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Fall 2006
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Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered...
Fall Fashion 1980….Ummm, I mean 2006
Oh my, has it really been that long since 1980’s fashions reigned? Long enough, that is, for them to come back again! Although mile wide shoulders are still nowhere in sight, there are obvious throwbacks to the 80’s creeping (steamrolling is more like it) into the fashion world this season. For better or for worse, we will see a lot of the 1980’s influence this Fall.
Usually I am delighted by what designers show for Fall. The colors are often rich and luxurious, and cozy fabrics help make the onset of the cooler weather a tad more tolerable. This year, however, I think the designers have gone mad! While I am struggling to find trends that are bewitching, there is a lot more that is bothersome and beyond bewildering. Read on…
Bewitched:
Color…sort of: Brown, red and purple (you saw tons of it at the Emmy’s) are the hot colors for the season. Unfortunately, just like the spring, black, white and neutrals are everywhere to the point of overkill. Some stores seem totally devoid of color. Thankfully, brown is big and offers a nice alternative to black. Grab color when you can find it. Purple reigns and red is hot. Deep gold (think egg yolk yellow) was seen a lot on the runways, but beware…it looks good on only a handful of people. If you cannot find colors that look great on you, keep a neutral palette and add color by way of accessories.
Yay for Boots: Every imaginable boot style is available. Even the slouch boot, about which I have my reservations, is all the rage. Short booties (circa 1980), ankle boots, high boots, platform boots, cowboy boots, slouch boots... You name it, it’s here. Tuck your pants in (skinny pants or leggings only) or leave them out. Boots are comfortable, warm and create a nice clean look to almost any outfit. The thickness of the heel you choose is dependent upon the width of your pant leg. The slouchy, wider pant can handle a thicker heel. Leggings and slim pants require a thinner heel to balance the look. Wedges and platform shoes are a carryover from the summer, and the same rule about heel thickness applies. Peep-toe shoes and even patent leather sandals add interest to the shoe options for the season.
Fit Extremes: Masculine suiting (if you are old enough, think Annie Hall) is all the rage. I am a bit ambivalent about it but since I’m struggling to find trends that are bewitching I thought I’d add it here since it has potential when done just right (and that’s the challenging part). Oversized and a little slouchy can easily look just plain messy.
At the other extreme, slim pants (even leggings!) and pencil skirts are hot. This trend is tricky so when in doubt leave it to the very young to experiment with. If you want to look current but not like you just got out of bed, try one of these slim bottoms with an oversized sweater or tunic. Beware: not every body type looks good in this style, especially without the big shoulders to balance wider hips.
Smooth Velvet: Delicious. Tops, bottoms, jackets, dresses…you can’t help but want to touch it. It’s warm, elegant and beautiful. Definitely treat yourself to something in this wonderful fabric—and it is one place you will find color.
Stay Warm and Look Trendy: Wear layers and lots of them. Only the trendiest can pull off dresses over t-shirts and slim pants, or a very short skirt over leggings. On the other hand, a belted chunky or off the shoulder sweater over skinny pants, or a short vest over a button down white shirt and slim jeans can be a nice nod to the trend without being too extreme. Like it or not, these are some of this season’s hottest (and most bewitching?) looks.
Bothered
What Color? Yes, this trend is both bewitching and bothersome. It’s just too extreme to offer so little color when the winter is so long, cold and naturally devoid of color. Help! We need relief (or will by mid-January).
Long Sweaters: Whether we are talking long cardigans or oversized pullovers, sweaters are everywhere. Take a deep breath and a good long look before buying one. With very little effort, this look can transform you into the equivalent of a sack of potatoes tied in the middle, as my mom would say, and it is easy to look just plain frumpy and messy. This is not a look most people can just throw on (although it is supposed to give that impression) and look trendy/chic. Find a long cardigan that has some detail and even a fitted look to it for best results.
The World’s Gone Plaid: I am not so much bothered by this trend but more cautionary. While plaid is generally not my favorite, in small doses it can be fun. If you are worried about seeming a little too school girlish, choose a plaid in subtle, neutral tones or make a broader statement by buying this season’s hot cape in plaid or keep it simple with a plaid handbag or even shoes.
Bewildered
Back to the Future: So, tell me, when did we become so fond of the fashions of the 1980’s? And, why are we totally besieged by these retro styles? We see cowl neck sweaters, dolman sleeves, leggings, oversized sweaters, slouch boots…couldn’t we have eased a little more quietly into a reenactment of this decade?
Be Gone
The Bubble Skirt. This style has haunted us now for more than one season, and it is time for it to go away…far away. There are 5 people on the planet over the age of 25 who look good in it so why are they torturing us?
Crocs. Okay, the joke is over. These are by far the most hideous shoe (even usurping the Uggh boots of this claim to fame) ever invented. I have seen it look adorable on a 9 year old and a 90 year old (a friend in a nursing home looks too cute for words as she pushes her walker) but not on anyone between those ages.
Stirrup Pants. Yup, I’ve seen them in stores. Please, please, please, do not walk but run by them. They didn’t look good 20 years ago, and the style hasn’t improved any since then.
While this is by far the trickiest Fall shopping season I have seen in as long as I can remember, there is no need to panic. You do not have to wear all of the trends at once (in fact, please do not!). In fact, you can skip the trends altogether and survive just fine. The color dilemma is the most challenging but with a little extra effort you can find colors you like. While the styles this season focus on the extremes of oversized and pencil thin, there is still a lot in between to consider. Don’t be afraid, just be you.
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Copyright 2006, Total Image Consultants - All rights reserved.
Fashion Secret 2006 is written and produced by Total Image Consultants. Please direct all questions and comments to ginger@totalimageconsultants.com.
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