Embellishments make fall fashions opulent
A fancy fitted jacket should be the fashion must have for the season.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Plain Jane routine isn't going to cut it for fall. From jackets to shoes, it's all in the details: brocade, embroidery, sequins, grommets, fur, lots of pattern and velvet, velvet, velvet.
"Opulent" is the fashion adjective of the moment. The theme is everyday luxury. So, update your work suit with an Edwardian blouse. Go bohemian with a full skirt but in an unexpectedly dressy fabric, like satin or taffeta. Buy a seemingly frivolous patterned coat -- with its fitted cut and feminine details, it can do double duty as a dress. Pair creams and brown with rich jewel tones or dress in black (perhaps you've heard, it's back) from head to toe. And wear velvet -- did we mention velvet? -- all day.
"A lot of things we're seeing right now are very familiar pieces, but they're done in a new fabric or color," says Nordstrom fashion director Gregg Andrews. "It's about juxtaposition -- denim with velvet. That makes it easy to get a lot of use out of it."
If you were to buy just one new piece (and bravo, if you're that disciplined), it would have to be a fancy, fitted jacket. Andrews calls it the "special jacket" but says you shouldn't save it for special occasions. Wear it to the office with a crisp shirt and trousers. Wear it out to dinner with jeans and lingerie-inspired camisole. Wear it to a party with a full taffeta skirt.
Influential
Everyday luxury means the still-present bohemian influence and dressing up are not at odds. This time around, the bohemian look is more refined, Marshall Field's fashion expert Laura Schara says. Slouchy tops are cinched with decorative belts, for example. There's an Eastern European flavor to the tiered skirts, romantic blouses and layered necklaces you'll see all over the mall.
So what does it all mean for your wardrobe? Embrace the embellishments. If jeans with beading or a velvet jacket is too much for you, consider a glamorous scarf or detailed handbag or decorated shoe. Says Schara, "It's fun to have unique pieces."
Fashion that fits
Skinny jeans, oversized sweaters -- it all looks great on models. But Mall of America fashion expert Sara Rogers helps women play with proportions to pull off some (never attempt all) of the newest looks:
UCropped trousers: Not for petite girls. But if you're average or tall, try them with a high-heel boot and one of the new, longer, cardigan sweater coats.
UCropped sweaters: The key is the layering component underneath. Look for longer styles. If you have tummy concerns, look for a fabric that will skim over your middle with grace and ease, like satin.
UFull skirts: If you're fuller- figured, an A-line skirt isn't necessarily your best friend. A fitted style that flares would be more flattering.
USkinny-leg pants: You need a boyish figure to look good. Otherwise, find a jacket that's more forgiving over the thigh to wear with them. Or skip this trend and stick with boot-cut pants -- they balance your curves.
UBlouses: Don't go too costumey, but poet sleeves are great for fuller arms.
UEmbellished belts: Fuller-figured beauties are not going to rock with that belt. Just remember to pick one fuller piece and balance it by keeping everything else narrow.
Everything goes
Can you still wear last year's tweed? Of course. Tweed is classic. Update with a lavender top or a feminine blouse.
Pointy-toe heels? Yes, especially with men's-inspired trousers. Round toes are newer, but almost everything goes this year.
Summer's wood bracelets? "I wouldn't do wood alone," Nordstrom's Andrews says. "But take some of those wood bangles, especially in darker colors, and mix them with gold."
Shearling? Absolutely. A lot of shearling-lined coats and vests are still being shown.
Bright color? Jewel tones and shades of purple look much newer, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be seen in pink or orange. Pair brights with warm neutrals rather than black. "Black is best worn as an ensemble -- black with black," Andrews says. "Black with color is not quite where we are right now."
Ponchos? You were warned last year not to invest a lot in this overplayed trend. Retire them. They'll be back eventually.