The fashion cycles can be pretty daunting for executive women. Some seasons are disasters—everything is office-inappropriate and it’s impossible to find even good basics.
And then, thank heaven, there are seasons like Fall 2010! After swings through girly, Goth, and lately the fashion industry’s skewed view of what people want in a recession (drab colors and cheap fabrics?!), the style pendulum has settled this fall on beautiful classics in great quality fabrics kept fresh and current with interesting accents and cuts. The challenge this season for executive women won’t be limited selection. Instead, it will be how to take advantage of the opportunity to replenish our wardrobes without going overboard.
Here are the top 4 trends for executive women to consider as they shop this season, along with a handful of other welcome trends that work well in an executive wardrobe. This should help get you oriented as you head into the Labor Day weekend. Stay tuned for later posts with more details on individual trends, along with links to good examples and where you can purchase them.
The Big Four for Fall
1. The return of tailored minimalism. While fall is typically a great season for the tailored separates that are the staples of an executive woman’s wardrobe, Fall 2010 has an outstanding selection. Think Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein at their best, and then multiply that through numerous designers at numerous price points. Consider adding a missing classic to your closet–for example, a camel coat or a perfect gray blazer. Or take a good look at the classics that you have already. Is it time to replace any or invest in an upgrade? If so, do it now. Who knows when a season like this with so many good choices will roll around next?
2. A wide selection of flattering neutrals. Camel and gray are the “big” colors this fall, and they have rarely looked so good. In part, this is because of stylish accents (see below) that take them from simply ho-hum to suddenly luxe or edgy. But it’s also because there’s a wide choice of shades and textures within each color. With a selection that broad, you’re sure to find a version that flatters you. For example, Ms. Incognita can looked washed out and blah in plain camel or gray. But with versions also available in warm tones and mélanges (mixed shades), there are plenty of options that will enhance rather than drain a pale complexion. How do you figure out the right shade for you? At www.jillkirsch.com, you can order a book of swatches in all the colors that complement your coloring. Check out the videos on the site while you’re there. For those of us who are colored-challenged, it’s astonishing what a difference the right version of a shade can make to our overall appearance
3. Accents with pizzazz. It can be hard to express your stylish side in your executive wardrobe. Either the pace of your job keeps you too distracted to wear anything but a basic uniform or you run the risk of looking office-inappropriate. This season, however, offers fresh versions of classic accents. Acquire a few of these for a quick, cost-effective, and workplace-safe way of taking your look from tired to polished. Here are a few of the biggest trends in aceents:
• Leopard and other animal prints. It may sound strange to call leopard a classic, but done the right way leopard (and other animal prints) look both timeless and luxe. The trick to getting it right in the executive suite is to use it only as an accent in your outfit and to make sure the print doesn’t look like a cheap knock-off. Consider adding a leopard belt to black, brown, camel, or even gray outfit. Or a silky blouse in a discreet leopard print under a solid colored jacket or cardigan.
• Animal-embossed leather accessories. We’re talking leather accessories such as belts, shoes, and handbags in crocodile, alligator, and lizard embossed patterns. (The real thing is far too expensive and species-threatening for Ms. Incognita.) When styles become minimal and colors basic, texture and pattern can keep your look from becoming too boring.
• Leather skirts and other pieces. Yes, Ms. Incognita realizes that leather clothing might sound too edgy for some work places! But many versions this season are done in classic cuts. Worn with other less edgy pieces, they can create a retro fall look. Consider a camel suede skirt under a classic tan herringbone or plaid jacket. Or for a casual workplace, a black or brown leather skirt under a chunky knit sweater. Or a camel suede shirt tucked into belted slacks and accented with gold jewelry.
4. Coats with class. No surprise to see coats in the fall, but this season provides some great executive options beyond the ever-present black and gray. One direction to take is the classic camel-hair coat. There are a gazillion versions, and you can freshen the look each season by wearing accessories such as scarves, gloves, and belts in the accent colors and textures of the moment. An altogether different direction this fall are coats in deep rich colors such as aubergine, forest green, dark teal, and burnt orange. Choose the right color for your coloring (see above) and your complexion will light up and glow during the gray and dreary days of winter.
Other welcome trends
1. The return of flats and kitten heels. Those of us who are road warriors or simply have tired feet are elated! Ms. Incognita has found some great chic but comfortable selections and will share those in a later post.
2. Smaller purses and handbags. The big statement handbag is seldom a practical option for the executive woman on-the-go. But while in the name of efficiency we may limit what we tote around to a briefcase or computer bag, we still find ourselves in situations (a lunch or dinner meeting for example) where we need our “stuff” but don’t want to bring the briefcase. In those situations, the small purse or clutch is a godsend. And after years of waiting, there’s finally a great selection this fall. Look for clutches and small streamlined shoulder bags without a lot clutter. Tuck one into a briefcase or your carry-on, and you can pull it out as needed.
3. Upscale versions of classic separates by low-cost brands. Gap is advertising a premium black pant selection and variety of white tops in different designs. Talbots is also claiming a return to quality. Ms. Incognita hasn’t checked these claims out yet, but it sounds like good news. After several years of even some upscale labels cheating on the quality of their fabrics and workmanship in order to reduce their costs in a challenging economy, it would be great to see the return of value at a relatively low price point.
4. Military chic. OK, OK…..Ms. Incognita was not a fan of the military trend when it showed up this spring. However, spring’s version was more fatigues and utilitarian in spirit. Fall’s version is more sharply tailored. Think officer class—a much more appropriate feel at the executive level. This trend is showing up in some cool coats and jackets.
5. Fedoras and other menswear hats. Those great emancipated dames like Katherine Hepburn in movies of the 30’s and 40’s signaled they were every bit the equal of the men around them by appropriating their hat styles. If you like wearing hats, there are some good selections around this season, and it’s a fun but office-appropriate way of expressing your creativity.
Well, if you were expecting a professional fashionista.....not! My pedigree is distinctly corporate. I have a several decade track record of leadership in some big name companies, and I continue to advise at the senior executive and board level of large businesses and professional firms in North America and Europe.