Five Essentials for Fall
The way Fall is shaping up, I think these will be the big things:
1. The Cardigan. You do not have to look preppy or like a college professor wearing it. You can wrap it around tightly, cinching it at the waist with a belt and anchoring it with a few decorative pins at the chest. I think this looks best with a shirt underneath. As always, cashmere is lovely but if you can’t afford it, then buy something cheaper. And cardigans are timeless so you'll always be able to wear them. Unless, of course, they’re pilled. I know you’re supposed to be able to take a razor and shave off the pills, but I wouldn’t want to try it. Just take care of yours.
2. The Vest. I like vests and the pulled together look they lend but I don’t own one. It’s very difficult to find a vest to fit a petite woman. They’re much too long waisted for my short-waisted figure and end around my stomach. If you can find one to fit, wear it knowing you’re in fashion.
3. Pencil Skirts. These are a classic because they’re universally flattering. Unless, of course, they’re so tight they’re cupping your butt and you can hardly walk. The length should be slightly above the knees. Actually, it should be like a good story, long enough to cover the subject and short enough to be interesting!
4. A Tie-Neck Blouse. This is another classic. I don’t own any at the moment but have worn many over the years. Try to find one in silk that’s not too expensive or buy a cotton or a synthetic one. J. Crew has some reasonably priced, in silk. Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and the Gap, all national chains, also carry affordable ones.
5. A Leather Jacket. Oh, boy. I love leather jackets (who doesn’t?) but they are expensive if you want something good. There’s no real way you can economize here. “Pleather” is just no good. It’s cheap and it looks cheap. I have a gorgeous red leather jacket I bought many years ago at Loewe, a Spanish leather house that opened in Manhattan at Trump Tower. They didn’t last very long and soon went back to Madrid. But that jacket, expensive as it was, will probably last me the rest of my life.
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