Now that fall is finally underway (well, sort-of) here in the Bay Area, we've decided it's time to engage on the topic of the best trends for this season's fashion. As always, we're keeping our Fall/Winter 2007 Fashion Trends List updated, but we wanted to highlight a few of the most fabulous - and sensible - trends. So here are our tips, compiled after reading mounds of magazines, scouring tons of photos, and watching fashion show footage.
1) Gloves, gloves, gloves. For the Bay Area, let's be honest - this really is more of a fashion choice than a need for warmth - we're not at risk for frostbite here. However, San Francisco can get bitterly cold at night as can much of the surrounding area, particularly around December. This season, there are so many fabulous gloves available, I suggest being picky and finding 1-2 pairs you really love and then wearing them often with a variety of outfits. Long black gloves. Orange gloves.
2) Wide-legged wool pants. Note I put two things together here. Wool is big this season and wide-legged trousers seem to be everywhere. To be hip and warm (pun intended), wide-legged wool pants are a great staple to invest in for many seasons to come.
3) Flat black leather boots. Or pleather or patent. Your choice, but black is big this season as is flat. You may never catch me in a pair of these because I love heels too much, but you can't deny the practicality of a nice, flat pair of boots. And black leather will last for years. Christian Louboutin has a great pair.
4) Something sixties. The '60s may evoke fear of space-age Barbarella and comments like "oh right, and how am I going to wear that? But give it a chance - mod patterns and casual halter dresses can add some real spice to your wardrobe as well as comfort. It's all fun anyway.
5) Tights. I know many women who hate hosiery, but I grew up dancing and figure skating, so tights have always been a regular part of my wardrobe. When winter comes, I enjoy bringing out my favorite pairs again - chocolate brown Wolford stay-ups, Danskin black basics, and a variety of fishnets purchased around the globe. Tights really pull together the fall look with dresses and skirts and although their popularity waxes and wanes, they haven't really changed that much since they were first invented. Stick with the plain colors this season - wacky patterned tights can stay in storage.
6) Black leather (or pleather) jacket. Are you noticing a theme yet? Yes, it's boring to stick with all black leather and I'm not saying you should wear all of this stuff together, but a black leather jacket in San Francisco is a staple every man and woman should have - it's hugely functional for our weather patterns and right now, there are an amazing number of gorgeous designs out there. For those who are opposed to the leather industry, take note - pleather is gaining ground.
7) Something gray. Blouse, skirt, sweater, pants, coat, dress. Doesn't matter, but gray is big this fall/winter and IMHO it's a wonderful color to mix with almost every other out there; gray is a nice change when you don't feel like going as dark as black, but you want a smooth neutral option. Feeling really bold? Go for Dior's gray taffeta dress over black tights. Now to find the right party...
8) A great hat. Hats are so fun, and women don't wear them often enough any more. (Well, neither do men - beyond baseball caps, Willie Brown excluded.) Hats abounded on the runways.
9) Pencil skirt. It doesn't need to be tight - pencil skirts can be comfortable depending on their cut and fabric composition. But following fall's sleek lines and more mature, polished look, the pencil skirt fits right in. And they go well with tights and booties.
10) Structured handbag. It can be a doctor bag, an Hermes Kelly bag (don't I wish), or a clutch, but mid-sized, classic handbags seem to have taken the lead for fall/winter. You can play it safe and go for durable fabrics and neutral colors, but there are some fabulous red and orange handbags out too.
Overall, the dominant look for fall is classic, feminine, tailored. Not totally sleek tailored, but loose, comfortable, tailored.
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