The key fashion concept for Fall 2012 is to THINK BIG! If you are the woman who tends to shy away from expressing your personal style with bold statements, this is the season to step outside of your comfort zone.
Leather reigned supreme on the fall runways. Some big name designers, such as Francisco Costa (Calvin Klein) drew inspiration from Rooney Mara's character in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. From leather handbags to edgy leather boots, black is the color to be reckoned with. Also coming back around for a second run is a shade of leather that was popular in the '70s. We called it cordovan-the 2012 version is Bordeaux. This deep crimson is making its comeback in coats, dresses, boots and bags. Move over black leather!
Fashion rules have always been made to bend or even break on occasion. One such rule is "Don't wear white after Labor Day." This season look for a liberal dose of winter white. Designers have gone so far as to tout white as the new cold-weather neutral. We may experience milder temperatures due to global warming, but it is going to be a white winter.
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Jacquie Bennett
Another fashion notion that is going by the wayside is that pastels are warm-weather hues. This fall you may feel like you are looking through rose-colored glasses as many collections featured pink coats, dresses, shoes and bags.
A look not foreign to the runway is the military-inspired look, back again for another season. This style lends itself well to the fall climate, with overcoats in classic army green, luxurious parkas with fur hoods and knee-high distressed leather boots. Add quilted outerwear and handbags along with sleek navy coats and its clear military may be the way to go.
Forget about statement jewelry! The new designs for fall are embellished, embroidered and bejeweled enough to stand on their own. Look for stand-out clutch bags and shoes with jeweled buckles and trim. Necklines are simple in cut, but long on razzle-dazzle.
Who can begin a new season without a new pair (or two, maybe three) of shoes? Color block is on trend in flats and heels alike. Look for the popular combinations of teal and royal blue, green and blue along with orange, red and purple. You don't have to wear these with solid colors as long as you stay in the same color family.
Patterns are showing up on fabric shoes as well as soft leather. Choose from black and white geometric patterns, plaids and colorful florals. Again, stay in the same color family when putting together the rest of the outfit. These shoes can stand on their own, so don't have too many competing things going on in the rest of your look.
Shoe boots can be both chic and practical. This season look for slimmer heels and pointy toes. Many styles feature the cap-toe look. This style features a contrast of color and materials to accent the toe of the footwear. For a more edgy look, try a metallic finish. Cap-toes will add an "of-the-moment" feel to heels and flats and give your wardrobe an instant update.
Black and tan is a classic combo that brings a luxe vibe to any outfit. Pair black and tan shoes and bag with any color combination. Another style of shoe to add to your fall wardrobe is the updated oxford. They may seem a little tomboyish, but these staples are cooler than ever with studs, metallic and bright colors.
Jeans are taking on a new look of their own for the upcoming season. Even though most of us will always remain true to our blues, it's time to spice things up and try some fresh new styles. Prints are trendy and can be dressed up or down. Be sure to balance the allover pattern with solid separates. Some prints are even "dressy" enough to go to work on casual Friday with a blazer and classic pumps. You can choose from leopard, camo or polka dot prints.
Jewel-tone jeans can be the basic for a great color block outfit by adding a solid top and shoes in coordinating colors. A monochromatic duo can serve as the perfect backdrop for a pair of this season's printed pumps.
Metallic jeans are great for a night out, but they can also work for the day by tempering the shimmer with something ladylike. You can choose to party on the bottom and be business-like on top. No metallic shoes please, just keep it simple and understated!
Another new trend in jeans is the coated look. This finish gives a leather-like sheen to the denim. Pair with classic jackets or oversized cotton tees.
No matter what the new season, it's always a reason to add a few new updates to your wardrobe. Fall is no exception-Inventory your closet and fill in with this season's trendiest looks.
Jacquie Bennett, formerly of Milroy, writes from her new home in California. She can be reached at jabennett48@embarqmail.com. Read her blog at www.glitzglamourstyle.com.
