Fall is stocked with trends worth trying out and, aside from the hip-high slit skirts, extreme embellishments, radical florals and animal prints gone wild, many of the season’s hottest looks can be workplace friendly. Pamela Watson shares what’s hot right now.
Lower hemlines. Skirts that fall below your knee to about the middle of your calf are called the “midi length skirts” – get familiar with them. While this look might not be right for all body types – especially for shorter women – it can easily replace the pencil skirt in most situations. The longer length also means these skirts can be easily altered to accommodate for future trends.
Textures and colors. Though black and white will always be in style, color-on-color or monochromatic ensembles mixed with varied textures like, tweeds, cashmeres and silks in the same hue is a savvy way to be subtly stylish at work. The top color this season is emerald green – it was on display everywhere, adding variety and depth to military-inspired pieces previewed in this season’s fashion shows.
Embrace white. We’ve heard “you can’t wear white after Labor Day.” Wrong! Winter whites are a wardrobe staple, especially when part of weather-appropriate styles. Save your white tanks and dresses for spring – now is the time for chunky sweaters, jeans and thick overcoats.
Velvet. Not often considered a “young” look, velvet dresses were seen on the runways of Emporio Armani, Diane Von Furstenberg, Phillip Lim and others. Be on the lookout for crushed velvet or low-pile velvet that can almost be mistaken for suede in a variety of deep, jewel-toned colors – such as garnet, amethyst, and sapphire – on the clothes racks this fall.
Stay grounded. Find your skinny stilettos a cozy spot in your closet, because they won’t get much play this season. The runways were all about lug soles, thick heels and rounded toes. This look will be adapted to loafers, boots, pumps, and sandals.
Think big. For outwear, “The bigger, the better” is the motto. Rounded shoulders, voluminous shapes, and an overall loose silhouette are making the mark with designers like Hermes, Thierry Mugler, Proenza Schouler and Alexander Wang. Try this item in a variety of patterns, materials and colors to pair with any outfit.
Go head-to-toe. Headwear is a vital accessory in the months ahead. The lineup of millinery options is endless, from cute beanies with pom-poms to fedoras in a plethora of fabrics and colors.
