Wardrobe Tips for Fall & Winter

Part 11 in a series by Karen A. Stevenson, President, Studio K Salon

Summer is officially over.  Time to re-visit your closet for fall and winter wardrobe.  Some outfits will obviously need freshening up in order to pass as new and trendy styles Fall 2002.  Last year, we didn’t have the more ‘hippy’ look of the 60’s.  Instead, we were able to get away with our pleated skirts, our tailored dresses, and pants.  What do we do NOW? 

Outfits, even professional ones, have changed to look more relaxed, more fun, and much more comfortable.  White crisp shirts and dress pants can be updated with a new and exciting blazer.  You can add fresh color by adding a scarf, or more dramatic inexpensive costume jewelry.  Skirts and tops can become a bit trendier looking by purchasing one or two hi-fashion belts worn around your hips with long suede ties.  Update your outfit by purchasing some fashion boots with a dramatic heel. 

The good news is, almost ANYTHING goes when it comes to hem length.  You can wear mini-skirts, mid length skirts, below the knee skirts.  Lace and leather can be a very romantic yet edgy look worn in certain instances.  Fashion still is trying to push the more ‘feminine’ look.  I have seen some outfits that are intentionally made to look ripped, tattered, and torn.  All consistent with the more razored and trendy looking haircuts that are much more carefree, more easily maintained, and allow for flow and movement.  Altering your hi-wasted pants by using a hip-fitting belt helps to manipulate your wardrobe into a more trendy appearance.  Purchasing a blouse that is sheer or crepe can easily update suits for women.  Wear this with bell looking cuffs rather than the tight fitting wristbands.  Add some wide leg pants to your wardrobe and lace-up boots and everyone will think you spent a fortune on your new wardrobe. 

One thing I personally am rebelling against is the new pointy-toed shoe coming back into fashion.  What an uncomfortable and bunion causing trend!  Ugh!  Hopefully this trend will come and go quickly.  One cannot deny, however, that they do look fun, and certainly have given the fashion industry something more to sell to the fashion conscious public.  Lace-up shirts have made a dramatic comeback as well.  Not all of these trends can be office-appropriate.  There is a fine line between looking fashionable and yet still professional with the trend that has swept our way this season. 

Leather coats, jackets, and blazers are sill as popular as ever.  Suede blazers, as well as leather seem to remain a wise purchase.  Long duster length jean-coats, or sweaters help those that wish to keep warm in the cold office.  Opaque tights will still be leg warmers of the season, mixed with a wool skirt or sweater skirt.

Hats are still a fashion plus if you feel you look good in them.  They can be a fashion statement all on their own.  Change out your jewelry for bolder, more trendy, more dynamic appearances and you’ll feel like you’ve updated your last-year dress. 

Classic wear has remained a staple for years and years.  This is the first year I’ve seen it take a back seat.  Don’t throw away your classic items, however.  Chances of them continuing on with first place in popularity again next year are very high.  Fashion does have a way of always making a come-back. 

Enjoy your wardrobe this winter.  Have a good time with it.  Give yourself permission to be a bit different, a bit more relaxed, and a bit more fun.  Allow the changes and trends to alter what you are used to, and try something new.  Look through fashion magazines and see what appeals to your eye.  Once you’ve ascertained a few looks that you think are something you would be open minded to, try a few items on at the store, and feel what it feels like to try that look on.  You might be excited and surprised!!

Good luck, and don’t forget to up-date your hair for your new look!