Something about fall brings out the fashion fanatic in all of us. We grab up the thickest fashion magazines of the year, pore over the trends and start rearranging – and reviving — our wardrobes.
Paging through the glossies might give you the impression that the current trends are out of reach, but creative shoppers know how to get the look of the moment without spending a fortune. While it’s tempting to go out shopping, it can be harder on your wallet. When stores are releasing their most up-to-date looks, they don’t often give discounts or put items on sale. That’s where shopping the Web can come in handy – it’s the perfect place to find the best prices on the items you want, without having to dig through looks from the outgoing season.
Before you start shopping, though, you need to pick out the trends that suit you best. Here are some of the top trends for fall 2010.
* Purple. The rich and royal color is flattering to most skin tones, but it adds a pop of interesting color where black might be boring. It’s showing up in everything from dresses to coats and beyond. Fall runways proved that a monochromatic purple look really can work from plum fur hats to lavender Christian Louboutin shoes.
* Camel. It might be a classic, but fashion houses have clearly felt that this enduring shade deserves extra attention this season. Trenches and overcoats are a great way to incorporate camel into your wardrobe but don’t overlook buying footwear in this perfect neutral. Camel Cole Haan shoes, with modern but timeless styling, will be versatile now and well into the future.
* Tough girl looks. The military-inspired looks that have been building over the summer are going to go into full force in the fall, but there are other ways to get that tough-girl look, too. Combat-style boots have been re-imagined with high heels, as well as chunky soles, and for a more rock-and-roll style, go for heels and booties embellished with studs – look for Prada shoes online for some great examples, and you might be able to snatch some up at a great price.
* Blazers and jackets. While they’re perfect for keeping a bit of the chill out, you should take a creative approach to these lighter-weight outerwear options. Cropped jackets are a great choice, particularly in motorcycle-jacket styles with standing collars and prominent zippers. Think a bit more blousey when it comes to blazers – throwing a loose blazer on over a fitted top, with skinny jeans and booties is a perfect outfit for the season.
As you shop, compare prices at different websites and imagine how each piece will integrate with what you already have. You can even try smart phone apps that will let you build outfits with what’s in your closet – that way you can see how easy it is to freshen up your closet with a few simple additions that won’t break the bank.
