It's sporty and tailored. But then again, it's sexy and feminine. Or maybe it's both ... in one look.
There's a wide berth of fashion trends for fall/winter 2016 that will tempt you to shop and maybe even splurge. "There's the romantic end of the spectrum -- put together with a little more whimsy and personal style," says Adam Glassman, creative director of O, The Oprah Magazine, about the season's charmingly mix-and-matched looks. "While the season is eclectic, it's not a hot-mess eclectic," he adds, noting that menswear is also part of the fall season for women (think natty materials, plaids and pinstripes). "And this year it is a little more playful, with unexpected fabric and texture combinations along with 'athleisure' concepts like track pants in luxe fabrics." To add a dollop of pretty to it all, find "a crop of dark fall flowers which are a little bit Goth," he says.
Adds Brooke Jaffe, Bloomingdale's fashion director of ready-to-wear, "Fall 2016 is an incredible fusion of opulent textures and fabrics mixed with casual elements. It is the perfect season to mix high and low. The fashion runways were all about mixing sporty and casual looks with dressy pieces." Hottest on her hit parade? "The bomber jacket is my number one pick for fall. It is the essential layering piece." Also high on her list, "Something velvet. Velvet was one of the key fabrics to emerge this Fashion Week."
But don't just go along with trend for trends sake, Glassman says. "Buy things that make you feel alive and beautiful, but do step out of your comfort zone. Every few years you need to shake up your wardrobe and go for a little reinvention." Here are some ways to do that.
A velvet moment: Velvet by many accounts is the season's must-have. The two easiest ways to incorporate it is by adding a shoe or a blazer, Glassman says. "Everybody has a suede or leather shoe in their life, so velvet is new, and you can get three seasons out of a blazer. You can dress it up for the holidays but it's also fantastic with a pair of skinny jeans." Speaking of which, Jaffe loves jeans in colored velvets -- blue, eggplant and rich bordeaux.
The embellished bomber: It's a great option to the already been-there-done-that moto jacket. "Opt for a decorated bomber over a romantic lace dress," says Lord & Taylor's fashion director, Stephanie Solomon. "It's definitely a trend, so don't spend a huge amount of money on it," Glassman says.
Animal magnetism: "There are animal prints galore," Glassman says. Go for accessories or go wild with an all-over look.
Military madness: The time is right to march some classic and not-so-classic military looks into your wardrobe.
Fall florals: Subtle or bold, they are blooming for fall and winter and oh, so pretty.
Mix it up: Combine texture and styles in an eclectic buttoned-up way.
Sport luxe: "There is a whole universe of cool, elevated sweatsuit looks," Jaffe says. The look is hip and, ahhhhh, comfortable.
Man up: Don't hesitate to add a serious hit of menswear to your wardrobe.
Lady of the manor: Glassman says some looks and materials conjure your grandma's sofa and curtains, and though romantic and beautiful, he says, "a little goes a long way." For an easier fix, try one of the season's romantic tops, especially something with vintage-feeling sleeve detail.
Style on 08/30/2016