Suiting Up: A First Fall Fashion Preview
By KIM ABDO
Fashion Writer and owner of Isabella’s
Already wondering where fashion is going to take you this fall? Welcome to the dark side. Fall runways are exhibiting somber shades of grays, plums and lots of black, which set the stage for an edgier more masculine tone this fall.
All hail the return of the suit! Menswear for women will provide a power trip of sophistication. Sexy and shapely suits made to fit a woman’s figure. Fitted blazers and three-quarter length, double-breasted coats are paired with wide-leg, cropped and extra-long pants.
Tiny jackets with feminine touches like belts or bows combine with pencil or pleated skirts and higher waist trousers. For the newest narrow looks go for the stovepipe pant or the tapered leg with slits, great with stilettos or tucked into boots.
One of the must-have looks for fall is the “City Suit” worn with tights and boots which easily goes from work to evening by pairing the jacket with a tunic and jeans.
If you’re not into the structure or formalness you think suiting provides but would still like to suit up in the newest fall tread on the menswear slant try the next must-have look–the boyfriend jacket over layering tunics paired with leggings and a mini or the skinny jean. Designer Allen Swartz of A.B.S. says, “Long tops over narrow bottoms and tons of layering is key.” You’ll see the mensear trend carry over to fabrics as well, like gabardine, wool, stripes, herringbone and plaids. But don’t think you have to give up the girly; these looks are edgy but can still be very glamorous. Printed and billowy blouses with long romantic French cuffs and overstated collars look femininely flirtatious poking out of one of fall’s new “City Suits.”
I realize we aren’t even dressing for the heat of Oklahoma’s Indian Summer yet, so thinking of fall fashions at this point might seem a bit premature, but it’s always good to be ahead of the game. So prepare to put away the bling and get ready for a more minimalistic, sophisticated and structured way of dressing that crosses Eighties rocker with English huntress to create a look for fall of 2006 that’s all its own.
Updated 05-30-2006
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