Page 3 - RVO What Women Want August 2016

What Women Want • An Advertising Supplement to the River Valley & Ozark Edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette • Sunday, August 14, 2016 • 3VV
Dressing for fall may be easier than most realize. With trends such as booties, leggings and scarves staying strong, purchasing fall clothes is now an intelligent investment, not a risky endeavor.
Fashion FORWARD Showcase personal style with on-trend clothing, accessories
BY LINDA GARNERBUNCH
SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
With temperatures still hovering in the 90s and humidity so high it’ll frizz your hair within seconds of stepping outdoors, it’s hard to imagine that autumn is just around the corner. Those cooler days will be here before you know it, though — and now is the perfect time to start planning your fall wardrobe.
The good news is that many of last year’s fall staples are still going strong, including the casually comfy boyfriend jean, eye-catching booties in every style and color, and sleek leggings worn with tunics or chunky sweaters, just to name a few. Since you probably already have several of the basics tucked away in your closet, creating fashion-forward ensembles should be a breeze.
This year, look for updated, more sophisticated versions of 1980s and 1990s wardrobe staples, said Bridgette Eason, owner of Essential Frills in Maumelle.
For example, the exaggerated, bulky shoulder pads of the ’80s have been replaced by sleeker ones for casually elegant blouses and jackets that look great with slim-cut trousers, and schoolgirl-look jumpers and plaid skirts have a more grown-up look for today’s style.
“Find a statement piece or two, and go with it,” Eason said. “Think ’80s/’90s bold statements, just a little more polished.” In addition to visual appeal, fall and winter fashions
incorporate texture for added richness.
“We are seeing lots of furs (faux for us), leathers, suede
and velvet for this fall,” said Abby King, owner of HipSway in Conway. “We are also seeing lots of shearling vests and leather bomber jackets.”
Before beginning your retail therapy, King suggests sorting through your current wardrobe and weeding out anything that’s gone out of style. Next, make a note of what staples you need, along with any layering pieces, such as vests, cardigans and jackets.
A few favorites for fall include the following:
• Statement furs: Whether real or faux, fur coats, jackets and stoles are back in a big way — but these are not your grandmother’s plain brown or black pieces. Look for an array of colors, from natural shades to sky blue, pale lavender and blush pink, and updated silhouettes.
“A good staple piece would be a (faux) fur vest,” King said. “It’s a staple piece that you can put with everything. Layer it
TRENDY
must-haves
over a basic tee, flannel shirt or cute floral top.”
• Menswear-inspired clothing: From classic pinstripes, ap- plied to skirts both billowy and tailored, to jackets, skirts and slacks sporting subtle plaids, classic menswear styling provides a great starting point for feminine fashion. Menswear styling
is not limited to business wear, however.
“The boyfriend jean has been in, and now the shirts are,
too, just with feminine details so that they still fit.”
• Bold prints: From florals to abstracts, autumn’s print fabrics offer a wealth of options. Look for statement pieces such as blouses, jackets or skirts to team with your favorite solid colors, or add a bit of pizzazz to an understated outfit
with a big-patterned scarf.
“Tapestry-style prints are big on bags, cardigans and even
pants,” Eason said. “If you’re nervous about a big, bold print, try it on your handbag.”
• Leopard print: Animal prints have long been a go-to for the more adventurous fashionista, with zebra, tiger and giraffe prints cycling through the seasons for the past few decades. This year, it’s the leopard’s turn to take the spotlight.
“Leopard is always in,” Eason said. “Wear it with a bold color like red, cobalt blue or fuchsia.”
• Choker necklaces: These throat-hugging accessories enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 1980s, and they’re back for a new fashion era. Look for statement chokers that cover much of the neck.
“This is my favorite trend. A good accessory completes an outfit,” King said. “We are seeing lots of lace, leather and stone chokers.”
Eason agreed: “[We’re seeing] chokers in all sizes, espe- cially velvet ones and super-detailed ones.”
• Velvet fabric: From crushed to plush, velvet remains a classic textile for clothing and accessories. Look for rich solid colors, vibrant prints and intriguing burnout patterns.
“I love a good velvet fabric,” King said. “My favorite would be velvet incorporated into a dress. It’s so fun, dressy and girly.”
• Lace: From sophisticated lace overdresses, worn over simple sheaths, to super-feminine frills teamed with denim or leather, lace remains a popular finishing touch, no matter what the season.
• Chunky heels: This year, the David Bowie boot brings a touch of mod style to footwear. Think boots, both full-length and bootie, with thick, chunky soles and big blocky heels.
Whether your style is ultrafeminine, simply understated, comfortably sporty or bold and funky, there’s something in this fall’s fashion lineup that will perfectly fit your taste.
Cowgirl chic
This sweet and sassy dress from Southern Grace, featuring ivory crochet lace inserts on the sleeves and fringe accents on the hem, is an ideal pick for most any occasion. Add a fun multicolored bead and black- tassel necklace to complete the look.
TO BUY: Essential Frills, Maumelle
Tantalizing textures
Welcome cool temperatures with this comfy and colorful hooded jacket from Ivy Jane. Featuring oversized styling, Boho-inspired print and zip-front closure, this jacket can add a touch of whimsy to any outfit.
TO BUY: Dancing Cranes, Heber Springs
Dreamy denim
You’ll go to the head of the class wearing fashionable name-brand designer jeans. Choose from a variety of styles, sizes and pocket embellishments.
TO BUY: Deb’s Fashion Outlet, Clinton