LITTLE ROCK — So fall has finally fallen, at least officially. What will we be wearing as the temperatures head downward?
For those who have forgotten what the fall shows brought us last winter (and those who haven’t been trolling the stores lately), here is a refresher course.
“There’s no question that the recession has left an indelible mark on fashion,” reads a commentary at the Harper’s Bazaar website (harpersbazaar.com), which throws around such phrases as “conservative glamour” and “eccentric ladylike.” “[Economic hardship has] forced women to change their shopping habits and in turn forced designers to react.Thus, the re-emergence of luxury on the runways was approached from a smarter, leaner, savvier vantage.”
On the website fashionising. com, a reference is made to “’60s ladylike.”
“The silhouettes of the 1950s and 1960s make a strong return, with shapes that accentuate curves and foster femininity,” according to the site. “The aesthetic is decidedly Mad Men [the hit TV show on American Movie Classics network], the look is versatile and fun. A hip-hugging sheath dress with a below-the-knee hem is the ultimate in hourglass dressing, while the full circle skirt and dress remain at the core of the trend.”
Leather jackets ... which, according to stylebakery.com, include “everything from edgy bomber and motorcycle jackets to cropped, tailored and even boxy silhouettes.”
Leather clothing, period ... even shorts, dresses and leggings. “Pleather,” or faux leather jackets,are also in for those who want the look but don’t want to pay for it. Stein Mart is full of cute jackets ($29.99-$34.99) textured to look like animal-print leather, suede and distressed bombers. There’s an Adrienne Vittadini cardigan with faux-leather front for $44.99.
The military jacket. Gotta love that double-breasted action.
Military fashion, period. But it’s not just about military academy cadet wear and cavalry coats. According to fashionising.com, this look “takes its cues from 20th-century military uniforms ... from army green to shearling lined boots.... Cargo pants and military-style boots figure in, too.”
Minimalism (a personal favorite). “Clean lines, sleek silhouettes, a lack of embellishment ... are the hallmarks of this season’s minimalism trend,” according to stylebak ery.com, which also includes the warning that “with looks so understated, perfect tailoring and quality fabrics are a must.” In other words, you’ll have no prints, patterns, ruffles or anything else to draw the eye away from cheap material and shabby construction.
Rich jewel tones ... Emerald. Ruby. Sapphire. In stores and online, I’ve seen a lot of amethyst.
Longer skirts. “Whether you choose straight and fitted or full and swingy, the silhouette you choose depends partly on your style and partly on what flatters your figure,” according to stylebakery.com.
Menswear. Can’t beat that pinstripe look.
Black. “In a season when retailers and shoppers alike are pinching their pennies, there’s a premium on clothes with added value,” Booth Moore, a fashion critic for the Los Angeles Times, wrote after the fall shows in February. “Designers knew they couldn’t go wrong with the classic goes-with-everything color.”
Capes. I guess with the appearance of the poncho, then the tie-up wraps, this was inevitable.
The ’70s. “By day it’s all about high waists, wide legs, soft blouses and ’70s accessories,” according to fashionising.com. “By night, all that shimmers is gold. Flowing, draping dresses in high-shine fabrics or metallic hues are perfect for evening ’70s glamour. ... This look is about balancing softness with boldness.”
Cut-outs in clothing, revealing skin or sheer fill-in fabric.
Thigh-high boots. If this is news to anybody, I’m shocked. They’ve been showing up everywhere; even Avon offers an adjustable fake-suede pair it says fits most calves.
Clogs. Good news. This style can get out of control, but there are plenty of cute, moderate-to-conservative clogs out there. And they’re usually comfortable.
Kitten heels. Must be a backlash to the 5-inch platform heels that have dominated footwear of late.
Other fall touches: The woman’s camel coat. Velvet clothing. Lace. Faux-fur vests, as well as faux-fur trim adorning flowing, asymmetrichemmed vests.
Continuing trends: leggings (some studded and shirred). Skinny jeans and “jeggings,” along with mini-dress tunics to go over them. Distressed jeans. Shirring in general.
TRUNK SHOW
Mark your calendars for the special Preview Party for the Regalia Handmade Clothing Trunk Show, 6-8 p.m. Friday at Cantrell Gallery, 8206 Cantrell Road. The event marks the Little Rock debut of fall wardrobe essentials by Mark Hughes of Eureka Springs, creator of Regalia Handmade Clothing. Light refreshments will be served.
The show will continue 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. The gallery number is (501) 224-1335. For more information about Regalia, please visit regaliahandmade.com.
KIEHL’S HAUL
First, Kiehl’s came to Dillard’s in Little Rock. On Sept. 21, another Kiehl’s store-within-a-store made its debut at the Dillard’s McCain Mall location in North Little Rock.
This is part of a larger strategy in which Kiehl’s will have opened shops in 29 Dillard’s before winter.
Both companies are donating $1,000 from the Kiehl’s shop to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas, part of an effort to donate $29,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities nationwide.
Dressing Room is published biweekly. Got fashion and beauty news? Contact Helaine R. Williams, Dressing Room, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or e-mail:
Style, Pages 29 on 09/28/2010