3 must-have looks for the season, from your closet
Fall Fashion Week was in full swing and Style.com, home to the fashion musing of both Vogue and W Magazines, updated hourly with pictures and commentary from the tents in New York. It was a fashion addict's Mecca.
The mood for fall is, well, moody. Marc Jacobs plays with sullen and brooding looks for collections at both Louis Vuitton and his eponymous line. Nicholas Ghesquiere at Balenciaga took cues from the '60s most subtly, and perhaps most successfully, while Christian Dior simultaneously channeled a mod vibe, opening his show with an oversized black and white striped sweater-very bold, very London-worn as a dress. Peter Som, who understands the American look as well as any designer today, turned to lace details in a manner more prim than prude.
Despite the not-so-subtle locale shift, there's no reason to ignore your inner fashionista while situated in Durham. To that end, we've put together three ready-for-fall looks all culled from college closets. There's no need to dress head to toe designer when the trends for fall are all about making a statement. Pay attention to structure, volume and texture and take it in your own direction.
Look #1: Town & Country
A look that is decidedly Edwardian in its roots, and as such, expresses a luxurious, aristocratic ideal, combining ladylike details with sturdy pieces for a life in the country. An amalgamation of textures and materials make the look versatile enough to last all day. The key is to go for texture: flannel, tweed, herringbone and houndstooth, but make it pretty with hints at femininity like lace, pleats and velvet.
Look #2: Cool Britannia
A mod-ish style that pays homage to the bold and graphic styles of the '60s both at home and abroad. Hop the Pond and go mini like Twiggy, or spend some time back home channeling Edie Sedgwick's expressive style. Be on the lookout for stacked heels, loud prints and contrasting patterns. The bold, graphic look we've pulled here is reminiscent of Christian Dior's stripy style but tackles the look with a college-age irreverence.
Look #3: Man of the House
This season calls for expert tailoring and dramatic color. Be on the look out for trousers as opposed to pants-thick, high waistbands and a wider leg to convey stature and strength. Take it to the head of the class with a shrunken jacket and cinching belt, or make a power play at the office in a suit cut better than the one on the guy sitting next to you. The look is slouchy and slick all at once and totally irresistible.
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