Outside my window, resting heavily upon the Madison skyline is what looks like a charcoal sheet of rain clouds. With a weekend full of sunshine, bikinis and summer nirvana behind us, it seems as though it may be about time to start packing away those flip-flops and tank tops. I know it still seems a bit early, so I don't mean to scare you at the thought of putting away your favorite red espadrilles. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that fall is just around the corner, and it may be here sooner than expected.
As disappointing as it is to leave summer behind, there are few things as magnificent and breathtaking as autumn. It puts a smile on my face just imagining walking down the street as the brilliant colored orange and red leaves swirl around my ankles, crunching under stiletto heels, scarf flowing behind. It may be hard to say goodbye to sun-kissed cheeks and warm nights next by the lake, but fall gives us so much to look forward to!
Fall fashions in particular are reason enough to embrace the dropping temperatures. With the start of this weekly style column, I will spend this semester highlighting what is going on in the world of fashion during the fall/winter '06 season locally as well as nationally.
I think it is a good idea to kick off with the dos and don'ts to expect this season.
First and foremost, black is back. That doesn't mean that you should throw out your favorite hot-pink sweater and turn your whole wardrobe Goth; it simply means that those adorable black patent-leather pumps you've been swooning over are probably worth investing in. Also keep an eye out for almost anything that is made with plaid flannel or wool, and when it comes to adornments, bigger is better. Leggings are on their way out, while thick, warm stockings are on their way in. Tights are definitely on the top of the comeback list as well. Cowl-neck sweaters, round-toe boots, dark cigarette pants, floppy knit hats, chunky scarves and menswear-based styles are also on the rise. Inspiration-wise, Celtic is a strong contender this fall, as is 1960s Mod. As odd as it sounds, there is something about strong, geometrically cut clothing layered with loose sweaters that creates a beautiful balance this season. Think "Tristan and Isolde" meets "Factory Girl."
When it comes to prominent shades, think plum. This deep purple swept runways across the map on everything from the lips to shoes.
Smokey eyes are here to stay, and make-up, although on the darker side, is natural, natural, natural! And if you thought that you were going to have to leave your lovely beach-esque summer locks behind, you were wrong. Along with embellishments, eyebrows and lips, big hair is in — big, beach-bum, wavy, side-swept bangs. Veronica Lake hair. And for the first time in years, pale skin is in; so embrace that Midwestern curse of living in layers and braving single-digit winter weather without an inch of skin exposed to the sun!
For ideas on how to put together an ideal fall 2006 look, check out shows by Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs, and also styles by celebrity trend-setters such as Rachel Bilson, Mischa Barton, Sienna Miller, Sarah Jessica Parker, Natalie Portman and Kate Moss. Fashion magazines are also a great source inspiration. For the top styles European issues such as Harper's Bazaar UK and British Vogue are the best options while American magazines W and Vogue are also wonderful.
Fashion, although highly influenced by celebrities, magazines and designers, should be self-expression. Trends come and go, so don't run out and buy a Louis Vuitton bag so as to be "in style." Similarly, don't throw away that two-season-old floral dress, because chances are it'll be back in before you know it. Also, it is important never to stick solely to the trends you see and read about. Trendy clothes are simply accent pieces that should be added to elaborate upon your own personal style. And as long as you keep that strong sense of self, there is nothing wrong with splurging a little on those beautiful black patent leather pumps now, is there?
