Women's business clothing can include many great fall fashion trends. Fashion colors include reds, jewel tones, grays, leopard prints, and hats.
Boomer Chicks will have to brace themselves, so they don’t get inundated with new trends like over-the-knee boots or little-girl ruffles. There are, however, lots of cute trendy pieces that will go to work, on to dinner, and off into the weekend or the wild blue.
Now, more than ever, when money's tight, women need to jump start their basic blacks and boring neutrals. So, here are some ideas, under $200, to perk up Boomer Chicks who are living on the measliest of paychecks.
Fashion Trends
Some of the great trends that work for adult women are:
- Reds
- Jewel Tones
- Gray
- Camel (Yes, mother was right.)
- Leopard (Mother was wrong.)
- Paisley
- Hats
Women's Business Clothing
There are quite a few pitfalls to avoid. Plaid with ruffles may look cute on Cindy Loo Who, but adult women run the risk of looking like Ma from Little House on the Prairie. Actually, plaid button-down shirts should be approached with caution, for obvious reasons, although plaid blouses in luxe fabrics and colors can really rock.
Leopard can easily be overdone at work, so make sure animal prints are smart-looking rather than wild. Puff sleeves and ruffles are another potential landmine, but they can be quite flattering when the stars are in alignment and great care is taken. Here are some possible wardrobe updates for standard work wear or business casual days:
Reds
Most reds should be easy to add to basic black pieces and almost all neutral work wear. Current reds include American Beauty (Pantone Color) and Nancy-Reagan-style power red.
- Nordstrom’s Ellen Tracy Short Belted Trench Coat
- DKNY Twill Trench in flame
- Kate Spade 'Small Bri' Hobo purse at Nordstrom
- Betmar Stovepipe Cloche in red
- Marlyn Schiff Stretch Bracelet at Neiman's (clever and trendy)
Jewel Tones
Last loved by Boomer Chicks in the 80s, jewel tone clothing and accessories are finally back. Women should stock up on items in jewel tone fabrics, as there may be another 30-year drought.
- Jones New York Notched Collar Sweater-Jacket in berry
- Ralph Lauren Anastasia Stretch Poplin Shirt
- Amber Sun Cable Cardigan
- Ribbon Cloche Hat at Banana Republic in military blue
- Kenneth Cole Reaction Coat, Updated Pea Coat in reef
- Kensie Blazer with Striped Cuffs in royal blue
- Crewneck Cardigan at AnnTaylorLoft.com in green
- Pink Tartan Cable Cardigan Navy / Purple at neimanmarcus.com
Gray
Suddenly every shade of gray is hip. It's just a paler form of black, and black is always trendy, whether or not the fashion gods decree it, so gray is beatnik hip. Wear a gray beret.
- Michael Kors 'Digital Tweed' Jacket at Nordstrom.com - chic
- Nine West Hat, Felt Cloche at Macys.com
- Wool-Blend Peacoat or the Long-Sleeve Marled Cardigan at Banana Republic
Camel
Mother was right. A good camel coat will never go out of style.
- DKNY Wool Blend Walking Coat (brilliant with black)
- DKNY Raincoat A-Line Trench at Macys.com
- Jeanne Simmons Mohair Knit Beret at VillageHatShop.com
Leopard
A little leopard (or other animal print) goes a long way. Think about elegant Old Hollywood movie stars and how they slunk around in leopard prints, and probably real leopard coats, but no one is advocating real leopard fur.
- DKNY Tie Front Silk Cardigan at Nordstrom.com
- EEK! by Eugenia Kim Cloche Hat at Urban Outfitters
- Leopard print gloves at Forzieri.com
Paisley
When purchasing a paisley garment for work, look for a paisley print which is similar, in feel, to a beautiful man's tie. (Most of the paisley blouses found online are in "unusual" color combinations.)
The best (most flattering) paisley prints often include jewel tones. See the beautiful women's paisley scarves at Forzieri.com as reference. Designers should do the same.
- Ralph Lauren “Aaron” Paisley Shirt
- Echo 'Gypsy' Jersey Scarf at Nordstrom
- London Town Shirt (a bit over $200 but worth it) at NeimanMarcus.com
In reality, almost any trend can be adapted to work wear. All it takes is taste. Keep things simple and beautiful. A smart gal doesn’t need a wheelbarrow full of money.
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Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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