FeedWhat to Wear
TownVibe editor Geoffrey Morris's exclusive Q&A with “What Not to Wear” co-host Stacy London in anticipation of the Westfield Trumbull Style Tour
What will be the hot trends for fall this year?
This season we’re seeing bright colors in almost everything, geometric silhouettes as well as a spiced up return to the ladylike trend we saw last season.
Can you provide some context?
Sure. We broke the trends down into four key trends: free spirit, earthy minimal, modern mod and strictly lady. Free spirit is a new take on bohemian look with long skirts, colored knits, floppy hats, boots and intricate beaded jewelry. For earthy minimal, think "grown-up grunge", with lots of statement jewelry, relaxed fit pants in drapier fabrics, peasant blouses and accessories in nude, beige and mauve tones. Modern mod embodies a crisp, sophisticated yet playful look: reds, oranges, sparkles, animal prints and pointed-toe shoes. And for the lady? Think sleek and sexy with a little leather and lace thrown in. High heeled loafers, pin dot tights, chain cuffs paired with tuxedo jacks, leather skirts and animal print faux fur.
What's the color of fall?
Brights are huge! You'll see everything from yellow coats to cobalt blue denim, purple heels and bright red bags. If this is too much for your lifestyle, try it in your nail color, or rock a red lip with an evening look!
How can I best re-purpose some of my favorite fall clothes in my closet?
It's all about having the confidence to mix it up, and in the Westfield Style Tour we try to give you the right tools to do that successfully. For example, the right floral dress can still work for you as the weather gets cooler with an opaque tight, bootie and a cropped leather jacket. Another great transitional item is the relaxed pant, in a fun pattern or drapier fabric. In warmer weather, dress it with a simple tank, large statement necklace and a flat sandal. For fall, treat it as an evening look with a structured blazer in a black or navy, a great pair of metallic heels and add some shine with either a sparkly top or rhinestone earrings. This not only stretches the versatility of your wardrobe, but your budget as well.
How do I look good and stay dry when I need to be out on a rainy day?
Get yourself a great trench coat! It's universally flattering, and is a classic silhouette you can find at every price point.
What are the biggest mistakes women make with makeup?
Trying to take on too many trends. Stick with a balanced look – pair smoky eyes with a pale lip or a strong lip and neutral eyes. And take the time to get the find shade of foundation and/or concealer for your skin tone and texture. No matter what your age, a little concealer goes a long way!
What do you recommend someone wear to a style consultation?
When you work with a personal stylist, you should feel comfortable and confident. At your first appointment, it is ESSENTIAL to wear a good bra, and if you don't have one, go get yourself fitted! You cannot see the proper fit of any item of clothing without the proper undergarments. Aside from that, snug fitting exercise wear is always recommended, as your stylist will need to accurately assess your body shape in order to make the correct wardrobe suggestions.
So which is it - wide leg jeans or jeggings?
Wide leg denim is back in a major way this fall and is also a flattering shape, especially if you carry your weight in your bottom half. One thing to remember about wide leg denim to make sure they are the correct length! If you buy them to wear with heels, then wear them with heels! I see so many women cuffing their wide legs pants because they're too long and it just looks terrible! In terms of jeggings, I am not a fan but that doesn't mean I don't recommend a slimmer silhouette for certain women. Something we're seeing all over the place is the "laminated" skinny jean, which is a great and affordable alternative to the leather pants look that is all over the runways. If you want to participate in this trend, make sure they don't have a large amount of stretch and fit in the rise (this means no bunching at the crotch).
What's the quickest and easiest way to look "put together"?
Invest in a well-fitting, versatile blazer. It completes almost any look – from shorts to pants to dresses. You can even take summer staple – the maxi dress – and transition it to fall with a cropped blazer.
What are your favorite boots this fall?
I’m loving the lace up wedge bootie. They are the new boot to pair with everything from skinny jean to a flowy dress and are coming in every height from conservative to sky high!
Click here to learn more about and to rsvp for the September 17 Style Tour at the Westfield Trumbull Mall special Morris Media Group event 11am until noon, before it opens to the public.
