For many of us, shopping over the last few weeks has consisted of no more than backpacks, pencils and pants for kids who grew several inches over the summer. But, with everyone settling into school, the temperature starting to mark the onset of fall and that "what do I wear now" feeling, it’s time to head back to the mall!
The good news is there is something for everyone out there and that means you can choose what best suits you and your lifestyle. Pants are the prime example of this – from skinny to wide leg, low to high rise, long and cropped. The "new" pants of the season are high waisted and wide-legged – great if you are tall and, in proportion, can create a long, lean line on just about anyone. I’m not so thrilled with the return of front pleats on some styles (only flattering if you’re really slim).
Wear your wide-legs with slim tops and sweaters and crisp shirts. Here’s a smart and casual version from The Gap.
Once you head to the mall, you’ll notice that eighties inspiration is everywhere with preppy pieces, techno brights and Lady Diana designs. Nothing has brought my teenage years back to me more than the riot of ruffled shirts on the racks. I used to have one very similar to this 7 for all Mankind version. Suddenly, I’m in high school, listening to Duran Duran and celebrating the Royal Wedding. Seriously though, these shirts are a great seasonal addition to wear with jeans, smarter pants and slim skirts. Ruffles range from teeny-tiny to 80s-inspired uber-ruffles, so take your pick.
Talking of wardrobe updates, the pencil skirt is a great addition for more formal working environments and events. (Not so great for chasing toddlers and climbing over the fence to retrieve the soccer ball, however.) Pencil skirts look great with so many wardrobe staples, such as those wrap and classic shirts and turtle necks. They are super-sexy with heels and, if you’ve got the height, more casual with flats. This charcoal version is from Old Navy. By the way, grey is this season’s "new black" and that’s not a bad thing. Grey is very versatile – there’s a shade for just about every skin tone and it’s softer than ubiquitous black. It also coordinates with anything you would normally wear with black.
What’s next? Oh yes…I feel the need, the need for tweed! This fall and winter fabric (and its cousin plaid) is everywhere from suits, pants, jackets and accessories. Menswear-inspired tweed suits are great for work and the pieces can be worn separately with other items. Tweed jackets are great with jeans and fine cords. Make sure tweed pants are lined, otherwise you’ll be hot and bothered by day’s end (I’m sure you know what I mean!) If you’re not into investing in major tweed pieces, get the look with tweed accessories. Here’s a cap from The Shoe Company and cute, plaid flats from American Eagle.
OK, I can’t put this off any longer. We will be seeking out our sweaters soon. (Argh!) If you’re a sweater lover, is Fall/Winter 2007-08 the year for you! Knits are it this year! Chunky, fluffy, long and short. The sweater dress is back bigtime – an easy piece for busy moms, but just make sure you have the right underwear for smooth lines. Here’s a look at some wonderful woolies. The cable hoodie is from American Eagle and the chunky hoodie and cream sweater dress are from Old Navy.
Did you notice more grey above? Time to get colourful. Jewel tones can add a shot of interest to basic blacks, grey and denim. (Keep it to one piece in one strong colour for best effect). Here’s an amethyst skirt from Old Navy and emerald trench from Banana Republic. (Trenches of all colours remain a mainstay – so if you invested in one last year, you’ll be ready to go when the temperature cools.)
Last, but not least, here’s the best news of the season. "Waists are back", I read somewhere. Great! I used to have one of those (prior to two pregancies in which I gained and lost one-third of my normal body weight.) Where can I get one of those? Sign me up! In reality, it seems that the way to get a waist is to wear a wide belt, right at the natural waist line. And, actually, if you feel comfortable with this style, it’s great way to update existing, shirts, sweaters and cardigans (hip to long length.) Oooh, hope my waist will look as small as this Old Navy image…(not a chance, but nice belt nonetheless …)
Well, ladies, that’s it for now – a little peek into what lies "in store" for us (literally!) Take your time to settle into the new season, get a feel for what’s going to work for you and go back to the mall with confidence.
For more style musings, visit me at Real Canadian Style www.realcanadianstyle.blogspot.com
Like any fashion, don’t forget, if it doesn’t look or feel good on you – don’t wear it. The good news is that there’s lots of choice out there right now, so go with what works for you.
If you want to go high waisted, but need to minimize the impact – go for dark, plain (or subtle pin stripe) and balance out with a wider leg. Avoid lighter colours and large patterns (there’s a lot of plaid out there right now.) Flat, rear end pockets can also break up the area.
Yes, straight pants look great with the man-inspried high Oxford shoe or consider a sexy ankle boot. Have fun.
High waisted pants make my back end look absolutely huge! I will have to try on many pairs before buying! I did find skinny pants that look good, however. So I did buy them. Now, what shoes do I wear? Flats don’t suit. Is that why there are those boots that look like shoes?
Hmmm…I am so not sure about high-waisted anything. For crying out loud, I just got used to the feeling of pants NOT being on my waist! And looking back at old pics from before I wore lower-waisted pants, those old high-waists don’t like me either! But I will buy a ruffled blouse. I sure did love my old ruffled blouses with the high victorian necks and leg-of-mutton sleeves. Ahhh, the Lady Di look. Sweet!