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Six Styles That Say Fashion
You don’t have to be too rich or too thin to incorporate these trendy new looks into your fall and winter wardrobe.
ams461@nyu.edu
Though high fashion can sometimes feel like an impossible hobby reserved only for the young, wealthy, and ultra-skinny, there are ways of incorporating the latest fall and winter trends into your wardrobe without giving up eating or cleaning out your bank account.
The great thing about this season’s style is that you can choose clothing you’re comfortable in—and get creative. Here are some of the versatile (and affordable) new trends that can jazz up your fall and winter wardrobe, whether you’re dressing for work or getting gussied up for a holiday party:
1. It’s all about layers. No hard and fast rules here: The chic new layering look relies on your creativity. This year, the key is to incorporate various textures and colors—of tops, sweaters, jackets, and accessories—and pile them on for a stylish finish. “Layering is so modern—and so essential,” says Ali Nichols, accessories editor at Glamour magazine, the fashion bible for young women. “You can just layer what’s in your closet. Wear what you have and play around with it.”
For example: Remember that simple cotton dress you wore constantly during the summer? You can still wear now by layering it over a simple turtleneck. Top it off with a belted cardigan in toasty fabrics like wool and cashmere—a must-have item for the cooler months—and you’ll look fab!
2. Leggings complete the look. What you wear on your legs adds contrast to the bulkier layered look on top, so choose simple black opaque tights, or, if you’re feeling a little wild, go for a pair in purple, red, or green apple, or even patterned with flower cutouts. For women who are self-conscious about their legs, consider leggings or semi-opaque stockings, which are thicker and more slimming. Footless tights are another fashion essential this season—and look great with basic flats, heels, pumps, or the trendy new ankle boots.
3. Go for the shine. Patent leather is really big this season. Update any outfit with pair of patent pumps or Mary Janes. If you don’t want too much shine, start off with some black patent flats or a simple red or black patent ankle boot. Both can work well for any evening out, whether you pair them with jeans or a dress. “Adding that bit of shine really helps,” Nichols says. “You can wear it from day to night.”
4. Show a little sparkle. Metallics, especially gold, are making a big statement now and can look festive for the holiday season. Be careful: Too much faux gold looks cheap (and tacky!) so the key is to wear just a small piece of sparkle, whether it’s a gold handbag, a long chain necklace, or gold bangle bracelets. Great costume jewelry can be found all over the mall these days, and you have fun pairing bracelets and chains with whatever you like
5. Cinch it with a belt. Belts of all sizes and colors will complete any outfit, especially the layered look. Add a wide belt to your favorite dress or top: It will cinch your middle and show off your figure. A popular look this season is a patent leather belt in black, white, and other basic colors. You can even just use a belt to spice up your favorite winter coat – it immediately transforms the outfit from simple to chic.
6. Think tweed. No longer reserved for staid old men, tweed is trendy for young women—and has the added benefit of keeping you warm. The malls are filled with cropped tweed jackets with a fur-trimmed collar in all price points. Wear that jacket with a brown velvet skirt or a casual pair of brown tailored pants. Add a thick brown patent leather belt and a pair of brown patent leather heels or plain leather boots—and you’re good to go!
SIDEBAR: Layering Essentials
These basics, available at any mall, are key to the new layered look:
• A turtleneck. For a simple style, check out your local Gap for a cotton cashmere turtleneck ($44).
• Belted cardigan. This sweater will finish off any outfit. Ann Taylor has a great light brown wool number ($78).
• Stockings. Danskin makes nice leggings ($11.50) and Hanes Silk Reflections has opaque tights ($8.50) both available at Macy’s.
• Patent Leather. Try Nine West’s Bayard Bootie in black ($99) or a Linea Paolo Dillon flat in red ($80) available at Nordstrom’s.
• Accessories. Check out the Sylvan Oak Necklace by Tracy Kahn ($84) available at Girlshop.com, and the simple black Xhilaration Extra-Wide Contour Belt ($17) at Target.
Footless tights and sparkling gold accessories add up-to-the-moment style to a holiday outfit.
A belted sweater and leggings can transform summer clothing into this season’s hot, new layered look.
Photos by Samuel Sibble