Style: Winter Fashion Tips

by chelsea hadaway

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” -- Coco Chanel

Beginner:
Gray. The neutral washed up all over runways for fall and winter clothes, from a shimmery strapless dress by Giorgio Armani to a luxe charcoal coat by Gucci. With its wide range of fabrics, shades and cuts, this is a trend everyone can add to their wardrobe. Pick tops or dresses with embellishments like beading, pleating or shine. Or use it as a base and glam it up by adding bright shots of color, such as a purple clutch or a dramatic jeweled necklace.

Intermediate:
Decades dressing. Designers drew inspiration from past decades to create this fall’s popular looks. Christian Dior channeled 1940s glamour by draping and pleating structure into the clothes, and soft bows and high waistlines everywhere exemplified more of a 1940s feel. The Roaring ’20s got another turn in the spotlight as feathers and dropped waistlines characterized dresses. Even the ’70s got another go vis-à-vis slouchy pants and dramatic dresses. Add a high- waisted pencil skirt or a pair of wide-legged trousers to feel fashionably dated.

Advanced:
Booties (ankle boots). This trend is reserved for the daring and forward-thinking fashionistas. These shoes have the makings of a boot except they are sliced at the ankle. Celebrities have been wearing them with skirts and dresses -- the point is to not cover them up with long pants -- and often compliment them with a pair of tights. Mischa Barton and Mary-Kate Olsen have worn them with knee-length dresses.