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FALL 2003
By Diana Pemberton Sikes
It's that time of year again.
Shops bursting with fabulous fall offerings. Mailbags overstuffed with glossy catalogs. Closets woefully unprepared for the upcoming change of weather.
If you've been putting off adding to your wardrobe this season, now's the time to make plans to hit the stores. With the best selections available early and retailers reporting their best season in years, you might find yourself empty-handed if you wait too much longer. What's more, if you fill out your wardrobe NOW, it'll be one less thing to worry about once the weather grows cold.
So what should you be focusing on?
Quality, versatile pieces that are easy to wear and maintain.
Yes, I know - it's what I always preach. While magazines and morning shows are telling you the "must haves" of the season, I'm telling you to rein in your inner fashionista and buy the pieces that you'll get the most wear from. It has nothing to do with depriving yourself of great clothes. It's all about staying within your budget by selecting key pieces that allow you to update your look while stretching your wardrobe to unbelievable lengths.
After all, why look good only on a handful of days when, if you plan wisely, you can look great all the time?
The secret is in understanding the big picture. Don't shop for outfits. Shop for pieces that extend and update the other items in your wardrobe.
With this plan of action in mind, here are my picks for this season's "Best Bets":
- Great Coats and Jackets
Following a cold winter last year, outerwear of all weights is available this year. From sizzling suit jackets to big fur coats, you might be tempted to blow your whole budget on outerwear, particularly if you're an outerwear junkie like me. But don't do it. Add some pizzazz to your staples or fill in the gaps of your outerwear wardrobe and look chic while you're getting from Point A to Point B.
- Suede
Suede is particularly popular this year, showing up in everything from shirts and jackets to handbags and boots. Since it's a classic fabric that's a cool weather favorite, you'll wear it again and again over the years should you choose to invest in some suede pieces.
- Tweed
Here's another classic fabric that's enjoying renewed popularity. Buy it in jackets, skirts, and pants, mix and match it, wear it often, and look effortlessly chic.
- Corduroy
After many years "off the radar," corduroy is making a big splash again this season. You'll find it in everything from jackets and pants to skirts and handbags, and it's worthy of your attention. While not the most durable fabric (it will show wear on press points like elbows, knees, and buns), it offers a warm alternative to jeans and can be worn in many work settings. It's great after-hours, too.
- Lady Like
In a return to lady-like elegance, you'll find ruffles and lace aplenty this year. Pair them with similar lady-like pieces, or for something unexpected, wear them with more casual fare like jeans or chinos. Try a long skirt instead of pants in cool weather, and wear an upswept 'do for a nice change of pace.
- Black and White
Black and white continues to be a simple, elegant combination that's been popular for the past few seasons. Mix and match your existing pieces, add a white shirt, try Houndstooth, or funk it up with trendy Mod-Inspired combinations that make the most of large blocks of color.
- Country Life
In a return to elegant casual, you'll find sumptuous fabrics reminiscent of the English country life. Tweed, argyle, cashmere, and leather - everything you need to both look great and make a statement.
- Layer Tops
What better way to handle the cold than by putting on lots of layers? Layers are hot, hot, hot, this year, which makes adjusting to changing temps a snap.
- Graphic Sweaters
Wearing fun, graphic sweaters is a great way to tie your separates together, dress down office apparel, or add a bit of dash to your weekend wear.
- Covered Leg
Want a fast, easy, inexpensive way to update your wardrobe this year? Wear textured tights or stockings. You'll see these everywhere this season, and they're a fun way to add pizzazz to an otherwise ho-hum outfit. Just remember that if they're particularly eye-catching, they should become the focal point of your outfit. Don't make your legwear compete with other parts of your ensemble for attention.
So these are my picks for the styles that will give you the biggest impact and most versatility for your money this season. Mix and match them with your existing pieces to update your cool weather wardrobe.
Copyright 2003 Diana Pemberton-Sikes
About The Author
Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of Wardrobe Magic, an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes. Visit her online at www.fashionforrealwomen.com. Need some other tips and tricks? Pick up a copy of Wardrobe Magic.
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