by Jenny Ortakales
Chevron:
Seen at shows like Kenzo and Michael Bastian, these wavy stripes aren’t just for Missoni lovers anymore. This versatile pattern can make a simple tee more exciting or add zing to a colorful dress. If you’re a pattern mixer, you’ll love how many others compliment this one. For guys, take some inspiration from Charlie Brown and sport a pullover with some zigzags. Emerson boys can never have enough sweaters, right?
Peplums:
Designers drew attention to curves with lots of pleats and ruffles and the peplum silhouette was the most popular for the waist and hips. However, instead of the midsections-of-gigantic-proportions seen on the runways, a subtle emphasis piece is all you need. A peplum top worn with a blazer is a great way to freshen up your professional wardrobe. Wear it with jeans and a statement necklace and you have a sophisticated, night-out look!
Cropped pants:
Brocade:
A beautiful, intricate fabric, brocade gives vintage class to anything. It can be incorporated into your wardrobe a lot or a little, depending on your level of daredevil. If you’re worried about looking too grandma, a vintage clutch or handbag is enough to pair with a casual outfit. For those who like to take risks, a unique brocade coat becomes your cold-weather statement piece. If you’re really brave, a head-to-toe brocade pant suit is an of-the-moment bold move.
Collars:
Cobalt:
Every season has its color, and this is the one favored by designers. A surprisingly bright hue for fall, this deep blue pops in the midst of earth tones and lots of black. Since colored denim is sold everywhere these days, it shouldn’t be hard to find a pair in this shade. Cobalt goes with so many other colors that it could practically be considered a neutral.
Oversized coats:
In this case, the boxier, the better! Coats with big shoulders and plenty of room were on just about every runway, and the designers might actually be thinking practically – roomier jackets lend themselves to the thick layers of sweaters we pile on during New England winters. If you still want to maintain some shape, belting your coat like at Lanvin helps to create a waistline.
Photo credits/product info: 1) style.com – Kenzo 2) pacsun.com – Nollie Belted Skater Dress – $29.50 3) style.com – Michael Bastian 4) style.com – Hakaan 5) charlotterusse.com Foiled Peplum Tube Top – $19.99 6) style.com – Derek Lam 7) uslevi.com – Sta Prest Relaxed Trousers – $78 8) style.com – Dsquared 9) style.com – Rag & Bone 10) neimanmarcus.com – Kotur Morley Baroque Brocade Mini Box Clutch – $395 11) style.com – Rodarte 12) bcbgmaxazaria.com – Collar Necklace – $78 13) urbanoutfitters.com Civil Polka Dot Collar Shirt – $79 14) style.com – Paco Rabanne 15) express.com – Stella Color Jean Legging Cobalt Blue – $79.90 16) style.com – Lanvin 17) zara.com – Oversized Linen Coat – $59.99 18) style.com – Dior Homme