ST. PAUL, Minn.-- The Plain Jane routine isn't going to cut it for fall. From jackets to shoes, it's all in the details: brocade, embroidery, sequins, grommets, fur, lots of pattern and velvet, velvet, velvet.
"Opulent" is the fashion adjective of the moment. The theme is everyday luxury. So, update your work suit with an Edwardian blouse. Go bohemian with a full skirt but in an unexpectedly dressy fabric, like satin or taffeta. Buy a seemingly frivolous patterned coat - with its fitted cut and feminine details, it can do double duty as a dress. Pair creams and brown with rich jewel tones or dress in black (perhaps you've heard, it's back) from head to toe. And wear velvet _ did we mention velvet? - all day."A lot of things we're seeing right now are very familiar pieces, but they're done in a new fabric or color," says Nordstrom fashion director Gregg Andrews. "It's about juxtaposition - denim with velvet. That makes it easy to get a lot of use out of it."
Chelsie Dennis, a senior Fashion Merchandising and Marketing major who interned this past summer in New York with J. Lo's contemporary line of clothing Sweet Face Fashion Company, agrees with Andrews in that color is going to be huge this season.
"The popular colors this season are going to be greens, burgandies, dark purples and metallics," Dennis said. Dennis also said that it's important to achieve balance when choosing your accessories. "Don't draw too much attention to yourself, if you're going to wear a big necklace then go for smaller earrings," Dennis said. Everyday luxury means the still-present bohemian influence and dressing up are not at odds. This time around, the bohemian look is more refined, Marshall Field's fashion expert Laura Schara says. Slouchy tops are cinched with decorative belts, for example. There's an Eastern European flavor to the tiered skirts, romantic blouses and layered necklaces you'll see all over the mall.So what does this all mean for your wardrobe? Embrace the embellishments. If jeans with beading or a velvet jacket is too much for you, consider a glamorous scarf or detailed handbag or decorated shoe. Says Schara, "We'll be seeing sort of gypsy embroidery, tunics, bell sleeves and lots of accessories," said Dr. Paula Sampson of Ball State University's Department of Family and Consumer Science. Sampson also said purple will continue to be strong this season, and brighter teals will likely make an appearance.
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