When getting ready is half the fun!
By Nancy H. Rosenberg
As we embrace crisp fall mornings and cool, sunny days, fashionistas yearn to
pack away the flip-flops and shorts and get dressed up.
This fall, designers are revealing fashions with an astounding focus on detail.
Substantial shoulders and defined waistlines often anchor perfectly draped,
luxe fabrics, and accessories are featured prominently. Enormous statement
necklaces adorn geometric prints and fabrics are often pieced or painted with
bold, artistic flair. More than anything, designers this fall seem to be having
a lot of fun.
Global Style
In a nod to a universally increasing awareness of our interconnectedness in this
world, designers such as Bottega Veneta and Chloe are leaning heavily on textures, fabrics and cuts that recall cultures and
identities far from the runways of Paris, Milan, or New York. From
Moroccan-style beading to delicate Belgian lace to Japanese-style origami folds
and angles, looks this fall borrow from traditions that span the globe.
Natural Elements
Leather, wood, stones and metal all feature prominently in the accessories of
fall. The thin, barely-there necklaces of summer are giving way to much larger
pieces that allow the true beauty of the material to shine. From giant tiger’s eye pendants to large slabs of highly polished metals, an emphasis on quality
materials and size ensures that accessories are noticed… and appreciated.
Statement Pieces
This fall, large-scale adornments are often tasked with conveying a message.
Chalk it up to a feverish election season, but peace signs, skulls a la Ed Hardy, massive bejeweled crosses, and don’t bother-me-with-the-details Hello Kitty pieces adorn everything from handbags to motorcycle helmets. The result is a
personalization of fashion, the style equivalent of wearing a bumper sticker,
one step shy of election-year tee shirts and campaign buttons.
Buttons and Charms and Beads, Oh My!
Look for witty, whimsical details in unexpected places; a row of shiny buttons
adorning a headband, for example, or a string of wooden beads winding its way
across a leather belt. Handbags sport tassels and fringe, and shoes may be
adorned with beads, baubles, rhinestones, or perhaps a spray of leather roses.
Charms dangle at every conceivable opportunity. Juicy Couture started it; now everyone wants in on the action.
Zany Metallics
From fabrics with a slight sheen to blinding patent leather, shimmery, shiny
metallics are everywhere. Shoes, belts and handbags all reflect traces of gold,
silver, copper and sometimes all three. Go crazy! Metallics can be mixed and
matched. You may never have this opportunity again.
For Men Only
The focus for men this fall is slightly retro, with details such as inverted
pleats and sumptuous fabrics. Cardigans that zip or button are layered with
muted prints, and accessories such as leather belts and killer shades complete
the look. The baggy, gangsta look is over; the look for fall is more polished
and urbane.
Action-Packed Style and Fashion Websites
Before you hit the mall, stroll through a few of the deepest, most informative
fashion-forward websites, so you’ll have a better feel for the looks of the season and can make spot-on purchases
that reflect the best that the season has to offer. Here are a few of our
favorites:
Five Easy Pieces
Five must-have accessories for fall
A lace handbag
Opaque stockings
A cashmere scarf
Fancifully embellished heels
Chunky, statement jewelry