Colors of the Fall

Last week fellow blogger Jim Clark shared his view on the Fall trends for guys.  This week its my turn to give you an up-to-date report on what to wear for this wonderful season. 

Let’s begin - From what I’ve seen, the Fall/Winter trends this year are going to be much more different than years past. This season is being defined by color, neon colors even! No more black/brown/camel/gray only combinations (though I still love the Orange/Gray combo). The season is all about Mod trends, bright colors, tailored clothing - everything that is classy and elegant. One of the things that I noticed (and I love!) is the combination of Mod with nautical elements. This is the best combination I’ve seen all year. I personally love Mod trends and do I own more than a few nautical dresses and pants. So, I’m in heaven pretty much. Time to wear those wide legged pants with my nautical trench and bright scarfs. Think of using bright reds and blues as a way to add color to your outfit and as part of the bright color trend for Fall. You will be both elegant and in style.

While colors are unusually bright, everything else is going back to basics. Tailored pants with a suit feel, dresses that can be used for a “day to night” affair, tube skirts, high heeled pumps, and colorful wedges. Pieces that you already have in your closet and call the “classics.” They give you that effortless and sophisticated look. In order to give your classics the modern Fall 2011 feel, don’t be afraid and add the neons. A neon green cuff or a blue clutch can do wonders to an all black outfit without making you look like that 80’s girl you used to be. One thing that is a must for the season? Capes! I’ve seen them all over magazines and stores - even here in Ocala. To achieve the Mod look, add a black cape style coat, big sunglasses and give it a twist with a bright neon clutch. You are sure to capture looks!

There you have it, now its time to go to your closet and look around to find out how to mix and match your work suit pants and blouses with that Missoni scarf and clutch you got at Target a couple of weeks ago - well, at least thats what Im doing...  Happy pairings, you sexy thing!

Ready for the Fall? By Fashion Blog Guy, Jim Clark

If you live in the southern part of the U.S. you are just starting to feel the beginning of the fall. But my friends up north already have felt it for some time by now. With that said, what I usually do is figure out what I will be wearing this winter and where are my winter clothes. Some may be hanging in the back of the closet while sweaters and pullovers folded and hiding in a drawer.
 


I like to wear more jackets/blazers in the winter, not because they obviously keep me warm, but that I like the feeling of getting dressed up and heading out to dinner or anywhere. I seem to get responses from friends like: "Where are you going? Big client meeting or going to see the banker?" and I will say it I like the attention. The funny thing is that sometimes the only different piece of clothing is a jacket to my outfit.
 


 

Do your research before putting on the first thing you find in your winter wardrobe. Look in some of the fashion magazines in a bookstore (if you can find one?) or online to see what's hot, classy, non trendy, or what not wear trends out there for this winter. Look in both the men's and women's publications/sites because you want to see what the guys are wearing who are with the models too. They didn't get put next to them because they were just plain.
 


After you have done your research you need to look at another important thing… "YOU". Take a good look inside and out. Has the summer of partying left you looking rough (and not in a good way)? Is your skin dry from all the sun (winter is dryer)? Is your hairstyle too crazy to wear with a jacket or tie (unless you are going for the rough lumberjack look)? All I'm saying is that you project your personality from the inside out. When you feel good you tend to care about how you look so you need to work on both.
 


I like to start from the head down. I get a hair cut because that always makes me feel better. Some of the "stylish" hairstyles today may or may not work for you. Some look as if the guy just got out of bed, others long and curly, and coming back is the slick look, believe it or not. So look at your face and find one you like and that's easy to manage.
 


 

When it comes to the clothes, I'm wearing the classic gray jacket or suit with some bold color accents. Michael Kors and Dior Homme have great gray casual and business suits for this winter season. Match your suit with a classic white shirt, bold colored tie, and stylish shoes and you’re good to go. Find a pair of socks that match your accent color in your tie and you'll set yourself apart from the others.
 


If you are not wanting to get "all dressed up" then you have lots of other choices. I love the feeling of a big bulky sweater and they are going to be big again this season. They keep you warm and make you look even more "cuddly" than you are. Sweaters can be found in bright colors, fun prints, and even Nordic motifs. Wear them with a pair of slacks or jeans and a nice pair of shoes, perfect for a happy hour. Turtlenecks are still around for those of you who like that extra fabric around you neck… me not so much, but I do have one or two.
 


Well, this is enough to get you started looking good for winter and you are almost ready for fall. You can do it, be yourself, let your personality shine, look good (others are looking at you), and stay warm.