Wondering how to figure out your head-to-toe look for the season? Paying attention to each of these four things will give you the tools you need to look your best.
1. Pick a color, any color Are you in a color rut, wearing that black skirt again and again with a red or forest-green top?
Make color the first place you look to switch up your look this fall. Try:
Neon brights: orange, hot pink, rhubarb pink, red, fuchsia, chartreuse
Jewel tones: purple, burgundy, amethyst, all hues of blue, warm gold
Pretty neutrals: dark taupe, deep spinach green, camel, gray, coffee, and toffee
Beautiful metallics: gold, silver, bronze, copper
Maybe you only wear one or two colors, and black is one of them. If that's the case, remember that the fewer colors you wear, the more important texture and good design is. Black and white is a big color story this season. It's easy, especially if you look at how texture can add interest to color. Shiny surfaces mixed with matte ones add depth. Fur, leather and velvet are all distinctive materials to mix in for added luxury and interest.
2. Creating your 'style statement'I always tell clients
"Your outfit should tell a story." What's the story
your outfit is telling? What's your personal style narrative?
Here are
some themes that may inspire you, plus a few items that could satisfy your craving for the style narratives dominating this season's trends.
Old Hollywood: '40s-inspired suits; ruching details in glamorous gowns and dresses; fur stoles and long gloves worn to ladylike suits.
Dark Romantic (think classy Goth): black leather or pleather leggings, burnout velvet tops, black lace, black ruffles -- black
everythingWinter safari: bold animal prints in scarves, purses, blouses, and coats
Inspired romantic: oversized puff sleeves; poufy skirts; bodice-hugging jersey dresses.
Modern classic: polka dots, gloves, camel coat, gray wool suits, straight cut semi-wide leg trousers
Femme fatale: draped goddess blouses, platform pumps, short and belted tunic dresses, long-line gloves; corsets; laced tights.
Fashion flashback: plaid shirts; big-shouldered jackets; neon-colored separates; Art Deco-patterned dresses and jackets.
3. Choose your accessory statementAccessories are the EASIEST way to
bring your wardrobe forward into the current season. Here are just two possibilities:
First, a belt. (Look at what Michelle Obama's done for belts!) Consider wearing a white shirt and add a cardigan but don't close it -- leave it open in the center four to six inches -- then belt the whole thing with a skinny leaopard print belt or a wide croc version. Wear this with pants or a skirt, and you're set.
Or take a fresh look at your jewelry: If you haven't raided your mother's jewelry drawer yet, it's time! You may find long chains, pearls or bangles that make your other clothes
look current this season.
4. Focal point Every outfit needs a focal point (maybe even a secondary one). Where do you want to focus attention? Many clothes this season offer their own natural spotlights.
Consider some of the following:
For the face: Bring attention to the face with scarves, portrait-collared dresses, chunky necklaces, or giant hoop or chandelier earrings
Shoulders: asymmetrical, shoulder padded suits, draped fabric from the shoulder line in tops or dresses.
Arms: Sleeveless sheaths with over-the-elbow gloves or short-sleeved sweater tops will show off your arms
Bust: We're seeing lots of ruffles, which can bring attention to the bustline
Waist: Wide belts show off the waist. Also, tuck in your tops and wear a contrasting colored bottom.
Hips: Pants belted low, or long tunics or cardigans belted low, will show off the hip area. So will slouchy handbags falling from your shoulders.
Legs: Thigh-high boots will show nearly the whole leg. Or try wearing skinny jeans or slim leather pants.
Feet: The bootie is back -- the ankle bootie, that is. Or consider artistic platform pumps (worn with complementary jewel-tone tights), studded flats or heels.
