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Ceremonially
somber fall clothing, meet 2009.
Something
is beckoning us to break out of our recessionista funk,
to kick our hunkered-down mentality, at least
sartorially, to the curb. There's whimsy in the air, a
playfulness that inspired Dolce & Gabbana to send
models down the fall runway wearing gloves as hats and
scarves.
As summer
slips away, we slide our sun-kissed arms into long
sleeves, tuck colorful pedicures inside boots and wrap
up in sweaters and scarves, awaiting winter's chill.
Expect
lots of twists this autumn. Leggings of black lace.
Shoes of vampy velvet. Oversized wraps that are more
cocoon than outerwear. Studs on everything, from jackets
to purses. You'll find fur, too.
The
fashion gods want us to play, so they've brought back
the most Day-Glo decade of all: the '80s.
(From
those of us who wore this stuff the first time around:
Gee, thanks.)
Jackets
and dresses have strong, exaggerated shoulders, just as
they did when
Joan Collins
ruled "Dynasty." Leggings and bustiers are
sequined. Minidresses have pouffy skirts.
The
season's diverse colors — warm olive, soft purple,
honey yellow, soft pink, earthy orange, wearable red,
plus neutrals, neons and metallics — signal that
versatility and originality trump tradition.
Those
feeling flirty can don a sexy, one-shouldered dress or
slip into a blouse that's slit, slashed or cut to show
off the shoulders.
In fact,
there's plenty of sleeve action in shapely
leg-of-muttons and oversized batwings. (Disco ball not
included.)
The
stripes of summer have been set aside for more
seasonal-appropriate patterns: animal prints, schoolgirl
plaids (an autumnal staple) and feminine paisleys.
Speaking
of feminine, dresses and blouses are beautifully draped
this fall.
And how
much more womanly can you get than a jacket with skirted
detail? It's called peplum, and its effect is promising.
Yes,
autumn has arrived.
And from
the look of things, it's a great year to fall in love
with fashion all over again.
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