In Style

Fall fashion is earthtones

By KELSEY BLACKWELL
UNIVERSITY JOURNAL

New York’s twice annual fashion extravaganza, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, took place Sept. 18-22 in Bryant Park, culminating the list of what’s hot and what’s not for the upcoming fall and winter season.
Students can expect to find their favorite items in beige, tan and white this season fashion guru Linda Stretton said on the Web site www.fashionz.co.uk/html.
Stretton listed several items on her site that will gain popularity this season.
Romantic, flirty lace tops and soft materials will see fame this fall. This look emphasizes soft materials such as velvet and chiffon and can be accentuated with ribbons and ruffles.
Global style, punctuated by black fur-trimmed sweater coats and multicolored, tiered lace skirts, will be popular this season as well. Instyle Magazine advocates pairing these pieces with casual items to create an every day look.
Heavy knits for warmth will be seen this winter. Lace-up pointelle sweaters and belted knit jackets are what to look for, Stretton said.
Free form geometric prints in skirts and peasant blouses should be worn this fall, accompanied by a stonewashed jacket or jeans.
According to Instyle Magazine, metallic prints, especially gold lamé and silver sequins, will be popular in casual skirts and formal wear this season.
In outer wear, students should look for winter coats with simple, clean styling and avoid gimmicky trends that can date pieces.
Shearling Coats, which are made of a high quality leather and then lined with suede or thick lambs wool, will be particularly stylish for fall. Stretton said although these coats are warm, they can be quite expensive.
Other trends to look for this season are fitted cropped jackets, slits and exposed seams in skirts and tops, faux fur and animal print coats, full skirts and slim pants.
Students should avoid dating their look with last seasons trends. Lurex sweaters, mini skirts, black leather pants, knee high boots, faux fur trim on collars, embroidered tweed
or tartan jackets, black fitted leather jackets, and micro mini’s are all fashion don’ts, Stretton said.
Before shopping for a fall and winter wardrobe, Instyle Magazine offers tips on how to be an effective shopper.
Before going to the mall, it’s advisable to look at the items already possessed in a wardrobe. This ensures items aren’t duplicated and helps the shopper keep in mind what pieces will compliment items already owned.
Clothes that are no longer worn should be weeded out from the closet. This process
makes room for new items and lets the shopper know what items need to be replaced.
A budget should be made before shopping to ensure the shopper doesn’t over-spend. Fall and winter clothes tend to cost more than spring and summer items, so more money should be allocated for those seasons.
A preview of the shopper’s favorite stores should be made before actually purchasing items, so the shopper knows what colors are available and what will enhance items already owned.
Some shoppers tend to buy too much of one item and not enough of another, for example, always buying pants and no tops or having difficulty buying clothes for certain seasons. Shoppers should know their weakness and keep them in mind when trying to create a balanced wardrobe.
Before shopping, the consumer should decide which type of store, whether department, specialty, chain or boutique, he or she want to go and what items they need to purchase. This helps eliminate buyer’s remorse.