The other day, when it was a steamy 90 degrees outside, I stopped in to one of my favorite stores and picked up a chunky cable-knit sweater and sweater wrap. Ludicrous you say? I used to think so, but as I've gotten to know and understand the fashion industry, I've come to realize that because retailers put out all their Fall fashions in August, it's THE BEST time to scoop up your Fall frocks. If you wait until the end of September/early October, there are slim pickings and a lot of "oh, I'm sorry we don't have that in your size".
Plus, I've been entirely too excited for Fall to arrive, after viewing the Ready-to-Wear looks on the runways during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week back in February! Wide-leg trousers, longer hemlines, rich colors, lady-chic looks and more, Fall 2011 incorporates '70s inspired pieces combined with romantic, feminine and classic looks.
The 9-5 Dress
Dresses you can wear for work and play, Fall 2011 embraced the feminine, figure-flattering dress making it a must-wear whether in the office or out for dinner. Throw on a chunky necklace to dress it up past 5PM!
Memo Dress in Super 120s available at JCrew
Diane von Furstenberg available at Net-a-Porter
Diane von Furstenberg Mateo Silk Wrap Dress in Forest Green *color* available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue
Diane von Furstenberg Kimian Dress
Color of Fall: Rust
This warm, earthy tone graced the runways back in February and nothing says Fall has arrived better than this color.
See by Chloe Long Sleeve Neck Blouse available at ShopBop
Tibi Silk One Shoulder Dress available at ShopBop
See by Chloe High Waist Pants available at ShopBop
Joie Pleasant Blouse available at Intermix
Rag & Bone Flare Jeans available at Intermix
Sanctuary Jane Dress available at Piperlime
The Poncho/Cape
It's a poncho/cape with the functionality of a coat - it's the new peacoat!
Rachel Zoe Ava Knit Cape available at Shopbop
Piazza Sempione Double Face Wool & Cashmere Cape available at Nordstrom
Rachel Zoe Wrap Collar Cape available at Nordstrom
Plaid
Feel free to rock plaid head-to-toe, but I'll stick to one plaid at a time. :o)
L.A.M.B. Plaid Blazer available at ShopBop
Etoille Isabel Marant plaid dress available at Net-a-Porter
BB Dakota Calhoun Plaid Hooded Poncho available at ShopBop
Rachel Zoe Glen Plaid Pant available at Intermix
Trousers
Wear the pants in your fashion relationship! I scored big time the other day at JCrew when I scooped the pants shown below, so much so that I scooped them in heather gray, tan and navy! They're part of a suit, but I opted to pass on the blazer since these pants work on their own with so many different tops.
Hutton Trouser in Super 120s available at JCrew
Banana Republic Ready-to-Wear Fall 2011 (coming soon to stores)
Theory Fryan Pant available at Bloomingdales
*Diane von Furstenberg "Fimby Trouser" available at ShopBop.
Bordeaux
Not the wine, but just as good! This Fall bordeaux-colored dresses, skirts, shoes and more all the rave.
Wrap Ruch Bodycon Dress available at TopShop
Elie Tahari "Rhonda Skirt" available at Elie Tahari Tysons Galleria
Diane von Furstenberg "Ginessa Turtleneck Sweater Dress" available at ShopBop
Elie Tahari Ready-To-Wear available at Elie Tahari Tysons Galleria
Animal Print
Everyone should have a piece of animal print in their closet. Opt for leopard head-to-toe or just throw in a piece of leopard, your choice :o)
Leopard pencil skirt available at JCrew
Pleated Animal Print Silk Skirt by Tucker available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Leopard Pumps available at JCrew
Rachel Zoe Leopard Blousy Maxi Dress available at Intermix
A Little bit' of Lace
Lace continues its reign in to Fall and provides a classic, romantic, and depending on the piece, sexy look.
The Mad Men Colletion Lace Dress (j'adore!) available at Banana Republic
Nightcap Clothing Victorian Lace Dress available at ShopBop
Alice + Olivia Baylor Lace Tee available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Tibi Venice Lace Jacket and Skirt available at Tibi
Lace Top by Patterson J. Kincald available at ShopStyle
Leather Skirts
Like it or not, leather ruled the runways - leather skirts, dresses, gloves - and these are a few of my leather skirts. Wear them with a flowy, sheer blouse tucked in or a fitted turtleneck or loose sweater tucked out.
3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Skirt available at Net-a-Porter
Available at Elie Tahari Tysons Galleria
Leather Skirt by Tibi
Colorful Coats
A bold colored coat is a must-have for your Fall wardrobe. They're a great statement piece and will have you standing out in the crowd.
Double-cloth Metro Coat available at JCrew
Diane von Furstenberg "Harrington" Coat available at ShopBop.
Traditional Penny Loafers
Penny loafers are back! They're classic, comfortable, a little dressier than a regular ballet flat and add a preppy twist to your look.
Penny loafer at Tory Burch
Boston Penny Loafers by ONE available at ShopBop.
Penny Loafers with a Heel!
Biella Satin High-Heel Penny Loafer available at JCrew
Pour La Victoire Larkin Penny Loafer Pumps
'70s Craze
Flowy blouses, high waist pants, the '70s certainly inspired many of Fall's hottest trends.
Eugenia Kim Catherine Wide Brim Hat available at Shopbop
Elizabeth and James Maddie Tie Neck Blouse available at ShopBop
Lover Wide Leg Jeans available at ShopBop
Mustard Hues
I love this color! If you're one who thinks mustard isn't a good color for you, try a mustard-colored skirt instead of a sweater...in other words you can still wear this color, just not close to your face.
Pencil Skirt in Golden Mustard available at JCrew
Diane von Furstenberg Evenlina Dress available at Neiman Marcus
Marlene Birger jumpsuit available at Net-a-Poter.
Tibi Chunky Sweater Dress available at Tibi
Nude
Another classic neutral must-have in your wardrobe!
Belted Shirtdress available at TopShop
Nightcap Clothing Deep V Lace Dress available at Saks Fifth Avenue
*Equipment "Nixie Blouse" available at ShopBop
Polka Dots
Done correctly, you can pull off polka-dots!
Polka Dot blouse available at Zara
Green Polka Dot Top at Zara
Polka Dot Blouse by Bailey 44 available at Nordstrom
Tucker Side Ruffle Dress available at Piperlime
Colorful Pants
Must-have. Period. :o)
Robert Rodriguez Cropped Slim Trouser available at Intermix
Alice + Olivia
JBrand
I hope you enjoy your journey to update your Fall wardrobe as much as I do! Keep in mind that stores will have a second shipment of new Fall arrivals sometime in mid-August, so don't spen all your $$$ at once ;-)
XOXO
April
LOVED YOUR FALL SUGGESTIONS!!!!!
Posted by: SANDY | 08/10/2011 at 07:55 AM
LOVE this cloths
Posted by: Black Dresses | 08/17/2011 at 11:15 PM