For most of us, Fall has arrived. We have put away our flip flops and dusted off our flats and wondered...
what to wear now? Well, to be quite honest, pretty much the same thing your wore last Fall. The trends just don't change the way they used to, but I won't complain about that... it's much easier on our wallets.
However, it's always fun to infuse a few new pieces each season, and it helps to keep your look current. I have lots of fun Fall ideas for you, but I wanted to kick off the new season with some tips from Harper's Bazaar Fashion & Beauty Editor, Avril Graham.
Avril recently visited the Paramus Neiman Marcus for a light lunch and fashion show. Referring to herself as a transplanted Brit, Avril not only wowed us with some killer looks, but also captivated the ladies with a few tales about recent trips to Great Britain to commentate on the royal wedding, the olympics and meeting the queen. She definitely needs to write a book one day... her stories could entertain you for hours!
But, more importantly, we we are here to discuss the fashion. Avril styled many looks that afternoon. The majority designed for the lady heading to the office, charity meetings, various luncheons, etc. As fabulous as they were, the real gems of the day were the tips that she threw in here and there while describing the various ensembles.
Let's get on with it, shall we?
1.
The Cardinal Rule - Always make sure to update your hairstyle, lipstick and shoes. You can wear the same black dress for years, but if your lip color is passé, you will look dated. The same holds true with your shoes. The changes do not have to be drastic. For example, if you like to wear red lipstick (that's me!), the trend this season is not as much of an orange/red, but more of an oxblood, deeper blue/red color. An easy, inexpensive way to keep your look on trend this Fall.
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Red lips are classic, but the shade varies from season to season.
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2.
Pointy Toes - Alright ladies, if you didn't believe me when I wrote about
Perfectly Pointed Toe, now you must listen to Avril. She reported that the return of the point was a key trend this season. It was the most prevalent style in the front row at Fashion Week last month. I don't know what could be more convincing...
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| Couldn't resist a little J.Crew... |
3.
Do Not Match Shoes & Handbags - Avril stressed this point look after look. Your outfit is much more modern looking when the handbag and shoes do not match. And,
never ever wear red shoes with a red handbag.
4.
Leather - If you haven't noticed yet, take a peek around... leather is everywhere this Fall. Dresses, pants, vests, jackets... the best part, is it isn't all real. There are fantastic vegan versions as well as waxed "leather" looking denim. It just takes a bit of shopping around.
P.S. Zara has some great less expensive leather pieces.
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| Keeping leather leggings refined with a tweed jacket. |
4.
Blush Tones - Add a little pop to your closet with a blush tone piece of clothing. It is a fresh looking neutral that will go with most of your closet (and most skin tones!)... black, brown or a midnight/navy blue.
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| A blush tone dress allows you to have fun with your shoes... |
5.
Accessory Update - Brooches are back. However, wearing them in unexpected places is much more current. Instead of on your jacket lapel, what about on your dress beneath... just peeking out from under your jacket? Handbags with a little bling are also big for daytime. Dress up your look with a little daytime sparkle.
6.
Mixing It Up - Not a new trend, but a continuing one, mixing various styles continues to rule the runway. Toughen a lady chic look with a heavier shoe and bag, or soften a tailored outfit with some lace or ruffles. This is the perfect way to infuse some personality into your everyday ensemble.
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| A sweet sweater dress with lace detailing is made edgier with a biker jacket and booties. |
Fabulous advice. Easy on the wallet. Done and done.
- Allison
*Photos courtesy of jcrew.com and nordstrom.com.
