peter pan collars

Evoking images of a mid-20th century school boy uniforms and Minnie Mouse's red polka dot dress,  blouses and dresses with peter pan collars give an outfit an instant cutesy vintage feel.

Peter Pan Blouse with Skirt, LOOKBOOK.nu

Blouses with peter pan collars are most often worn with mid-waisted (just below the belly button) to high-waisted (around the smallest part of your torso, i.e. the natural waist) mini-skirts and shorts, most likely because the look that inspired them, mid 20th century school boys, consisted of a peter pan blouse, tie, sweater, shorts, and knee socks. However that does not mean they cannot be paired with pants. When pairing a peter pan blouse with pants, stick with a pant that is slim fitting in the legs; too much flare will take away the cutesy charm of the blouse and replace it with a busy frumpiness. 

Peter Pan Dress,  LOOKBOOK.nu

Peter pan collared dresses most often either have a full A-line silhouette (fitted at the top, gradually widening towards the hem) or are very fitted to the natural waist, and have an A-line skirt. Solid colors, as well as designs like polka dots or small flowers are good pattern choices. Shy away from stripes. This Fall/Winter season, try pairing a peter pan dress with tights or thigh-high socks, oxfords or oxford booties, a cardigan, and maybe a belt around the waist.

feathers

Full skirt with feather detailing, SSense.com

For most, when we hear "feathers" we equate it to "gaudy feather boa," and we cringe. However, throw out your preconceived notions, because the feather trend is all about moderation. It's not about feather-covered pieces, it's about pieces with feather detailing. Delicate feather details on hats, collars, accessories, skirts and dresses, as well as feathers on hems of skirts and dresses mark this trend. Maintain the elegance of the trend by wearing only one feathered piece per outfit, and by avoiding lace, chiffon, and other gossamer-type fabrics. Stick with silk, cotton, rayon, and for nights out, velvet. "Ostrich, peacock, pheasant, and marabou are some favorable feathers to look out for," according to fashionising.com

cigarette pants

Conjuring images of Audrey Hepburn, the older, more sophisticated cousin of skinny jeans, is the cigarette pant. Otherwise known as tapered trousers, cigarette pants have a similar silhouette to skinny jeans,with a few major differences: they are high-waisted, the hem hits a few inches above the ankle, and they are not necessarily denim.

To give cigarette pants an elegant chic air while still maintaining a level of casualness, pair them with a tiered blouse, or a blouse with ruffle or lace detailing, tucked in, and a thin leather belt. For shoes, stick to basic flats or pumps with no embellishments.

BDG Hi-Rise Grazer Cigarette Jean, Urban Outfitters

For a casual-cool feel, pair cigarette pants with an over-sized top like Anthropologie's Hermitage Top and knit scarf, or with a basic, more fitted blouse layered under a  classic cardigan. Booties and oxfords, as well as basic flats and pumps are optimal shoe choices. 

full skirts

Wow Floral Printed Skirt, Free People

Full skirts add a flirty flare to to simple blouses while still maintaining an air of chic femininity . They typically high-waisted with a wide waistband (2-3inches),  and then is pleated slightly, creating a lot of volume.

This season, look for floral-patterned skirts with a muted palette, as well as solid neutral-colored skirts with compelling textures. For an ultra-feminine touch and a little more volume and bounce, wear a tulle slip underneath your ensemble that is just barely longer than your full skirt, causing it to show just below the skirt's hem.

LOOKBOOK.nu

Always pair a full skirt with a simple, non eye-catching blouse, to avoid an outfit that is too "busy." Wear them with simple blouse, blouse and scarf, or blouse and cardigan combo. Avoid too many pieces made of lace, chiffon, or other ultra-feminine fabrics, as well as anything with intricate detailing or lots of ruffles. The full skirt should be the focal point. Tights, thigh highs, oxford booties, and over-the-knee boots compliment full skirts well.

knit eternity scarves

LOOKBOOK.nu

Knit eternity scarves not only add a bohemian flare to an outfit, but functionality; they keep you warm and toasty. Adding to the functionality, many eternity scarves can be worn as a hooded scarf. They come in many different lengths (just around the neck to hanging a foot from the neck), colors, and styles (simple to funky to soft and girly).




Ways to Wear:

• Wear simple eternity scarves with lace or chiffon blouses or dresses, elaborate frocks, or cocktail dresses  to create a more casual, gender-neutral feel.
•  Add some flare to a basic t-shirt or solid-colored frock by looping a longer eternity scarf around your neck with unequal length loops.



LOOKBOOK.nu

• Accent a bomber jacket, peacoat, sergeant  or velvet blazer in a subtle way -contrasting textures instead of colors- by layering a cable-knit eternity scarf over (all four) or under with a bit peeking through (bomber, peacoat, sergeant).

sweater coats

LOOKBOOK.nu

 Sweater coats are a staple of the Fall/Winter 2010 wardrobe. They range from thin and cardigan-like (for layering) to thick, warm , and winter coat-like (for outerwear). They can accent your cool-weather ensemble in one of two ways: a very flattering way, or a sloppy, robe-like way.  There is no one particular silhouette to look out for; just avoid sweater coats that are too tight -you should be able to button it without gapping- and that are too loose -there should be at least a hint that a woman's figure is under the sweater: it should not look like an amorphous sweater monster with a head and legs poking through.

MarieClaire.com

Since sweater coats come in a variety of silhouettes, colors, and textures, one can be found for almost any outfit. However, this season layer cardigan-like ones over ultra-feminine dresses (pictured left), and wear thick, warm ones as a coat -with a chunky scarf and thin leather gloves- over any cool-weather ensemble.

off-the-shoulder sweaters

LOOKBOOK.nu

 Off-the-shoulder sweaters are a quintessential blend of sporty, casual, comfortable, and cool; they are a perfect layering piece for the transition from warm weather to frigid: Fall. This Fall, shop for off-the-shoulder sweaters in warm, earthy tones. However, sweaters are not typically marketed as "off-the-shoulder," so you must discern, when shopping for one of these, whether or not the sweater in question fits the criteria.

• Look for a loose-fitting sweater with a wide neck.  Sweaters that are loose enough to swim in can make you look like a vagabond, while sweaters that are too tight not only remove the coolness factor of the over-the-shoulder sweater, they are difficult to layer comfortably, and they make you look like you are begging for attention.
• Look for non-bulky material. The sweater should have a laid-back air about it. It should flow easily with your movements, not inhibit them. So, instead of looking for a chunky-knit sweater, look for one made out of super-soft cotton or even jersey.

Inspiration from Fashionising.com

Off-the-shoulder sweaters can be worn alone with skinny jeans (as a rule, if you have something loose on top, wear something well fitting on the bottom) or, as pictured, with shorts and thigh-high socks. Also, they can be layered over an ultra-feminine top -think lace, ruffles, or chiffon- and skinny jeans or shorts and thigh-highs to go along with a facet of the minimalism  trend, where, instead of wearing pieces with vibrant colors or patterns to enliven an outfit, pair pieces with discrete, or contrasting, textures. Please do not wear this in a formal setting.