East Carolinian

Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Pulse

As the world slowly recoils from the backlash of an economic slump, the fall 2009 season will set the stage for the fashions of 2010. Key looks for fall revolve around a palate of colors that reflect tough economic times. Burnt Sienna, Iron, Honey Yellow, Crème Brulee, Warm Olive, Rapture Rose and Majolica Blue all reflect a harmonious pattern that allows clothing to be successfully matched in various outfit styling's. The pastel color palate is devoid of overpowering statement tones that we have seen in the past few years. The move away from statement colors will allow the clothing to "age" slower, therefore giving the wearer the opportunity for extended use. This season, capes, capelets and cloaks are a major fashion must-have. The autumn/winter 2010 runways were filled with capes, so this is definitely a trend we foresee for the coming colder seasons. A cape in the broader sense is pretty much any form of outerwear that opens at the front and has no sleeves -- usually with slits for the arms instead. Capelets are any type of short cape that covers the shoulders. A cloak is similar to a cape only generally longer -- typically mid-calf but often as long as ankle-length. Cloaks tend to be completely sleeveless, rather they wrap around as an outerwear garment. Not only have capes taken the runways by storm, leather has come back into the consciousness of many designers; whether faux or real, leather is becoming a staple in women's fashion. Leather now takes the form of pretty much any item of clothing. If you can name it, the odds are that it has been seen on the runway in leather form. Pants, skirts, shorts, coats, capes and vests are all done in leather and can be worn quite successfully in moderation. When it comes to fall fashion trends, we face a year of subtlety and tradition. Based on rough economic times, fashion has responded with subtler and more understated hues and designs. While many of us will be wearing classical silhouettes and subdued colors, seasoned fashionistas will be looking for a way to stand out from the crowd. For those looking for a new way to "pop" this fall, the hottest trend is most definitely thigh-high boots. Over-the-knee and thigh-high are undoubtedly the hottest shoe trend for women in the autumn/winter season; however, it is important to wear them correctly. It is important to wear the boots with subdued styles and avoid paring leather or high-sheen boots with leather clothing; let's not forget that both styles of boots are also the domain of those lovely women who ensure that cars don't linger for too long near street corners. Thigh-high or over-the-knee boots are paired well with the chunky texture knits of this fall season. Color is often missing from the palette of fashion trends in the colder months; however, the same cannot be said for texture. Chunky knits will be a prevalent feature of autumn/fall 2009. However, as the world moves away from the grips of an economic down turn, fashion houses are banking on fashionistas taking their chunky knits to the level by introducing super chunky knits. There are several ways to wear chunky knits this season, foremost as an accessory. Chunky knit scarves, hats and handbags have made strong showings on many high fashion runways. For the more daring, a chunky knitted jumper dress, while alluring, may not be the warmest for the winter season. Although these fashions are handed down straight from the runways of Paris, New York, Milan and Italy, similarly designed garments can be found at Macys, Target and Banana Republic for a fraction of the cost. Here's hoping that your next shopping excursion will be filled with hot styles for the cold winter months.

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