Ten “must-haves” this season
December 19th, 2007Each season there’s a handful of items that everyone can integrate into their wardrobe to keep their look updated, hip and current. It’s just a question of finding the versions that are right for you. Here’s my top 10 list for this season:
- Boots, boots, boots kick any outfit up a notch and I can’t stress this point enough. Booties, ankle boots, calf-high and knee-high boots either casual or dressy are statement pieces and absolute winners.
- Clutches are “the bag of the season” and they don’t need to cost the earth. You’ll get away with a perfectly fine looking $30 clutch for an “of the moment” going out look.
- Patent shoes or handbag (or both), because the trend has been around for 3 consecutive seasons and there’s no end in sight for Spring. It’s time to indulge in black, a colour or crinkle versions of high shine.
- Party capsules are essential at this time of year because you don’t want to be caught unprepared for a fancy event. Invest in the right party pieces and you’ll wear them over and over again.
- Comfy tunics allow us to move around freely and stylishly, so make this season’s voluminous trend work for you. Either over jeans, with leggings and flats, or with hose and knee-high boots.
- Dark straight leg jeans (or skinnies) go hand in hand with voluminous tops and therefore can not be ignored.
- Lantern sleeve top or jacket, because this type of volume is easy to wear and interesting to look at.
- Trenches are timeless and they work in Spring, or as your only Winter coat if your Winters are mild. Think beyond the traditional Burberry style trench because there are countless options to suit all fashion personas.
- Winter coats add a level of polish and sophistication to any ensemble. Casual or smart, long or short, trendy or classic, a Winter look is not complete if you don’t have the perfect coat (remember the 3 coat complement if you prefer a tight wardrobe).
- Something bright in either a top, coat, shoe, handbag, scarf, hat or all of the above to celebrate the glorious resurgence of colour.
Spring fashions hit stores in February so there’s still time to work through this list.
December 19th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Angie, I’ve been looking for a clutch all season, but I can’t seem to get my brain around this trend (I’ve never owned one before.) I guess I’m trying to go for something really versatile so I only have to buy one but I don’t want it to be super plain. Any suggestions?
December 19th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Thanks for summarizing the season’s trends Angie-this makes for a handy reference. Patience, try Ebay and look for a vintage clutch-I have several vintage clutches, including one in black patent. These always add a little more personality to my ensembles.
December 19th, 2007 at 10:02 am
Ebay is a super idea and opting for a vintage clutch is certainly one way to go if you tend towards that style. The flip side to that will also work. Going for an ultra modern rectangular silhouette in a metallic shade will suit most ensembles. If you have black party wear or “going-out” attire, opt for a clutch that is NOT plain black. It’s more punchy when you create a contrast with a lighter or brighter colour against your clothing. Some clutches come with wrist straps and I’ve found this feature even more practical.
Go back to my cheat sheets for a little inspiration if you’re still stuck.
December 19th, 2007 at 10:24 am
Hm. I’m thinking I have most of these pieces. I’d love to see some suggestions for tunics that look good over dark straight leg jeans. I’m rather busty, so I generally go for more structure through the waist area, so I have been staying away from tunics. I wouldn’t mind having one, though, if I found one that was flattering.
December 19th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Angie–I always look forward to this article each season. Thank you. Hey, what is a party capsule?
December 19th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Tunics that are structured around the waist area are great and you’ll often find them in the dress department - try petites even if you’re not petite. Keep the shoulder line strong and the neckline low (V or scooped) if you are busty. Knits tend to stretch over the bust area a little easier than wovens, so watch out for fabric that drapes.
Having a few complete party outfits that you can haul out at a seconds notice is what constitutes a party capsule.
December 19th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
I can’t wait til the holidays are over and all the winter gear goes on sale. I plan on beefing up my boot collection, adding a few bright tops to my wardrobe, and looking for a drop waist trench. I’ll pass on the lanter sleeves (working enough of my own curves). Thanks for the tips Angie….
December 19th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
I am having the most impossible time trying to find affordable, stylish, and most importantly, COMFORTABLE ankle boots! I’ve been wearing the same skinny jeans for a month now because they’re the only ones that I can tuck into my riding boots (which look dowdy if I wear them under bootcut or wide leg jeans). It’s hard to find a cute pair of boots that don’t have heels, pointy toes (my feet are too wide for them), AND that suit my student budget.
December 19th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
How about a pair of urban flat rubber-soled weatherproof knee-high boots instead Maya? Fab for rain and snow. I live in Seattle and believe me, I know all about keeping my feet dry and happy! Ankle boots tend to look sassier with a bit of a heel. And perhaps another pair of skinny jeans? Nordstrom’s BP area sells a stretch skinny jean by a brand called “Fire” for $39.
December 20th, 2007 at 6:36 am
Maya, Try going to www.famousfootwear.com (I tried to paste the link, but it didn’t work) You can search by women–>boots–>ankle They have a lot of choices, and thier prices are fairly reasonable. If you register, you get all kinds of great coupons too. I bought the What’s What Stackaroni with a coupon and paid $35 and free shipping! One pair of boots down, hundreds to go! (I wish!)
December 20th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Wish I could wear a reasonable heel, but I have extremely sensitive feet and even now, six months after bunion surgery, my foot is still a bit swollen. I have some knee high and mid-calf boots, but they look goofy under pants, and I find skinny jeans a bit uncomfortable to wear every day. Sometimes I want a little breathing room between my legs and the denim!
Thanks for the tip, Nicole. I will check it out!
December 21st, 2007 at 8:35 am
Why don’t you wear a knee length skirt and tights with your long boots? I hear you on the bunion surgery……this will take a while. How about a little flat wedge boot? You might get lucky with the sales that start Boxing Day. I hope so and good luck with your feet!
December 21st, 2007 at 9:22 am
Great summary! I just bought a pair of long boots that I plan to wear a lot!! Jeans are a staple and I love tunics!!
December 23rd, 2007 at 4:14 am
[…] Winter wonders Angie of You Look Fab lists the ten must-have items for this season. […]
December 23rd, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I’m glad winter coats are in fashion, as I tend to get very cold and need something fashionable to combat this ! Nice post.
December 26th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
I am having a hard time finding a tunic, i am just 5′ 2″ and don’t shop because i am disable. any advice on a website for tunics & skinny jeans (not super low rise). Love your advice