The fall fashion forecast is a bit dark
and subdued, with occasional bright spots of color, according
to industry experts who spoke at the Brooklyn Public Library’s
Central Branch last month.
Following a talk she gave to a dozen teens and tweens about the
publishing industry with author-stylist Kathryn Finney, Clinton
Hill resident and Essence magazine’s Fashion and Beauty Features
Editor Pamela Edwards told GO Brooklyn that miniskirts layered
over leggings are one of the season’s must-have combos, which
is "more forgiving for everyone."
And layering in general is an important trend this season, continued
Edwards.
Those leggings can also be paired with the soon-to-be-ubiquitous
chunky sweaters, but, warns Finney, author of "The Budget
Fashionista" (Ballantine Books, $12.95), don’t be tempted
to overspend for those close-fitting pants.
"You can find them in stores like Old Navy," advises
Finney. "Don’t pay more than $20. That’s ridiculous."
Edwards also predicts:
· The return of black. "The New Yorker’s best
friend," she says, with a touch of relief in her voice.
· Red accents: "Whether it’s red lips, shoes or nails."
· "Gray is also huge."
· Menswear influences: "Look out for tartan and herringbone."
· In footwear: Boots that stop at the ankles ("booties"),
platforms and wedges.
· Opaque tights are in.
While being trend-conscious is important,
in her new book, Finney says having personal style is even more
vital. Looking great in this season’s clothes is impossible without
being aware of your body type and buying flattering undergarments
(like "underwear that slims your tummy and shapes your butt"
and "Wearing the right bra size").
When shopping, Finney recommends that aspiring fashionistas "focus
on value, not necessarily price, when shopping for accessories
like purses and shoes. Cheap-looking versions … can make a
whole outfit look cheap."
When not interviewing celebrities like Kimora Lee Simmons for
Essence, Edwards told GO Brooklyn she enjoys shopping in this
borough’s unique boutiques, such as Red Beri on Flatbush Avenue.
Finney rationalized the conservative, subdued palette of this
season’s collections: "Any person in fashion will say fashion
reflects what’s going on in the world. In the ’90s, it was all
about logos and status. People had money. This June, the mid-range
stores were doing really, really bad, because visits to stores
were down because of gas prices. But the high-end and low-end
stores continue to be doing well."
While the colors black and gray may seem "not very exciting,"
Finney assured, "You will keep the things you buy this year
for a while, so you can spend more this year than in the past.
If you buy this season’s sweater, that hits you mid-thigh, you’ll
keep it for years."
