NYFW: Lesson 4

Reminiscent of the thirties, fifties and a touch of the seventies, many designers sent looks down the runway that emphasize the female form.  Pencil skirts, jackets nipped at the waist, sheaths, slim pants as well as curve hugging evening dresses all played up the hourglass silhouette while keeping the looks very chic and modern.  The key player in the return to this more classic and conservative look was the belt.  

The belt played a very important role in the majority of the fall shows.  Anything and everything was belted.  Designers played with the width of the belt, but the majority placed the belt at the waistline.  In other words, waist-defining looks are a key trend for the fall season.

As a big proponent of the belt, I find this trend very exciting!  I belt pretty much everything that can be belted... even my puffy coats.  I find it the quickest and easiest way to give yourself some shape and create a figure flattering look.  As you have probably guessed, Lesson 4 is about the belt.

  

There are many different belt options out there, but I find that I tend to wear a more rugged brown belt, a leopard print belt, a skinny black patent belt, a white silver-studded belt and my Carrie Bradshaw studded belt (wide black w/gold studs).  I definitely think you need to start with the basics and then grow your belt collection from there, but first you must figure out which types of belts are perfect for you.  

If you tend to belt a skirt and shirt combo or a dress, skinny belts are a must.  If you want to belt chunkier sweaters over jeans or skirts, you should probably go for a belt that is least one inch wide.  If you want your belts to make a statement, go for the really wide belts.  Belts are very personal and depend on your individual style, so no one's core group will be exactly the same. 

After you have assessed your style, start shopping your closet for beltable pieces.  This is a great time to pull out dresses, sweaters, and jackets that you haven't worn in awhile.  Now try a belt with these underused pieces and change up the look.  I have even belted a denim shirt over a maxi dress and it totally works!  

Keep this trend in mind as you peruse sales and spring styles.  Add pieces that will take you into the fall.  It's all about smart shopping, right?!

Inspiration from NYFW...

Rachel Zoe

Carlos Miele

Carolina Herrera

Michael Kors

Diane Von Furstenberg

Rag & Bone

Michael Kors

Carolina Herrera

My "go to" selection...

My belted denim shirt over a maxi dress... one of my fave combo's.

I am dying to belt my animal print maxi cardigan with my Carrie belt... maybe this weekend???

                                           - Allison

*Photos courtesy of nymag.com

Chunky Knits plus much, much more...

On the brink of the cold "winter" weather tomorrow, all I can think about are cozy sweaters, cute tunics, fabulous belts... anything and everything that has to do with layering!  It might as well snow tomorrow with the outfits that I have planned!  When I get into this mood, I head straight to my computer... "Free People, here I come"... to fulfill all of my clothing fantasies.

You may be wondering about my choice in stores... are they too young???  Well, in general, they do market towards twenty-somethings, but if you look close enough there are many pieces that will fit nicely into your wardrobe.  Plus, the bohemian feel of Free People adds a bit of fun and whimsy (we all need a dose here and there).  Another positive of the store... when you add a piece of their clothing or an accessory, you are not going to look like everyone else.

In general, I love their sweaters, dresses (many can be worn as tunics), and jewelry.  They also have great knit tops and slips to use as your base when layering.  The prices are reasonable (for the most part) and, of course, there are many splurge-worthy items... especially in the jewelry department!  You just have to remember that you are probably not going to wear the items the way they are styled online or in the store.  But, I do recommend checking out the website and just remember to think outside the box a bit... have some fun!  

                         - Allison

P.S. This is a great store for gift items!

*photos courtesy of freepeople.com