Fall Preview
August 2005

I was up in New York last weekend and was fortunate enough to get permission to take photography inside Bloomingdale’s. All of the images you see on this page came from that store. Now I realize that we don’t have a Bloomingdale’s down in the Triangle, nor are all of these styles appropriate for our more informal lifestyle. Nevertheless, we can take the best of fall fashion trends and modify them to our own personal style, color, and shape.

Fall colors are pretty typical - burnt orange, browns, golds - however, some of the colors we saw in Spring and Summer (turquoise, bright greens, corrals and pinks) mix wonderfully with the fall colors and make a great transisitional look. Check out this peach colored jacket (right). It works well with the neutral top and pants shown here but would also coordinate with a slim straight skirt (remember proportion - this longer below-hip length should not be paired with a calf-length skirt). Note the jacket length would be flattering for a women with large hips or derriere because the hem falls below this area. Worn with chunky jewelry as show here moves the eye upward.

The ethnic look that was so popular this summer is still around as evidenced in this ensemble on the right. The tiered floaty skirt is paired with a solid colored shell and beads (more on accessories in a minute). This feminine skirt is paired with a military-inspired semi-fitted jacket (note the shorter jacket with this below knee skirt). I like the way the jacket tones down the feminine skirt and makes this outfit appropriate for the office. Both of these ensembles are from Ellen Tracy.

FYI, this military influence is a look to watch and is showing up over and over. The evening ensemble by Michael Kors (below, right) pairs this jacket with a full skirt. Also, take note of the fuller skirt - were talking fifties here - and they are back. In fact, skirts and dresses are either full or pencil straight. If you are a plus-size, I would stay away from the full-skirt, but it does look great on rectangular shapes or women with large shoulders.

The pink dress shown on the, left, illustrates the slim silhouette also very popular this fall - think Jackie Kennedy. The minimum of detail speaks elegance and works well with most figure types. If you have a thick waist, go for less detail around the middle.

Here’s a trio of suit looks that illustrate other fall trends - fur for day (below, right). This look may not make it to North Carolina, but if you can find an overcoat with fur trim, go for it! Longer jackets are still around, but the topper jackets so popular last season (three-quarter sleeve, a-line shape and the definitive plaid) are nowhere to be found. Be careful with this longer length - on tall women, be sure the bottom is a contrasting color so as to not make you look even taller. For shorter women, definitely stick with a monochromatic look otherwise this length can make you look even shorter.

Back to accessories - everywhere I saw large beads -- either plastic, semi-precious stone, or wood. Large bracelet cuffs, worn in multiples are also very popular. Good news for plus-size women; you can carry these larger accessories! Petite women may find this look over-powering.