Welcome to the first of our Fall/Winter Style Series! Since we figure the cycling of trends is here to stay (as discussed here) we might as well cover what's current, how to make it work and what to run from screaming! First...

The Lovelies -
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Motorcycle Jacket!  Leather jackets never really go out of style and the main point of this trend is that it's fitted and hip length.  A nice simple blazer-style leather jacket fitting that description will work great.  Do not pair with heavy leather boots.  The jacket should be the only biker item in the ensemble.
  • Have one?  Pair it with your ultra feminine pieces to tone down the more sugary sweetness of spring & summer and carry those items through fall & winter.
  • Looking to invest?  The biker jacket is miles more versatile then a long Matrix-style coat.  Look for a close-fitting jacket without too many bells and whistles; i.e. avoid multiple heavy zippers and tons of superfluous seaming. 
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Nordstrom
Bright Coats!  Fall and winter coats are NOT something most people want to replace often.  That's why we buy black, brown or tan.  Neutral colors that will stand the test of time.  But a bright coat will do the same - as long as it's cut in a very classic style.  A brightly colored trench brings much needed vibrancy to fall and winter clothes and carries effortlessly through to spring. 
  • Have one?  Don't be afraid to pull it out and wear it as long as the weather will allow.  Pair it with neutral scarves, gloves and hats so as not to compete with the coat.
  • Looking to invest?  Keep the style classic.  Don't be afraid of pattern.  I have a bright pink trench with tiny white polka-dots that garners tons of compliments year after year. Consider a water resistant trench instead of wool.  It will be easier to keep the lighter color clean.
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Nordstrom
Long Gloves!  Around my neck of the woods cooler temps can come early but nothing so frigid as to warrant carrying a coat around all day.  A definite do is pairing long gloves and scarves with short-sleeved items.  It's elegant and unexpected and they're easy to carry with you. 
  • Have some? Pair with simple, more sophisticated tops, avoiding graphic tees and active wear.  
  • Looking to invest?  Leather gloves wear for decades.  Look for gloves and scarves in complementary tones but not necessarily matchy-matchy.  (click here for info on coordinating vs matching)
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Nordstrom
Fun winter accessories!  Have a black coat?  Add color around your face with a bright scarf and hat.  Dark coats beg for fun colors and patterns.
  • Have some?  Keep a lint roller in your car.  That lighter, brighter lint will show up fast on a dark coat.
  • Looking to invest?  Dots, stripes, plaids, and animal prints are timeless.  Choose the best material you can afford (ideally cashmere) so they will resist pilling and look great for years to come.
The "Maybies" -
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Nordstrom
Tough call, these over-the-knee-boots.  Personally, I think they look cool but you have to get skinny jeans that tuck into them easily.  And I'm not a fan of skinny jeans.  Thick leggings might also work, but that's a big might, and only with a longer tunic top.  Tricky... very tricky.
  • Have some? Nobody with any taste is wearing them with mini skirts and dresses (too tarty!).  Keep everything above the boots short and nicely covered up, like a cute short trench coat.
  • Looking to invest?  Only if you're in love with the style and are certain you'll wear it more than one year.  These boots don't come cheap (and if they do - double check the construction!)  Look for a simple cut that will more easily stand the test of time.
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Essie
Neon.  I'm an 80's child.  We did neon like never before and I agree with the sartorial mantra that if you were around the first time the trend hit, you can't wear it the same way the second time. Do a quick search for neon clothing and accessories  and many tacky results will suddenly glare from your screen.
  • Have something?  Make it an accent to neutrals.  The brights will look great with whites, tans, and denim.  Pull out those long lost bangles and pop 'em on your wrists.  Or let the neon grace the tip of a shoe or the straps on a sandal. 
  • Looking to invest?  Don't.  It's practically a guarantee you won't pull out that neon dress next year.  Instead, dip a toe in the trend, literally.  Neon nailpolish is a cheap way to have fun.  Me?  I'll be enjoying my bright orange toenail polish.  Later, when you don't want a full set of neon feet, it can become polka-dot or flower accents for a fun summer look.
The Nevers -
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Zappos
Harem Pants. DO NOT bother with the "boxy pant"/harem pant/baggy pant trend.  It's unflattering on everyone and will be gone in the blink of an eye.  Even if I have to gather every pair and bonfire them myself.  Who wants their hips to look huge, their legs to look short, and their crotch to hang down to their knees?  Run away from this one.  Far away.
  • Have some?  Turn them into cleaning rags.  Show the kids how cloth burns slower than paper, and how to dispose of the ashes.
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Nordstrom
Boyfriend Blazer/Boxy Blazer.  Ladies, anything that hides your shape is a don't!  This trend will make you look like... wait for it... A BOX!  Not good.  Check out this picture vs the one below it.  Even on this tiny little model - she looks shapeless and heavier than she is.
  • Have one?  Get thee to a tailor! (as discussed here)  It can most likely be taken up and in at all the right places to get you a flattering piece.  If not, stick it in the dress up box for your kids to be "daddy" and future hobo costumes.
  • Looking to invest?  Spend your pennies more wisely on a blazer like the one below.  You'll breathe sighs of relief for years to come. 
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Nordstrom
Ahhhh.  Much better.  Nice shape.  Timeless, slimming, flattering.

Hope this has helped excite you for the coming months!  I love jacket season.  Not so much "I-have-to-shovel-my-way-out-the-front-door" season, but jacket season is great. 
Stay tuned for Fall Style Series 2! 
 


Comments

Lisa S

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:22:00 am

Thank you for this post. I feel the same way about the way most of society dresses or the lack of style in their dressing. I wish I was more diligent about "dressing up" a little more when I do go out. Your post has inspired me. Thank you.

 



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