A Guide to Fall 2010

Whether we like it or not, the new season has almost arrived. Soon it will be time to hang up the floral shifts and straw fedoras and cozy up to gorgeous warmer pieces that fall has to offer.  Whether you're updating your wardrobe or hunting for new additions, these essential fall items are sure to get you through the cooler weather nice and breezy.


The Chambray Button-down Shirt

The Chambray shirt was iconic in the 1980's and 1990's casual wear fashion. This fall is all about consolidating opposites so you can try dressing up this casual shirt with a pair of dark silk cigarette pants and pumps. Be wary of double denim but it's fine as long as the jeans are of a dark wash.

BDG Chambray Boyfriend Shirt, $48 at Urban Outfitters 

Unisex Chambray Long Sleeve Button up Shirt, $58 at American Apparel 

The Boyfriend Blazer

Having made a big impression on us last spring, the boyfriend blazer is back for another round. Blazers with feminine detailing such as silk linings and modest shoulder pads can give your outfit a pretty yet strong feel. It can be thrown on over a jazzy top and jeans to give your outfit cleaner lines or wear it over a feminine shift and heels for the evening.



The Cigarette Pants/Jeans

After a summer of billowy harem pants, cigarette pants provide a sleeker silhouette and is versatile enough to pair with a casual or structured top. Cigarette pants look great in the high rise style which looks great with a crisp white short sleeved collared shirt tucked in to show off the cinched waist line. As for the length, try something different and opt for a 'grazer'--cigarette pants that stop midway between the calf and the ankle. It's a breezier look than full length pants which you'll have plenty of chances to wear come winter.



The Cape Coat

Since this season is all about uniting contrasting shapes, try a cape coat if you're not afraid to wander a bit off the beaten path of outerwear. Cape coats come in different styles--poncho and cape backed. Poncho styles have one uniform shape and they create an edgy kind of egg shape silhouette with rounded shoulders, sleeves and hems. Cape backs have a slim bodice and a cape flair at the back, which provides a perfect balance between geometry and fluidity.

The Thigh-High Socks 

Thigh highs from the 80's are making a comeback in a major way. They allow you to find the perfect groove between summer and fall if you pair them with shorts or that particularly short dress (mini skirt ensembles may be a bit too much when paired with knee highs). As for footwear, pair your socks with satin peep toe pumps if you're going for dressy or have a bit of the socks peep over the top of knee high boots on a casual outfit. 

The Collegiate Style 

Collegiate style clothing are not just for those of us hitting the books this fall, they are making appearances on the runways of designers such as Tommy Hilfiger. Look for V neck cashmere sweaters layered over collared shirts, button-down blazers and wool scarves.