1. THE CAPE: Try it with skinny pants and tall boots, skirts, and dresses. Choose a cape and dress that is all one length for a sophisticated look. Grab some long leather gloves and an oversized clutch for added drama.
Photos: (left to right) Derek Lam, Chloé, Valentino, Vera Wang
Brian Henn
H&M CAPE - $99 at Select H&M Stores
2. THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS: The sexy spin on the LBD – raw and seductive. Exposed sides, sheer panels and side splits; this look should be tight, leggy and lingerie-ish. Pair this look with a black pump or add a little sauce with a strappy red heel. To keep it classy, make sure one part of your body stays covered. If it is a short dress, make sure it has long sleeves, if there is a plunging neckline – pick a hemline that is just above the knee.
Photos: (left to right) Emilio Pucci, Louis Vuitton, Anthony
Vaccarello, Nina Ricci
Brian Henn
HAUTE HIPPIE DRESS - $595 at hautehippie.com
3. COLORFUL COATS: Be bold this season with coats in vivid colors like scarlet, taxicab yellow, hot pink, or purple, just make sure you do not clash with what’s underneath. Keep the rest of the look simple, minimal complementary prints, neutral shoes and just a couple of accessories.
Photos: (left to right) Marc Jacobs, Dior, Stella McCartney, Max Mara
Brian Henn
TOPSHOP COAT - $178 at topshop.com
4. MOTO JACKET: The motorcycle jacket… back again and badass as ever. This season they have earned a hip little nickname – ‘moto jacket’ and are in some fresh colors to kick-up the coolness. Toss one on over a silk dress, pair it up with coordinated bottom, or denim. If you are feeling adventurous, match it up with luxurious fabrics or velvet.
Photos: (left to right) Etro, Versace, Givenchy, Kenzo
Brian Henn
MICHAEL KORS MOTO JACKET - $495 at select Michael Kors Lifestyle Stores
5. ROMANTIC DRESSES: Get passionate this fall with these romantic little numbers. We are seeing lots of retro and romance. These dresses are so girlie with their easy volume and nipped-in-waists, perfect for any figure. Throw on some mary janes, ballet flats, black heels or ankle booties to enhance the glamour.
Photos: (left to right) Nina Ricci, Lanvin, Marchesa,
Pamella Roland
Brian Henn
TRACY REESE DRESS - $468 at modcloth.com
6. FILM NOIR: Definitely play into this retro vibe with round-toe pumps, mary janes or oxfords. Have fun with hair and makeup – smokey eyes and red lips will create drama fit for the silver screen. Avoid going too tight with suits, skirts should be well below the knee, and select ankle length dresses to fall back in time.
Photos: (left to
right) Bottega Veneta, Lanvin, Gucci, Oscar de la Renta
Brian Henn
TORY BURCH DRESS - $375 at toryburch.com
7. TAPERED TROUSERS: Trouser… such a sexy word isn't it? I think I would prefer something more like loose
legging or long hot pants. Whatever you
want to call them, these tapered pants were featured by many designers on the
runway. The waistlines were hidden, but the
flattering fit comes from highlighting the thinnest for of the let… the
ankle. Relaxed through the hips and
covering the widest part of the leg with the gradual taper gives the chicest
silhouette. To finish off the look, wear
tops or jackets that go down to the thigh along with some knockout heels.
Photos: (left to right) Rag & Bone, 3.1 Phillip Lim,
Hermès, Narciso Rodriguez
Brian Henn
ALVIN VALLEY TROUSERS - $295 at alvinvalley.com
8. FEELING BLUE: For fall we think of olive, rust, and brown, but not this
year – this year we are feeling quite blue.
Cobalt hits big this year. With
its cool undertones, this color compliments every complexion, wear it with a
natural lip and eye for day or dark defined lips with a smokey eye at
night. Black pants or white accessories
make the deep blue light up.
Photos: (left to right) J. Mendel, Valentino, Michael Kors,
Missoni
Brian Henn
RAG & BONE SKIRT - $395 at Owen, 212-524-9770
9. LETS GET WILD: This season is fierce - dresses, skirts, shorts, pants,
sweaters, and coats – it’s a jungle out there.
Animals everywhere… well prints that is.
The hottest designers are using zebra, cougar, and leopard mixed with
fur, feathers and bling. Be adventurous and
hunt for other prints to pair up with, don’t be afraid to try florals, polka
dots and similar palettes. For a more
tradition spin, choose solids like black, brown, or gray.
Photos: (left to right) Saint Laurent, Burberry Prorsum,
Emanuel Ungaro, Tom Ford
Brian Henn
MAX MARA CLUTCH - $825 at Max Mara, 212-879-6100
10. SWEATER WEATHER: Yes we all realize that the sweater can be pretty boring,
but this season designers brought them alive with belts, fur, ruffles, and
fringe. We saw many patterns and colors,
with styles for work and a night on the town.
I must say that I do love a comfy sweater on a cold day so I will
definitely be trying a few of these with some floor-dusting skirts and calf-high
boots to see if I can get the pajama like feel of the summer maxi-dress two seasons ago... oh how I miss it so.
Photos: (left to right) Dries Van Noten, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Chanel
Brian Henn
NÜMPH SWEATER - $105 at
urbanoutfitters.com for stores
11. BELLE CURVE: Talk about flattering a woman’s body! This unfussy and uber girlie look has
sculptural lines that accentuate your real curves, giving an illusion of
hourglass proportion. To make this style
even fancier, try round-shoulder coats, bell-sleeve jackets, tailored pants,
and fitted skirts. For your accessories,
select items that are understated like a clutch or long earrings.
Photos: (left to right) Zac Posen, Altuzarra, Dolce &
Gabbana, Jil Sander
Brian Henn
MAJE DRESS - $390 at maje.com
12. A FOREIGN AFFAIR: Explore elaborately embroidered patterns, exotic styles and
jewels this year and take a trip to another time and place. These worldly fashions can be accessorized
with big gold necklaces, cuffs, and gemstones for real sophistication. Be fashion fearless and go on an adventure.
Photos: (left to right) Prabal Gurung, Oscar de la Renta, Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana
Brian Henn
KATE SPADE NEW YORK COAT - $785 at Kate Spade New York,
212-988-0259
13. PLAID AND PLEATS: I recently heard someone say that they wished the school
girl trend would come back - and yes, it was a man - well, they got their wish
because baby-doll dresses, cropped jackets, and short skirts in plaid earned A’s
this season. To avoid looking to prim
and proper, try leaving the hair wild with a dark shade of lipstick or
eyeliner.
Photos: (left to right) Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Calvin
Klein, Celine
Brian Henn
ALICE + OLIVIA BY STACEY BENDET SKIRT - $297 at
aliceandolivia.com
14. SIMPLY ELEGANT: Perfect for woman of all ages, these pieces are subtle and
sexy. Structured lines and neutral
colors will give you gorgeous silhouettes.
Think minimalist. Personally, I struggle with this one!
Photos: (left to right) Bottega Veneta, Celine, Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler
Brian Henn
LYDELL NYC BRACELET - $48 at lydellnyc.com
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