Fall fashion to feature 'happy' colors, shape-enhancing styles

Fashion this fall will be all about bright colors and fitted clothing.

Jess Hanebutt, Purdue and Fashion Institute of Technology alumna and founder of Rockin' B Clothing, offers these tips for putting together a stylish fall wardrobe.

Jackets. "Fitted and shape enhancing, featuring princess lines and lots of contrasting details, such as piping and buttons."

Fitted gloves. "Knitted in bright colors and bright prints. Think bright and happy colors!"

Cardigans. "Look for sweater cardigans featuring interesting knit patterns in bright colors, with a longer hemline to hips and hooded. These can be belted at natural waist over jeans with heels for a classic �night out' look."

Shoes. "Go for the classics � for both day and night. Think 1940s glamour for pumps, featuring Mary-Jane straps atop ladylike platforms with a rounded point toe. Bright colors like blue, grass green and yellow are perfect for warming up cooler ensembles. For walking to class, you can't go wrong with pretty flats or organically-styled moccasins in bright colors. And Chuck Taylor hi-tops by Converse never go out of style."

Jeans. "Jeans are still skinny, so buy them skinny in darker washes � darker fabric has a great slimming effect on legs. Flared legs and embellishments (pre-torn, pre-bleached) are out, so just don't go there! For the more conservative, consider buying basic straight leg jeans. Cuff them and wear them with heels or flats � no clunky Nike's allowed! Levi's, Lee, Paige Denim, Citizens of Humanity and Joe's Jeans are great brands to try out."

Dress Pants. "Wide-leg dress pants that fit higher on the waist are great for dressing up and can be paired with a tucked-in short sleeve blouse in a shocking color for a professional-yet-hip touch. Look for softer fabrics that feel cool to the touch � these are perfect for those hot August and September days."

For fall shopping in the Lafayette area, Collette and Juniper boutiques at Wabash Landing carry many new trends.

"We're getting in coats, more dresses and printed purses," said Susan Laurie, 17, a West Lafayette resident and employee of Juniper. "Lots of blue and black and patterns."

By ; Traci Gillig

Via : www.purdueexponent.org