It’s a shapely season in jackets. Whether skimming hip or thigh, the newest look is lean and body-conscious rather than body-constricting.
“It’s not hard-edged but very feminine,” says New York designer Dana Buchman.
In rich hues from coffee to mustard, tweeds, menswear prints and bold brights with eye-catching accents, fall’s crop of jackets will be an essential element in your work and weekend looks.
” set the style,” says Linda Allard, designer for the Ellen Tracy line. ” the pivotal option in your wardrobe.”
8 WAYS TO WEAR IT WELL
— Offset wide hips with shoulder defining jackets. ” shoulder pads will balance and minimize the hip and make shoulders look square, which women love, no matter the size,” says Barbara Jean Seymour, a Los Angeles-based image consultant.
— Black, brown and navy are still the best basics, but for a power surge, try red. “It’s terrific for all complexions,” says Linda Allard.
— Beyond the staples, solids get updated for the color crowd in heathered tones such as lilac-gray or dusty rose.
— Too timid for allover “faux animaux” hides such as leopard, oscelot and zebra? Limit the prints to collar, cuffs and buttons.
— In fashion partners to the jacket, lean is the password, particularly in pants. Skirts are either narrow or bias-flared in a range of lengths including the trendiest knee skimmer. Feel free to play with the proportions of short jacket/long skirts or vice versa.
— To elongate a silhouette, stick with a solid color top to bottom. Best bet: a dark, buttoned-up, shaped jacket with a pencil skirt.
— In accessories, a midwidth belt and handbag are important, especially in a textured leather look such as “moc croc.” Jewelry is minimal.
— Ladylike pumps are currently the most proper way to anchor jacket and skirt or sheath dress, but fresh choices for jackets and pants are spectator flats.
