemlines and Skirts:
Anything goes regarding hemlines. You’ll see everything from mini to ankle length. Short skirts or long tunics need to be paired with tights for both warmth and a “clean” look.
Lots of interest at the hemline includes ruffles, pleats, gathers, netting, tulip edges, scalloped edges, stripes, asymmetrical edges, and ribbons, although not all on the same skirt! (See Neesh by D.A.R., Krista Larson, Monika Turtle, Noblu)
Pencil skirts are still, thankfully, in vogue. The work horse of the working woman, the pencil skirt, too, will be seen in varying lengths.
Waistlines on skirts are raised for this season. The “look” is for the top of the skirt (or pants, for that matter) to reach as high as the rib cage and is paired with a skinny belt at the waist. If the skirt is below the knee, this creates a very long line and instant height. Pair a long pencil skirt, for example, with a crisp buttoned up shirt and you are immediately glamorous.
Full, flippy skirts that reach to the knees, or longer, worn with a body-hugging top and a skinny belt are very 1950’s and very much back in style. Top it off with a knitted cloche or beret and you are in business! (See Cottonfield, Sally Bridge, Dick + Jayne, Catherine Doll, Krista Larson)
On legs, wear opaque, knitted tights. Dark colors will generally work best so do stock up on black, navy, aubergine, charcoal etc.
Blouses and Tops:
Here is where our femininity can play out. Loose shell tops, long sleeved blouses with self-tie collars or ruffled fronts top off and balance out the menswear look.
Tunics have already been mentioned and can be paired with everything and anything including nothing but a belt.
Collared, button front shirts in autumnal shades and elegant fabrics are here again. Wear them tucked in or out with a belt. Wear it buttoned up to the neck with the back of the collar standing up or buttoned from the bust line down with a big chunky necklace to put a modern and fresh spin on this classic. (See Deborah Parker, Silk Box)
Abstract prints or solids on loose shell tops, often worn over a turtleneck, catch the eye and make a statement. (See Noblu, New Frontier)
Oh dear, bold shoulders. I suppose everything old eventually becomes new again, but don’t even think of pulling those 1980’s shoulder-padded throwbacks from the dark recesses of your closet. Today’s bold shoulders are positively wimpy to those of us who dressed like Green Bay Packers running backs in the 80’s. Bold now means a bit of a dropped shoulder line or a pleat or two in the shoulder seam or a bit of gathering to form a soft puffed sleeve. The intent is to add width on top to emphasize long and slim menswear lines on the bottom but to keep it feminine with a bit of softness.
Trousers:
As with skirts, anything goes vis-à-vis leg volume. Summer leggings have given way to skinny legged pants. Breezy palazzo pants of summer strolls on the beach have morphed into Hepburn-like widths. Choose freely among slouchy pants with a high rise, jodhpurs, stovepipe, high waist or on the waist (not below), cuffed or not, front, side or back closure, homely or glamorous fabrics in any color. (See Deborah Parker, Noblu, Areli, Monika Turtle, Kathleen Sommers, Silk Box, Frances Francis)
The usual style and fitting guidelines apply. For example, if you want volume at your rear end, select pants with rear pockets but if you want a flatter look behind you, wear trousers with a smooth back.
Trousers now appear with high waists and skinny belts, too. Again, pair volume on bottom with crisp and fitted on top and vice versa.
Well, we’re told that gauchos and gaucho length pants are O.U.T. Personally, I’d rather climb over a snow bank to reach my car wearing gauchos and flat boots than long cuffed pants and high heels, but maybe this isn’t an issue in Paris or Milan?
Jackets:
Jackets remain shorter, in general reaching the waist or just below it. Many have high ribbing to resemble a super-wide belt. Boxy to the waist is another popular look for this fall as is to-the-waist with a bit of an A-line bottom. (See Silk Box, Dana, Sally Bridge, New Frontier)
Short sleeved jackets are “in” for this fall. Combine one with a long sleeved turtleneck and bright contrasting colored gloves for a modern finish.
What to do with your long blazers from previous seasons, you ask? Not to worry. Simply button it up and slip on a skinny belt et viola! If your blazer is double-breasted, cross it over, but don’t button it up if you wear it with a belt.
Longer jackets are still with us, but this time around the waists are nipped in with darts or pleats or sewn-in waistbands resembling a hunting jacket. It’s that tailored menswear look again but with a feminine flourish.
Textured weaves and nubby finishes showed up a lot in jackets. They even LOOK warm.
Dresses and Suits:
You guessed it…menswear. Paid, herringbone, and pin stripes are transformed when made into gorgeous tailored dresses and suits.
The basic shift, worn just above the knee, seems to be the “it” silhouette this season worn both alone and under a suit jacket.
Interesting necklines, tucks, darts, pocket placement, and pleats are everywhere on dresses and suits from office wear to evening wear. These, too, are part of the menswear look in that garment construction is trending towards tailored. Visible construction has gone mainstream.
Modern suiting follows the same guidelines as pants, skirts, dresses and jackets, so apply the same principles that appear under those sections.
Outerwear:
Capes are all the rage and why not? They are universally flattering, practical and one size fits most. Lengths vary from mid-thigh to knee length. The shorter lengths pair well with shorter, slim skirts or trousers below, while the longer length cape will pair well with long skirts or trousers. (See CTC, Dana)
Double breasted coats with lapels (so you can wear that warm chunky scarf) in gorgeous colors are very much in fashion. Choose your favorite length, but go for color, the more fabulous the better. Don’t be afraid to choose scarlet, yellow, deep cobalt blue, or purple.
Do you love your black coat or find that there is no money in the budget for a new coat this year? Easy problem to solve. Simply pair your old favorite with bold colored gloves and matching hat or a brightly colored wide belt and matching gloves.
Interesting trim on coats and outerwear jackets was shown in all the runway collections. Fake or real fur and feathers tones down the in-your-face colors and adds interest and a hint of a feminine touch. The same is true of textured fabrics.
Hats are really the “new new thing” for the fall and winter season, not that in New England we need fashion to remind us to cover our heads when the temperature is below zero and the wind is blowing. Your Mother will be so happy.
Match your gloves and hat and go for color to set off your coat to be both fashionable and protected. (See Pantropic)
Accessories:
In General:
Beads on purses, shoes and belts. Jet beads, crystal and other glitz that reflects light is now viewed as day wear. (See DAS, Maruca, Spoiled Diva)
aux animal prints on purses, shoes, belts are the perfect foil for winter’s darker colors. They add energy, movement and contrast.
Feathers (real or faux) also will be seen on belts, bags and shoes/boots.
Long leather gloves, some above the elbow, in luscious colors are ideal for fall and into winter. Match them to your hat for a unified look.
Sunglasses come in all shapes but most designers are showing very large lens frames. Vintage Ray Ban or Vuarnet shapes and styles are in evidence everywhere. Wrap-around styles are very practical and aviator shapes are flattering to most faces.
The new gigantic weave, long and fat neck scarves are both fashionable and WARM! (See Richard Polish)
Bags:
Anything goes here. Satchels, roomy shoulder bags, frame bags, over sized bags, clutches, bike messenger bags.
What’s different about the shoulder bag is the longer length of the strap(s). This season’s shoulder bags ride at the hip or as low as the fingertips.
Metallic fabrics and leathers are very much in vogue, especially silver metallic. Animal skin prints such as snake, crocodile and alligator, zebra, cheetah, etc. were shown on every size and style bag.
Over sized bags are truly over sized. Some resemble a navy seaman’s duffel bag. Think about your stature and carrying capacity when you think about one of these large bags. After all, you don’t want to look like its moving day.
Clutches for day use are very popular. A “new” and versatile bag design has a relatively flat, rectangular shape with parallel handles. Fold the top and handles down to the mid-point of the bag and you have a clutch.
Patent Leather is very much in evidence for winter in fabulous colors only modern techniques could produce.
Shoes:
Everything from pointy toes and spike heels to shoe boots with platform soles built in. You’ll find round toe boxes, slightly rounded and pointed.
Many styles and shapes sport ankle straps. Not advisable for the workplace, ankle straps are lovely for evening or dressy events and grace shoes from the lowliest flats to the peaks of Manolo Blahnick.
As with bags of the season, metallics, animal prints and bright colors are featured.
Heel shapes vary, too, from pointed to chunky to comma-shaped.
Soles range between the standard flat sole to platforms of varying heights that are built in. You’ll find these modified platforms in open-toed or close-toed high heels, short and high boots with or without laces, as well as mid-range heel heights.
Belts:
Belts as wide as your rig cage, double or even triple buckled in dark leathers mimic the high waist garments and give a long lean line to your middle.
If your skirt or pants have a high waist, wear a narrow belt on your waist. If your dress has a contoured band at the waist, also choose a narrow belt.
Jewelry:
Lucite jewelry that is bright and easy to wear, relatively inexpensive, and informal pairs well with the menswear look, especially for day.
Wide cuff bracelets also are a great combination with the menswear look. Push up your sleeves to below the elbow, snap on a cuff and a pair of big earrings and you’re done!
Bangle bracelets, worn in multiples, continue to generate interest.
Chains of every gage are worn not only as jewelry for the ears, neck and wrist, but also adorn shoes, bags and belts. Moderation is the key here. If your bag has chains and buckles, that’s enough.
Chunky necklaces, earrings and pins also combine well with the menswear look and they are just plain fun.
Chunky watches with colored animal skin bands or chain bands are back in. I hope you stored yours where you can find it.
Key Words This Season:
Purple, plum, fuchsia
Black and blue
Red and anything
Short jackets
Wide belted midriff
Menswear
Tailored, constructed
Metallic
Animal prints, feathers
Textures
Baubles, bangles, and beads
Stylesheet courtesy of the Designers Circus
1 Braintree St
Allston, Ma 02134
617-747-4251
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