LV LifeFashion & Beauty

Dress the part for this fall season

Taina Manjarrez, a sophomore at the University of La Verne, looks through People Magazine's list of Hollywood's best and worst dressed celebrities while deciding what to pick from her wardrobe in her Stu-Han dorm room. / photo by Bailey Porter
Taina Manjarrez, a sophomore at the University of La Verne, looks through People Magazine’s list of Hollywood’s best and worst dressed celebrities while deciding what to pick from her wardrobe in her Stu-Han dorm room. / photo by Bailey Porter

by Amber McLaughlin
Staff Writer

There is nothing minimalist when it comes to fashion this season.

The emphasis is on detail and unique styles for both men and women for a new, hipper, fresher look.

Sweaters are great in every shape and texture, especially V-necks in bold colors and cozy cardigans.

The look is to pair big tops with tight pants or big pants with tight tops.

Men will also be wearing chunky knit cardigans.

“Ribbed sweaters layered with a denim jacket is one of the hottest trends for fall,” said Anthony Avarado, Gap manager at the Brea Mall. “Be very conscious when it comes to buying an outfit for any season because it may go out of style, which makes shopping expensive.”

According to fashion experts from www.style.com, the online home of Vogue and W magazines, jackets now come in a dazzling range of styles from motorcycle and military to fitted, oversized and fur.

Proportions are key, experts say.

For example, a bulky jacket should be worn with a slim bottom and vice versa.

A more dramatic option is to wear a coat with embellishments like embroidery or faux fur.

Leather, suede and corduroy jackets in black and earth-tone colors are also a big hit this season.

Take advice from Cosmopolitan magazine’s fashion experts and wear a vest over a tailored shirt or against bare skin for a more risque look.

Skin tight denim is making a tremendous comeback, especially paired with a soft peasant top for a feminine appeal.

All denim is good from pale sky blue to inky black.

Vintage, washed-out denim is most popular.

As for pants, long, cropped, slim or wide-leg are all in this season.

Any skirt hemline is fashionable, such as pegged, straight or narrow.

Long and lean skirts look great with a silver buckle, lace, patchwork or embroidery.

Black is still the fashion world’s favorite color. This fall, black goes with everything.

For women, wear a pair of sophisticated boots and chunky ethnic jewelry for a sleek look.

Other popular hues for fall are deep reds, strong blues, plums and purple, along with neutrals such as browns, camels and grays.

Kimberly McKeon, a wardrobe consultant for Nordstrom in the Brea Mall said some of the hottest trends for fall are romantic, Bohemian-influenced styles, refined and tailored clothing, and the 60’s inspired look.

Her advice for men and women is, “Always be yourself and never copy an item that is not you. It will look like you are trying too hard. Be a trend setter and not a fashion victim.”

McKeon likes to keep things current and fresh.

To keep things simple, before leaving the house she always takes one thing off, such as a bracelet, a belt, etc.

For men, the most stylish colors of the season are red, burnt orange, maroon, burgundy, purple, khaki and green.

According to experts from www.askmen.com, turtlenecks have returned to men’s fashion. Experts say they are sophisticated and dressy enough to wear on a night out.

If you are not used to wearing them, start by wearing a mock neck first. It is not as high as a turtleneck and looks nice under a suit.

At the University of La Verne, some students are setting their own trends.

“I’m myself, if that’s in style then its in style,” said Todd Farrell, a senior. “I don’t try to conform myself to what everybody likes. I think big pants are definitely out of style. A more streamlined look is what I’m interested in.”

Gold, according to the experts, is definitely hot right now.

Anything such as a gold dress, purse, shoes, bracelet or earrings will make anyone glamorous.

Fashion experts from www.style.com suggest mixing metallic materials with solid neutrals, such as a sequined skirt with a snug-fitting sweater during the day.

The heels this season will vary from round toe pumps and pointy-toe stilettos.

Boots are now embroidered with flowers, embossed and fringed in something of an 80’s throwback, slouching in suede.

Dainty micro-purses are out and big bags are a must-have this season.

Compliment your outfit with a soft and slouchy bag in suede, leather or denim.

And it is suggested to keep accessories to a minimum, the experts admonish. But, variety is always recommended.

Necklaces with beads and pendants, a retro funky choker or dangling earrings will complete any outfit, experts say.

Shimmer, matte and glossy make-up worn together and layered over each other looks best for fall.

Keep it minimal during the day and more dramatic in the evening.

These are the styles for this season, but that doesn’t mean you have to change your wardrobe in order to be fashionable.

Keep some of your older clothes (your favorites) and revamp those outfits with new articles of clothing this fall.

You’ll be making use of your older clothes and looking stylish with new pieces.

Amber McLaughlin
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Bailey Porter, LV Life Editor
Bailey Porter
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