Fall Fashion

Photo Credit: Marshall Franklin Long

Women

Buying the small items allows you to create new outfits with very little investment. Here are some accessory tips from STYLEDLIFE.

Scarves: The indispensable item, both functional and fashionable. It is a great way to add a splash of color to standard business apparel. The oblong scarf is very versatile and much easier to wear than the standard square scarf. Mix up how you tie it and drape it. For some ideas, check out the STYLEDLIFE scarf-tying demonstrations on YouTube.

Cardigans: Versatility is the key to fall and winter fashion and the cardigan does it all. Keep it at your desk for those days you just want to be more comfortable but remain business-appropriate. Wear it with a belt to create a slimming silhouette of your body.

Watches: An item that has moved from being functional to an easy way to spice up your accessories. Wear a few of them at once or mix and match them with some bracelets to add diversity.

Belts: There is a misperception that a belt will make you look heavier. On the contrary, it’s a great way to make you look taller and give your body some shape. When wearing a belt, take into consideration the three plateaus where you can wear it: at the natural waist, above the waist and at the hips. Each can bring out a different style and look.

Purses: The newest trend is the hands-free bag for the busy businesswoman or mom who wants to be able to use both arms. There are many bags out there that have an all-season color, such as scone, allowing you to wear it anytime of the year.

Hosiery: It keeps you warm and can be used to put just a touch of color in more conservative outfits. A great item to add to the blacks and blues of business attire—and it gives you the power to have it noticed or not.

***

Men

Here are some ideas from Jason Hammerberg, founder of Hammer-Made, to bring out a bit of style in the standard suit.

Suit Jacket: There are a few trends gaining popularity in the suit coat. First is the narrowing of the lapel, which gives the wearer a stylish Mad Men look. Peak lapels, as opposed to notched lapels, are also gaining popularity. Though a bit more fancy, peak lapels are being seen in everyday wear more and more. Jackets are also becoming predominantly two-button instead of three; it allows more color from the shirt to be seen.

Shirt: As Hammerberg puts it, “The shirt is the new tie.” More and more, guys are going tieless, so use the shirt to bring some color to the wardrobe. Plaid is a big trend, but it’s all about personal style; just try something other than the solid color shirt. A patterned shirt is versatile; it can be worn to the office and to happy hour right after. Also, look for the slimmer shirt. Everybody hates that extra shirt flab that hangs out after you tuck it in; fashion designers have taken notice and started to eliminate that with trimfitting shirts.

Ties: The standard tie is about three inches at its widest point. However, since lapels are getting skinnier, try a skinnier tie with them. If you’re wearing a plaid shirt, a solid color tie is always a nice adornment. If wearing a solid color blue shirt, use a tie to bring some pizzazz to your look.

Pocket Squares: A great way to make you look different from the guy standing next to you, a small touch of color for the conservative colors of a suit. They usually come in cotton or silk and are easy to add to your outfit in the
morning. Check out Hammer’s Hints-Pocket Squares on YouTube to get some ideas on how to fold them.

Accessories: Small details like the tie clip or cufflinks can be the additional item that puts a bit of polish on a suit. Hammerberg has cufflinks for all occasions, from standard pearl cufflinks to ones specially designed for a wedding.

Socks: Another fashion item that is overlooked because most of the time it isn’t seen. That’s what makes them a perfect subtle suit accoutrement; you can show them or not. Try stripes or argyle, and make sure it has a little polyester in it to stop the toes and heels from wearing down.