FALL FASHION TREND WORKSHOP – October 13 in Petaluma (details below)

There are so many trends emerging for fall/winter that it isn’t possible to name them all without it creating a laundry list which basically amounts to “anything goes.” This is good news as there is something for every age, style, and demographic. We love to learn about trends, not so we can “do it right” but to inspire us to try something different. “Trend watching” creates a focus by making you more aware of your own choices about personal style. Imagining how you can work them into what you currently own inspires creative mixing and matching. Creating an outfit that is “on trend” is lots of fun!

• How do you determine if a trend is right for you?
• Is there a trend that you have been admiring but not sure you were ready to take the plunge?
• Are you afraid that an offbeat or unfamiliar style might look silly or like “too much?” How can you adapt it so it suits you?

Here are my suggestions for getting started:

• Ask yourself: What looks fresh and interesting? Go for looks that are new to you NOW. Some of the trends, like animal prints, have been around for a while. If you have been there, done that – move on.
• When you read over a trend report like the one below, notice what gets you really excited. Pay attention to that.
• Evolve: Don’t start over but also avoid repeating yourself. Use a new trend to inspire you to try something different.
• Stick with the looks you feel comfortable with but add a trend note for a twist.
• Adapt a look: Make it younger or more sophisticated depending upon your age or personal style.
• What new item could be combined with something you already have? What were you missing last year that you still need? How can the purchase of that both fulfill that need and take you in a new direction?
• List trends you like and also ones you don’t care for or aren’t “you”.
• Remind yourself of the terms you use to define your style and see how it allows you to express different aspects of your spirit. (See the chapter on “The Language of Personal Style” in Growing More Beautiful or try the “spirit term exercise” here.)
• Don’t worry about looking inappropriate. I think we all have a built in “silly alert” that makes us laugh when we look ridiculous. Trust that. Better that than the alternative of always playing it safe and rating too high on the “frump-o-meter.”

To help you grasp the barrage of fashion information headed your way, I’ve consolidated the trends into color, shape, and look. Use the information to acquaint yourself with what’s new. Once you are familiar with the changes, you will immediately start feeling both curious and more comfortable.

Here is my trend report for Fall/Winter 2011

Color

• Pale Neutrals – Lingerie nudes are beautiful, especially for evening. Nude heels are the shoe choice by Duchess Kate, and for good reason as they go with everything and extend the leg. Pales need a touch of warmth and bit of depth to be flattering.
• Warm and Toasty – Hues of camel, tan and goldenrod are great with deep brown and black. Purple with brown looks new as seen recently in a Ralph Lauren madras plaid.
• Bold and Bright – Strong jewel tones such as emerald green, cobalt blue, violet, ruby red and their brighter counterparts such as tomato red, pea-shoot green and marigold yellow will brighten up a dull winter day. If wearing these vivid hues together seems like too much, go for a richer tone like bordeaux with bottle green- so evocative of the Belle Époque! Or experiment with variations within the same color family such as burgundy with cherry or pine and teal. Cobalt and emerald look smashing together too.
• Grey – Grey lends itself to texture mixing – flannel with translucent fabric and burnished leather is so sensual. Think of gleam of semi-precious stone like hematite and labradorite to inspire. Hues that tend toward blue or lavender are lovely with navy. Grey mixed with brown creates a sumptuous taupe. Metallic accents in pewter and bronze promise a sumptuous holiday season.
• Spice – Sunset tones in paprika, saffron, cinnamon all deliciously resonate with the changing colors of fall.

Shapes

• Wider – A big square cut sweater to be worn over skinny jeans or a slim skirt.
• Longer – Pencil skirts are now several inches below the knee and the popularity of the maxi continues. Thigh high slits for evening are for those who dare.
• Fuller – Pants, trousers, jumpsuits, jeans – wide legs are a change in silhouette from the super skinnies and require a more fitted top.
• Structure – A structured jacket looks best with flowing pants and skirts. Long menswear inspired blazers narrow a loose fitting dress.
• Pattern – Bold geometrics, madras plaid, houndstooth and small checks all look new. Pattern is still coming on strong including florals, Ikat, tribal, animal, reptile, cowboy western, polka dots, plaid – Did I leave anything out? The confident among us are still mixing them together!
• Texture – Sheer fabric and lace mixed with anything, including fur and leather. “Punched” fabric , with cut out instead of printed patterns, mixes retro-future with shabby chic.

Looks

• Last year’s huge plaids opened up to become this year’s color blocking. Seen everywhere, they are a nod to the popularity of Mad Men and the 60s. Especially exciting in accessories, they add a vibrant zing to bags and shoes.
• Colored jeans – The red and yellow brights of summer are toned down for fall. Look for eggplant and paprika jeans worn with denim or grey. Also spotted: unusual colors like mauve worn as a neutral and paired with color.
• Menswear inspired pants suits – Relaxed and elegant with a 40s feel, done beautiful by Michael Kors. Break up the suit and enjoy the full pleated trousers and classic blazers separately.
• Modern romance – Lace and ruffles can go from classic (think Duchess Kate) to edgy with a touch of goth.
• Tough girl chic – Ultra skinny jeans and leather leggings worn with chunky sheepskin lined vests.
• Boho – Flowing shapes and pattern mixing popularized by Free People and Anthropologie continue to allow creative, artsy types then opportunity to express themselves.

Have fun and happy exploring!

Fall Fashion Trend Workshop – October 13, 7- 9 P.M.
Sorella Fashion Boutique, 6 Petaluma Blvd. North (Great Petaluma Mill)
$20 – Reservations, 707-769-1172