Heat up your wardrobe as cool weather approaches

Guest column by Danielle Green

Heat up your wardrobe as cool weather approaches
Heat up your wardrobe as cool weather approaches

Fall fashion is here and chilly winter air is quickly approaching. Bundle up with these cool-weather fashion trends fresh from the recent runway season.

Punk is never dead

Anti-fashion is in style, and its influence is evident on the catwalk: Versace, Rodarte and Chanel — just to name a few on the long list of designers who created punk looks for their collections. Tartan, zippers, studs and leather can be identified as a punk influence.

How to wear it: Think leather jackets, skirts and dresses paired with metallic accessories. Undone leather boots or even a clean pump pairs well. Throw on a band tee, plaid shirt or tartan jacket and top it off with a smokey eye and wild beach waves. Remember to grab your spike-studded handbag and don’t leave the house without your attitude.

Pretty in Pastel

Think of all the colors of the macaron rainbow. Seen in the collections of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chloe and many more, this trend is sugary sweet and sure to bring a smile to those who delve in. Blushy pinks, cotton candy blues, soft mint greens and buttercup yellows are making a statement in outerwear and accessories.

How to wear it: Shop your favorite boutique or department store and try on a pastel coat. You can also wear it with a chunky knit cardigan, ballet flat and handbag. Pair it with a romantic pink lip and focus on blush instead of eyes and throw your hair into a beautiful messy bun.

Thigh high

Take your preconceived notion of thigh-high boots and throw it into your recycle bin. There are classy ways to rock this look. Chanel and Emilio Pucci proved it on the catwalk.

How to wear it: Think texture. Go for camel, black or brown suede or soft leather, but steer away from patent leather. Think shape. You can wear this look with a pointed or round toe, block or stiletto heel. It works well with skinny jeans and a tunic top or tights with a dress or skirt. If you decide to go with the latter, layer up top to keep the balance proportional. If you are risque enough to expose a peek of thigh, remember to keep any additional asset-focus covered. You can also skip the boot and opt for a thigh-high sock instead, or pair those with your boot and let them peek out from underneath. Keep your options open and mind open wider.

Leather weather

Leather isn’t just for the punks, it’s everywhere. Alexander McQueen, Thakoon and Alice + Olivia brought some simpler silhouettes to the runway, devoid of the studs and zippers, to help us stay warm and trendy this year.

How to wear it: Pieces that don’t typically come in leather are popular. Leather-paneled tops or peplum-style tops can be worn with jeans for an edgier look. Consider the color. Deep earth tones make this trend subtly edgy yet stoic and respectable. For the conservative version, you can try a leather pleated or pencil skirt in oxblood, navy, chocolate brown or mossy green.

Rich velvet

Get royal with soft and shiny velvet this season. Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta and Tom Ford are some top designers that included velvet pieces in their design focus for the season.

How to wear it: Patterns and solids on dresses, tops and outerwear are making an appearance in rich jewel hues. Emerald greens, ruby reds and onyx black are prominent. Burnout velvet is feminine and flirty in tops and shawls. Heavier pieces like dresses and pants are also en vogue, but you want to keep it minimal. You can also sport this trend with velvet details on shoes and handbags.

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