It's the beginning of Indian Summer 2011, and females all over the world want to know which fashions are going to be hot (or not) this fall. Well, women over 40 or 50 should be extremely careful about jumping into the latest fads and fancies shown in fashion magazines. Actually, all women and girls might want to take a step back and decide if those cute new trends are going to work for them or if their purchases will end up in the back of their closets.
So, here are some friendly tips, from a former fashion victim, about Glamour’s fall predictions.
2011-12 Fall Fashions for Women from Glamour.com
There are no really horrid trends mentioned at glamour.com, if you are tall and thin. As I am neither, I will give you my insights culled from years of triumphs and mistakes.
Peplum Blazers, Coats, and Vests: Peplums are a good look for any woman with a smallish waist. The peplum (fabric which ruffles out from the waist) will make a skinny tomboy look curvy, hide a pear’s big butt, and complement an hourglass’s curves. However, the most important thing to remember about peplum styling is that the garment must curve in and out in exactly the right places and the peplum must be the correct, flattering length to present your booty with that curvacious optical illusion. So, if you are not a perfect size 10, you will need to consult a tailor before tearing the tags off your purchases. Peplums are adorable and feminine, and they are worth the extra expense.
Mustard Colored Clothing: Oy. Are we reliving earthtones from hell? If you are an Irish redhead, you can wait until the sales to scoop up this look, because very few people look good in mustard. If mustard makes you look seasick, but you have found a gorgeous mustard jacket that you can’t live without, you should add a pink scarf or collar between the jacket and your face. On the other hand, a color like mustard (in skirts, trousers, or accessories) can keep an average outfit from becoming vapid or cutesy. And, a gorgeous mustard leather handbag might rock your entire wardrobe. As a colorist (artist not hair stylist), I know that you can wear a touch of mustard with almost every color. However, I would not wear mustard with an outfit of bright white.
Large Polka Dots: I was in Paris in March where I saw a glorious older woman (about 70) wearing a fabulously-tailored black designer outfit, beautiful black pumps, large black purse, and sheer black hose with huge polka dots. She was exquisite. She was the best dressed woman in the city. So, if you want to add polka dots, it doesn’t matter how old you are as long as you have taste and confidence. Smaller dots will not give you the edgy modern update you crave.
Rust Colored Coats: I love the color rust but I can’t wear that shade next to my face. Actually, I have a deep rust-colored raincoat that I wear with everything and I believe that rust is the spicy “mustard” for the masses. Rusty hues have all of the endearing qualities of mustard without imbuing that ghastly pallor.
Camo Inspired Prints and Patterns: I have seen an older woman in a “trendy” camo jumpsuit. If you are too old to join the military, you are too old for the camo trend.
Maxiskirts with Cozy Sweaters: Bulky sweaters are great if you are tall and Swedish, but the rest of us Baby Boomers should get a second opinion from an honest person (gay hairdresser) and not be talked into adding more bulk by duplicitous, desperate salesclerks. Yet, sometimes, the right long, cozy cardigan can look good over leggings and boots. As for maxiskirts, I say that these are always in style for a hip, casual look. And, the same long skirt can be dressed up for a dinner, a party, or a Mediterranean cruise adventure.
A Touch of Lace: Look for good lace and good workmanship. Anything else will appear to be from Walmart. Black lace stockings are fun and fabulous but don’t pair them with other lace items unless your hairdresser gives you the green light.
More Trends for Fall 2011-12
You must imagine these latest trends on your body, next to your face, and with your own coloring.
Choker Necklaces: Many older women look terribly dumpy and over the hill in choker necklaces. However, if you were born with a slender neck and you have a) no sagging, b) no 1960s sun wrinkling, and c) no fat bulges around your neck, chokers can be very, very sexy. If you want a choker look that covers all sins and signs of aging, cruise etsy.com for a fab Victorian ruff.
Granny Plaids: Use extreme caution. There are so many ways that plaid can go wrong. A plaid cloche might give you the groovy update you want.
The Working-Girl Dress: I must recuse myself from commenting on this 1970s style. This type of dress looks hideous on me and one particular frock still gives me nightmares.
Jade Green Dress: If you have winter coloring, jade will look brilliant on you. You can wear jade near your face to make that great-but-horrid mustard jacket look hot.
Chunky Sweaters and Gauzy Skirts: See the maxiskirt section above. Make sure there is enough gauzy skirt to balance the sweater. Boots and/or tights can help.
Bright Pants: No one over 40 should wear bright pants. There might be one or two exceptions but I can’t think of any.
More Ideas About Fall Fashions
Here are some generalizations about other 2011-12 trends that are not mentioned in the Glamour article. Capes are only good if you are tall. Clutch purses and structured handbags are impractical and easy to drop when you have your hands full with children or grandchildren. Animal prints like leopard are timeless. Zebra is not.
Feel free to add your input in the comment section below. Buyers and manufacturers who cater to older women read articles at this site. Let's hope they listen.
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Source:
Cernek, Susan. “Fall 2011’s Most Wearable Trends” glamour.com
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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