One of the hottest items for the Fall Fashion season is DENIM!!! There are so many new styles out there that there is one for every type of body. Denim can be worn by any body type. If you are choosing a denim piece as a fashion statement, be sure to know your body. In all reality, almost everyone can wear a skinny jean even if you think you can't. They are actually slimming if you purchase the correct size. If you are a little bottom heavy, choose a dark wash skinny. If you are skinnier on the bottom and a little heavier on top then choose a skinny jean that will accentuate your fabulous legs such as a mustard color. Have fun with Skinny jeans - don't be afraid of them! Remember jean leggings are not the same as skinny jeans. Leggings should
never be worn as pants. You should keep leggings as an undergarment under long tunics or shorter dresses. If you are standing up or bending over, you should not be able to see you "booty" in leggings. Ok, moving right along.....
You can buy all this fabulous denim at several locations such as Free People, Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy (if you are under the age of 35), Ann Taylor Loft. Another hot fashion statement this season are Cords!! Don't be afraid to throw in some color! FUN FUN for the fall!
Here are some tips as to how to dress for the fall according to me & What Not To Wear:
5: Ladylike Glamour
A popular look on the runway this year is known as "ladylike" -- classic and sophisticated style. Ladylike isn't overtly sexy or glam; think Betty Draper in "Mad Men." Ladylike fashion means accentuating curves without showing too much skin. In fact, in designer Louis Vuitton's show in spring 2010, he hired famously curvaceous models to walk his fashions -- Adriana Lima, Bar Refaeli, Laetitia Casta and Elle Macpherson.
You can find this look just about anywhere, not just in upscale designer boutiques. Keep an eye out for pieces like these when shopping at your favorite discount stores:
- Full-skirted dresses
- Small handbags
- Kitten heels
- Tailored pieces
- Defined waistlines
- Pencil skirts
- Pearls or faux pearl accessories
Mix and match these pieces, and you'll achieve the classic ladylike look.
4: Fur and Fleece
This fall, expect to see fur, shearling and fleece items in magazines and in stores. Shearling is the pelt of a lamb or sheep that's typically worn with the fur on the inside and the soft suede leather on the outside. The fall season preview included fur and shearling coats, vests, hoodies, and even fur-trimmed boots and gloves. Some designers are using goat and sheep shearling exclusively because these particular animals are raised for their meat and not merely for their skin or fur.
If you're on a budget, though, fur and shearling might not be for you. Luckily, many designers have come out with faux fur versions of these items. Faux fur and shearling clothing is much cheaper than the real thing. And if you're an animal lover, your conscience is clear.
3: Animal Prints
Seems like our furry friends are the "in" look this season, and leopard prints are coming out as the big winner. Leopard print coats, dresses, scarves and even boots made their way down the runway. Leopard prints are a fun accent and they'll make any neutral color pop. You can even pair leopard with bright colors if you're feeling particularly whimsical. Just remember that with animal prints, a little goes a long way. We suggest wearing only one animal print piece -- don't do it head to toe. Oh, and you shouldn't mix your animal prints, either. Zebra and leopard do not go together. The great thing about prints is that they're simple to reproduce, and you should be able to find them easily for low prices.
2: The Bohemian Look
The word "Bohemian" comes from the French word for "gypsy." Think funky, earthy, flowing ensembles. It's free-spirited, fun and artsy, but it's not sloppy. It's elegant.
Keep an eye out for peasant shirts and tunics, long skinny scarves, billowy skirts and boots. Prints and patterns, hats, and belts also do well with this look. Stick with earthy, muted colors and don't mix too many patterns. Because the Bohemian style includes so many pieces and accessories, it should be easy to put it together using items you can find in various stores. Just think about the pieces you want and the look you want to achieve, and discount shop until you've found the perfect outfit.
1: Accessories, Accessories, Accessories
Accessories can take a look from boring to beautiful, and add splashes of color and style. And our favorite thing about accessories is that they're cheap! You can change the look of an ensemble just by adding the right scarf or bracelet.
So what accessories are hot this fall? Knee socks, leopard-print bracelets and scarves. Fur or faux-fur handbags and clutches. Ankle boots. Ladylike gloves. Geometric necklaces. Metallics. Bold watches. With all this to choose from, how can you go wrong? And of course, there's one easy rule of thumb when it comes to accessorizing: Right before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory. Keep it simple and stylish.
If you have any questions about this year's fall style, please feel free to email me at bellarougestyle@yahoo.com. You can also pick up a copy of SA Scene magazine where I write a monthly fashion column. November's issue is all about Fall Fashion.
Have a stylish day!!
Jules
