Page 4 - RVO What Women Want Nov 2015

4VV • What Women Want • An Advertising Supplement to the River Valley & Ozark Edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette • Sunday, November 8, 2015
Tartan
Buffalo Plaid
Madras
Tattersall
Glen Plaid
Gingham
Minicheck
Houndstooth
Mad for PLAID Check out this season’s trendy patterns
BY SARAH DECLERK SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
What do grunge, punk and prep all have in common? Plaid, of course! This year, the colorful print is adorning hats, shoes and everything in between. With a new generation’s spin on the old favorite, it is safe to say that plaid is back.
“Honestly, all of the ’90s are back,” said Bridgette Eason, owner of Essential Frills in Maumelle. “We did all the color block this spring, and all of the plaid and flannel are the next section of that to be back for fall.”
“It’s not just the ’90s grunge-band flannel shirt,” she added, noting the print’s popularity on shoes, leggings, trench coats, dresses and more.
Vicky Hawk, manager of Uncom- mon Threads in Conway, agreed. “You’re seeing some [plaid shirts] coming more to the knees that can be worn as a dress or with leggings,” Hawk said. This season has brought bold color combinations such as green, navy and orange, or pink, navy and purple, she said, as well as the use of cotton instead of flannel.
Plaid is an outfit’s “statement pat- tern,” Eason said. Pick a color in the plaid, and wear a matching solid to make the color pop, she advised.
“You can dress it up or dress it down,” said Sena Lovette-Crafton, owner of Conway’s Grand on Oak. Go classy with plaid pencil skirts or structured dresses, or throw a plaid shirt over a graphic tee and jeans for a more casual look.
“Layering is a big thing,” Hawk said. Wear plaid shirts over thermals and sweater dresses for extra warmth. Fash- ionistas can pair plaids with the fur and fringed vests that are in vogue this year.
There are many kinds of plaid to choose from. Tartan features colorful lines that intersect to produce various sizes of blocks, and madras’ bright stripes create a vibrant design. Buffalo plaid’s blocky print is formed by two thick bands of color — typically red and black.
Windowpane check is characterized by thin lines of one color that divide a base color into large open squares. When the pattern is smaller, it is known as graph check. Tattersall is similar but adds more colors to the grid.
This fall, plaid is bigger than ever — literally. The familiar pattern has been oversized to appeal to a new generation, although smaller ginghams still retain a dedicated following. With plaid adorning everything from hats to shoes, there are many ways to rock this season’s trend.
SOLEFUL style Happy feet
Glen plaid is a dapper twill design with alternating blocks of small and large checks. The print is normally black and white but may include an accent color in a windowpane pattern. Glen plaid often incorporates hound- stooth — jagged checks that look like dogs’ teeth.
Gingham is known for its even squares, which are formed when one color crisscrosses over a base color. Minicheck is a smaller version of ging- ham. Pin check is a variation that is so small that it creates the illusion of a tex- tured solid. Shepherd’s check is simply gingham with a visible twill, lending a diagonal dimension to the pattern.
Although this season seems to fa- vor big bold tartans and windowpane plaids, more delicate ginghams retain a devoted following. Tall women have no problem pulling off large patterns, but petite women might opt for mid-sized patterns with strong vertical lines that add height. However, a garment’s cut is the most important consideration for any body type.
“Really, the pattern itself is not go- ing to be as important as the fit of the shirt or dress,” Eaton said. Lengthy tu- nics such as Pikos flatter apple-shaped women, while pear-shaped figures do better with a wider shoulder, she said.
However it’s worn – dressy or casual, a lot or as a pop, skirts or shirts — this season has brought a parade of plaid. With all the options available, there is sure to be a style that suits everyone.
Other
TRENDS
BY SARAH DECLERK SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
Plaid is all the rage this season, but several other trends have cropped up as well. Many can be mixed together for a chic look. The following are a few stylish choices that can be incorporated into this year’s fall wardrobe.
➤ Flared pants: Get ready to take a break from skinny jeans because flared pants are back. Wear a high-waisted pair with heels to elongate the legs. Also, keep an eye out for slouchy boyfriend jeans and jeans that are cropped above the ankle. There is no reason to toss your tight-fitting favorites, however; they still look great tucked into boots or worn un- der a loose top.
➤ Fringe: This ’70s-inspired look is inescapable this year, adorning every- thing from vests to handbags. Show off fringed boots by wearing them with leg- gings, or don a fringed poncho with cow- boy boots for a warm outdoorsy outfit.
➤ Fur: Faux fur works just as well for this fuzzy fad. Waist-length fur vests are definitely in demand, but fur is also ap- pearing on coats, stoles, scarves, and even handbags and shoes. Layer a fur vest over a plaid shirt for a fashion-forward look.
➤ Leather and suede: Leather skirts took over the runways this season. Be prepared for skirts with car-wash slits; Doir’s fall 2015 collection solidified the trend. Suede pants are also in vogue, as are suede boots, jackets and dresses. Synthetic materials are available for the ethically minded.
➤ Sweater dresses: Sweater dresses are back, and there are more ways to wear them than ever before. Dress them up with leggings and booties, or get ready for a bonfire by pairing them with jeans, boots and a plaid shirt.
Detailed distinction
It’s all in the details. With wraparound straps, trendy buckle adornments and layers of fringe, the Dixon and Rancho suede ankle boots from Minnetonka are must-haves for any fall-and-winter wardrobe.
TO BUY: Dancing Cranes, Heber Springs
Pamper your feet with comfortable and lightweight Cuddly shoes from Bernie Mev. This closed-toe Mary
Jane has a handwoven elastic upper that conforms naturally to the foot, and the shoe slips on and off easily. The memory foam insole provides cushioning and support to the feet. The rubber outsole takes care of traction control and ensures durability. TO BUY: Merle Norman, Heber Springs
Fall fringe
Pay homage to the moccasin with these Minnetonka boots, which come with either three or five layers of fringe. Available in black, tan or gray, these suede shoes feature a rubber outsole and cushioned insole to keep your feet comfy.
TO BUY: JR’s Hobby Horse, Conway