As summer draws to a close, Valley fashionistas are already clamoring for fall’s newest styles. The 2010 season welcomes a warm palette of rich colors, luxe fabrics and tailored pieces that are both functional and fabulous for autumn’s breezy days and chilly nights.
Fall Footwear
There is nothing worse than cold feet, so to keep your toes toasty this season there are two fall staples that are a must for every closet. Returning yet again as one of the hottest styles for cold weather is the over-the-knee boot. À la Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman,” OTK boots are the perfect ingredient to spice up an outfit. With a variety of fabrics, price points and heel choices, any shopper is guaranteed to find their perfect pair. Another trend for the more daring fashion followers is menswear shoes. Styles like the oxford can be seen everywhere from the streets of Paris to the boulevards of Hollywood and provide wearers with both comfort and fashion. Pair this bold shoe with tights and a feminine dress for the perfect blend of edgy and soft. Bonus: No pedicure necessary. (SEE BY CHLOE Over-the-Knee Wrap Boots, $795. www.neimanmarcus.com)
Cropped Coats
After enduring a scorching summer, there is nothing like the idea of a buttery leather jacket or a structured trench for the weather’s impending cool down. Because the Valley is not known for its frigid winters, a cropped coat is ideal for Arizona’s milder fall temperatures. While some pieces exude a more refined feel with clean lines and simple adornments, others emulate Coco Chanel’s iconic tweed cropped suit jacket that can easily transition from day to night with a few tweaks. For added warmth, pair your desired style with an oversized scarf for a look that screams effortless chic. (Joie Dolores Jacket, $698. www.barneys.com)
Haute Handbags
Thanks to shows like AMC’s “Mad Men,” this season has seen a resurgence of classically feminine styles reminiscent of the 1950’s. This style calls for tailoring with a girlish flair in accents and color. For fall’s must-have handbag, think grandma’s Sunday best with a contemporary twist. Most bags that follow this trend include a top handle for easy carry and refined hardware that adds a sense of boldness to every piece. In addition to this fun fashion, clutches are also being seen for daytime use. After years of being bogged down with oversized bags, women have returned to simpler bags meant exclusively for the basics. While a clutch may not be ideal for toting all the work essentials, they are perfect for a girl’s day out or a client luncheon. (Fendi Peek-a-Boo Insert Tote, $3,100. www.bergdorfgoodman.com)
Sinful Sweaters
Fall’s cozy knits are perfect for icy mornings without being too bulky by the time the afternoon heats up. This chunky style plays with heavy cable designs, oversized pieces as well as various fits and lengths. A cozy sweater vest keeps with the layering trend while keeping the wearer moderately protected from the weather. If you prefer to wear your sweater with a roomier feel, try a belt to help create a silhouette and keep the look proportional. Remember that although this look begs for a cozy fire and relaxation, the sweater should still be cut appropriately to avoid a potato-sack appearance. (Missoni Cashmere Knit Vest, $1,320. www.saksfifthavenue.com)
