Top Ten Fashion Picks: Fall/Winter 2006

Dress from Speigel

#1 Shades of Gray.
Gray — long known for its conservative nature — is anything but boring this season. Worn head to toe or combined with shades of navy, black and even brown and camel, it is a fresh way to celebrate the return of classic neutral colors that are dominating core suiting and separates this season.

 

#2 Sweater Dresses.
Belt them, ground them with a variety of short and tall boots and wear them over tights and leggings to create one of the season's hottest looks. Remember, outerwear should never be an afterthought — especially when donning a dress. Layer a shawl wrap over it or wear a loose duster-style coat to complement the easy and carefree look of sweater dressing this season.

Mo & J Military Jacket - $69.00 available at Nordstrom

#3 Military Inspired Jackets.
An updated jacket can be the centerpiece of any wardrobe. To be most on trend this season, select one featuring military styling and pair it with a slim cut bottom such as skinny jeans or riding pants. Since these jackets come embellished with such details as epaulets and oversized buttons, keep the rest of your accessories simple and uncluttered.

#4 The Opaque Leg .
Whether you choose traditional tights or the 80's-inspired footless leggings that end anywhere from just below the knee to the ankle, an opaque leg makes sweater dresses and skirts of all lengths more wearable. Black tights and leggings, in particular, can be the foundation of many great looks this season.

#5 Boots and Booties.
With so much volume on the top this season, boots of all sizes and shapes become more important as a way of balancing out your overall look. Wedge and platform heeled boots make a more fashion-forward statement, while ankle booties are a great choice for women with fuller calves and anyone who wants to wear skinny jeans and leggings without tucking them into a boot.

#6 Skinny Jeans.
While this look is certainly not for everyone (those with fuller legs and thighs should stick with a slight boot cut at the hem of their jeans to keep things in balance), if you can wear it, go for it! When paired with more voluminous blouses, shirts and sweaters on top, you can easily achieve the "skinny-on-the-bottom, fuller-on-the-top" silhouette that has re-emerged for the first time in several seasons.

Hobo International 'Norina' Work Tote $235.00 available at Nordstrom

#7 Red Accents.
In a sea of dark neutrals this season, red shoes, handbags, sweaters and skirts can go a long way to perk things up. The trick to making red accents stand out in a good way is to be sure you don't overdue it. A red leather A-line skirt, for instance, worn with black tights, black boots, a black top and black bag is a great example of how to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe this season.

#8 Simpler Handbags.
While many are still oversized, what makes them different this season is a more streamlined look. Gone are an abundance of outside pockets, ornate buckles and other details that were prevalent last spring and fall. The sleeker look of these bags allows them to complement rather than compete with the layered look of the moment. Gold, as opposed to silver hardware, is also a significant trend.

#9 White Shirts.
White is always right when you are thinking of adding a fresh new shirt to your wardrobe. This season, grab those with fuller sleeves, cascading front ruffles and other exaggerated details to compliment slimmer bottoms. For a more corporate look, select those that are slimmer cut through the bodice with simpler details on the cuff and sleeves that can easily be worn under suits without causing unnecessary bulk.

#10 Matching Pantsuit.
Finally, nothing is easier to coordinate than a matching pantsuit. Today's versions are less boxy, more figure flattering and often do not require a blouse or top underneath. The pants are more tapered and the jackets are more fitted and cropped. What hasn't changed with this type of suiting is pairing it with pumps, pearls and other simple accessories that set a business tone without being overly masculine. A gray pinstripe pantsuit worn with a slim white shirt, black pumps and a red bag is a great look for many working women looking to spice things up a bit without being a slave to fashion.

To do your own style searches, go to your favorite retailer or search engine and type in the item you are trying to find (i.e. "skinny jeans"). Then see what comes up! Good luck!

 

 

   

Back to listings of articles about Style