Numerous fashion magazines have anointed smoky gray the season's "it" color. Tom Kolovos, an image consultant and former fashion editor of Today's Chicago Woman magazine, told the Chicago Daily Herald, "I hate to use this phrase, but gray really is the new black this season." He has one warning: Don't go overboard by wearing the color from head to toe. "Jewel tones like emerald green and purple mix really well with gray. You don't have to look like one giant piece of charcoal," he says.
Nordstrom stylist Gregg Andrews told the Daily Herald that gray is a look of "stealth sophistication that is very understated, but very powerful." The Washington Post described gray like this: "It is a grown-up place where intellect is revered and the people are polished."
Other fun fashion hits this fall, according to Kolovos and Andrews in the Chicago Daily Herald:
Pants that look like menswear
They'll replace skinny pants as the new must-have item. They have a wider, flowing leg and a higher waist. Best of all, they look very good, especially on women with wider hips.
Shoe boots paired with dresses
Unfortunately, we can't all get away with this look. You have to be stick thin to pull it off. Why? Shoe boots make your legs look short. Kolovos recommends wearing shoe boots with opaque tights that are the same color to give the illusion of longer legs.
Baggy boyfriend jeans
They are definitely in this season, but even Andrews thinks this will be a short-lived trend.
Layering
To look your best, put a tight-fitting item closest to your body. Don't layer bulky over bulky or you'll look, well, big and bulky. The hottest new layering look is retro and feminine: a belt cinched over the top layer, whether that top layer is a cardigan, shift dress or billowy skirt.
The sweater dress
Sweaters and twin sets are so last year. Sweater dresses have taken their place. Think you're too heavy to wear one? Just stay away from the chunky cable knits.
Metallics and patent leather
Popular in the spring and summer, metallic handbags and patent leather flats are still good to go this fall.
--From the Editors at Netscape
