Fall Fashion Trends 2011

How to update your look for fall

Fall is almost here, bringing crisper weather and lots of great new trends. Fashionistas everywhere are carefully analyzing the latest looks in dozens of fashion magazines. However, fashion is not my strong suit. (Pun intended.)

And my guess is that I’m not alone.

To help me navigate the fall fashion trends, and pass them on to you, I reached out to professionals who study fashion for a living. Several graciously offered to share their expertise.

When asked for the top trends of the season our panel had a variety of answers. However, the general consensus included the following fall trends:

Revamped looks from the 60’s “Mod” look are back - think geometric cuts, longer skirts (mid-calf and maxi), bell bottoms and wide-leg pants
Bold, bright colors continue for fall, particularly red tones like magenta
Leather garments – also look for pieces with leather and fur detailing
Masculine/feminine mixes like tailored jackets and tuxedos for women
Prints – particularly florals in jewel tones for fall

Also mentioned were fuller skirts, polka dots, high-waisted pants, mixing prints and revamped styles from the 70’s. For evening sexy but refined and classy looks – think more Jackie less Marilyn.

If you’re like me fall fashion generally means picking up a few new items rather than investing in a whole new wardrobe. So I asked our experts how to make an impact without going broke.

For Men Only

With our male readership growing we decided it was time to expand our fashion coverage a little. So I asked our experts for a few tips for men.

The one thing that every guy needs is a good suit according to Mathieson, Current fit is always important, and men's suits have moved away from the ‘skinny boy’ suit. While the new cut is more classic it’s still body conscious and much more flattering. It accents a sense of the masculine through three key silhouette elements: broad shoulders, a slim waist and slim trousers.

If a new suit isn’t in your budget pick up a tie in one of the new red colors with navy blue stripes suggests Dumont

More adventurous men should pick up a printed shirt with contrasting printed cuffs and collar. According to De Bease these shirts look great with a suit sans tie or paired with jeans for casual dress code days.

To instantly update your wardrobe Sandy Dumont, The Image Architect suggests, “Jackets in bold new colors that you can wear with your basic black skirts and pants.”

When looking for “super” trendy pieces Kerri Quigley, stylist and designer, recommends shopping in less expensive stores like H&M. For a casual look try pairing a trendy top with a great pair of jeans.

The important thing is to have a plan before hitting the mall. It’s most cost effective when you can incorporate new items into your existing wardrobe. Sherrie Mathieson, style consultant says, “Always look for mix and match potential. Ask yourself- will the piece you are considering add excitement and updating while still coordinating with several pieces in your wardrobe--to create several "new" looks.”

Budget Shopping Online

With the economy still in flux, many of us need to update our looks on a budget. But even if you’re miles from the closest mall, as long as you have Internet access you can save on the latest fashions by shopping online.

The sites highly recommended by our experts are:

www.net-a-porter.com – which offers everything from designers to accessories
www.stylefind.com – fashion finds from the publishers of InStyle
www.jcrew.com – from timeless classics to the latest designs
www.ShopStyle.com – fashion, beauty and for the home

To shop online boutiques like www.Lonnys.com and stick to your budget be sure to browse the store’s exclusive private-label brands. Often these brands are manufactured just for that store, carrying the same styles and trends as designers, but often at a fraction of the cost.

Updates for the Office

As always it’s important to look great at the office and be remembered at networking events. But, fashion for the office can be a bit more complicated.

“Business wardrobes sometimes can feel like a uniform,” says Natasha Fussell, online stylist for Lonnys.com, “The best trend to incorporate is a pop of bright color to an otherwise neutral outfit.” She suggests something eye-catching like a jewel-toned blouse. If you’re not comfortable with that much color “a brightly colored belt, jewelry, or scarf adds extra pizzazz. If this is even too much, tie a colorful scarf around the handle of your purse – it’s totally unique and gives a subtle spark.”

Another way to update your business wardrobe is to buy a handbag is a bold color. “A bag in lapis blue or emerald green with add fun to your business attire, and catch the attention of those around you,” suggests Scarlett De Bease, Scarlett New York.

An easy way to update your overall look is to opt for something you wear everyday like a new pair of eyeglasses.

Even if you’re only a Fashionista in training, like me, you can add a trend or two to your fall wardrobe. Start by reviewing what’s already in your closet. Decide on your budget. Then plan an afternoon at the mall, some quality time with your computer or both.

Happy Shopping!

Additional Reading

About the Author

Annette Richmond, MA is Founder and CEO of career-intelligence.com. Having changed careers several times, including working as a career coach, she has a unique perspective on career management. When starting career-intelligence.com 10 years ago, her goal was to provide a one-stop online career resource. In addition to running career-intelligence.com, Annette and her partner are launching Career Strategies Conference in May 2012. Visit the conference site for more information.

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