The Observer, October 19, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 8
The Observer's guide to fall fashion
As we approach the end of October, fall weather has finally arrived. That means it's time to put away the shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops and bring out the cold weather attire. Once the leaves begin to hit the ground, it's time to dive into the new fall trends, and here's a little help for the fashion clueless.
Color Scheme: Muted colors, such as shades of yellow, orange, grey, and all shades of brown are huge this season. Pay attention to these colors when shopping, but be careful not to overdo any one color – monochromatic can get boring.
Tops: This fall, focus on luxurious comfort. Chunky knit sweaters are the new wardrobe staple as they are warm, comfortable, and stylish. When braving the outdoors on one of those in-between days, when it is too chilly for a T-shirt and too warm for a jacket, consider a belted blanket wrap, which perfectly ties in both the slouchy and streamlined trends of this fall, in addition to being warm and comfortable. Furthermore, the sweater dress is incredibly popular this season. Consider wearing one with jeans or tights and boots.
Pants: Although skinny jeans are still being seen on Hollywood's elite, this season's trend in pants is a bit more figure friendly than last season. Instead of ultra-tight skinny jeans, try a straight leg jean. While still tight through the hip and calf, these jeans give your ankles some room to breathe. More breathable still are the wide-legged jeans and trousers popular on this season's runways.
Accessories: As far as accessories are concerned, belts have the ability to transform nearly any outfit from (pardon the cliché) "drab to fab." A chunky belt cinched at the waist adds interest to most outfits and flatters most figures. Colored gemstones can also benefit most looks, as they add a hint of vibrant color to this season's neutral-based outfits.
Shoes: It is true that ankle boots in metallic colors have flooded the runway, but they are hardly a practical shoe for Case students, considering Cleveland's tendency toward nasty weather and most students' lengthy walk to class. That said, there are two more feasible footwear options for students to chose from: flats and riding boots. Although less fashion-forward than ankle boots, flats still come in a variety of trendy colors and styles, oftentimes embellished with buckles, gems, and metallic piping.
Riding boots are a comfortable, warm, and streamlined alternative to the boots of autumns past: Uggs. This brings up another tip: although the Ugg is still acceptable for days when you roll out of bed and do nothing more than throw on jeans and a T-shirt, please steer clear of combining Uggs and any of this season's trends (particularly sweater dresses). The combo just doesn't look right.
For the Guys: I apologize for only giving you a small paragraph, but when push comes to shove, your style isn't as involved this season. This fall you should stick to layering neutral pieces. Consider replicating your grandfather's look, as cardigans are all the rage this fall. Aside from that, stick to the basics. Find a great pair of distressed jeans, wear it with a nice T-shirt or button-up, and you should be set.
Following these simple tips will ensure you a great fall look for this season. But keep one thing in mind: being warm is always the most important thing. Cleveland autumns tend to be frigid come November, so it may be necessary to forego fashion sometimes and to throw on those hoodies and sweatpants. Use your common sense, and have a fashionable fall!
