From left: Rag & Bone Fall 2010 presentation, J.Crew's "Grey Gardens"-inspired Fall 2010 collection, and First Lady Michelle Obama stays warm in belted coat and boots. Photos: Rob Loud/Getty Images, courtesy of J.Crew, Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Having already mastered the art of
menswear for fall, it's time to consider the most stylish way to bundle for when temps go due south. Fortunately, you won't have to look much farther than your closet to wrap yourself in fashionable goodness.
"Designers are very conscious, especially now, as to what's happening in the retail industry," says celebrity stylist and fashion commentator
Mary Alice Stephenson. "It's really about taking all those things that you have -- all those knits and sweaters -- and mixing them up."
Stephenson, who speaks to women nationwide about fashion, says she thinks the fall layering trend was a female-friendly response from designers across the world to today's economic worries.
"It's like they were saying, we know you have to wear your clothes a variety of different ways, we know these have to serve a purpose in your life for the weekend, when you're with your kids, when you're at work, when you're going out at night," she says. "So here's a way you can get the most out of something that you have in your closet. And if you look at it like that, it's like, 'wow, this is gonna breath new life into how I wear everything.' "
Abbey Samet,
Macy's fashion director for ready-to-wear, says women are looking to add to and update their current wardrobes with layers, including sweaters and vests.
"The play on proportion is essential this season, crop over longer lengths and vice versa," she tells StyleList. "There is a new order when it comes to the length of everything. It looks very modern and fresh. For instance, a woven silk shirt underneath a boxy sweater."
It's also modern to break the old style rules, Stephenson says.
"Once a season, go in and play in your closet and try on some outfits in a different way," Stephenson advises. "There are no rules right now in fashion. You can be glamorous morning, noon and night. You can
mix prints. You can wear sequins in the sun. The only rule is to try to look your best and to have fun and feel good about what you're wearing."
Stephenson points to
Michelle Obama as a woman who embraces both layering and rule-breaking.
"She showed people that you can wear a man-style cardigan under a short fitted jacket with your pencil skirt," she says. "You can put a belt around it, you can put a big bow under it."
For more advice on layering, read on:
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Influential Women in Media Model Layered Fall Looks
From Dries van Noten to J.Crew, layering was a huge trend for fall. We invited some of our dear friends (and power players) from the worlds of fashion and media to test out the trend. Take a look at their adorable ensembles. Styled by Erica Blumenthal
Ben Ritter for AOL
Fashion & Media Darlings Model Layering Trend
Name: Allison Mezzafonte
Affiliation: Senior Editor of Shelterpop.com
Thoughts on Layering: "I actually do like to layer. In the fall, I stick to more neutral colors than I do in the summer. I keep the clothing basic and try to accessorize with belts, jewelry, scarves, etc."
Style Tip: Capes aren't just reserved for the actors on the set of "Gossip Girl." Consider them a cool option for fall and they are good for bundling too. When layering, make sure you don't lose your waist. Cinch it up with a cool belt.
Topshop short cape duffel, $145, available at Topshop. Marc by Marc Jacobs Herringbone Vest, $285, available at StyleBop.com. Levis Boyfriend Collection Chambray Shirt, $68, available at UrbanOutfitters.com. Billy Reid pleated skirt, $375, available at BillyReid.com. Kors Michael Kors Cassie Suede Wedge Pump in camel, $225, available at MichaelKors.com. A.P.C. bordeaux wool and leather belt, $90, available at Apc.fr. Stylist's own tights. Giles and Brothers Rhinestone Gear Necklace, $95, available at GilesAandBrother.com.
Fashion & Media Darlings Model Layering Trend
Name: Kelly Reeves
Affiliation: Managing editor at Urlesque.com
Thoughts on Layering: "I love fall because of the layering options - more opportunity to wear and show off cool pieces! Put me in a big chunky sweater and I'm in heaven."
Style Tip:Good news! All of those slouchy sweatshirts that you've been keeping in your closet for years can finally be put to good use. A lot of designers paired them with slinky skirts to offset a more formal look. Too much? Opt for a more traditional blazer and corduroy ensemble instead.
Cartonnier 'To A Tee Blazer,' $98. available at Anthropologie.com. Porcelain grey sweatshirt, $89, for information go to Porcelainnyc.com. Petit Bateau green long sleeve shirt, $69, available at Petit-Bateau.us. A.P.C. pink and cream scarf, $180, available at Apc.fr. J Brand 'Corduroy Mid Rise Skinny Pants,' $159, available at Shopbop.com. Cole Haan Mackenzie Oxford, $248, available at ColeHaan.com
Fashion & Media Darlings Model Layering Trend
Name: Kelsey Keith
Affiliation: Editor in Chief of Architizer.com
FallStyle Mantra: "Layer without looking like a total hobo, mix black and brown, and wear boots with spats as frequently as possible."
Overall style ethos: "On an ideal day, equestrian meets schoolboy meets French librarian meets Wednesday Addams."
Style Tip: The army jacket is a mutli-functional item. Layer it over a sweet mini skirt (a la Kelsey) or a pair of dressy wide-legged trousers for a more downtown look.
Joie army jacket, $358, available at Bloomingdales. Levi's jean jacket, $50, available at Levis.com Tory Burch 'Slavka' red crew neck sweater, $275, available at ToryBurch.com. Petit Bateau tank, $46, available at Petit-Bateau.us. Dallin Chase metallic skirt, $98, available at Shopbop.com. American Apparel navy tights, $14, and knee-high socks, $10, available at AmericanApparel.net . Stuart Weitzman olive platform sandals, $395, available at Stuart Weitzman stores.
Fashion & Media Darlings Model Layering Trend
Name: Michelle Stahl
Affiliation: Runs AOL's video department
Style Tip: These days wearing a cropped sweater over a long shirt will garner major style points. Don't make your look too slouchy, opt for tight pants or leggings underneath for a slimming effect. Feel free to also take a cue from Dries van Noten and mix up prints!
What Goes Around Comes Around Line-Me-Up Jacket, $198, available at Anthropologie.com. ALICE by Temperley cropped sweater, $195, available at Shopbop.com. Alice + Olivia Long Sleeve Button Down Tunic, $198, available at Shopbop.com . Express Zelda Jean Leggings, $59.90, available at Express.com Cole Haan Air Oleanna Boot, $448, available at ColeHaan.com .
Fashion & Media Darlings Model Layering Trend
Name: Sarah St.Lifer
Affiliation: Assistant Editor of StyleList.com
Style Ethos: "After spending four years at school in Vermont, layering became a way of life. For the basics, I adore my Irish cable knit sweater and shearling-lined duck boots from LL Bean."
Style Tip: Denim is a great layering tool. Whether it's a chambray shirt or a cool vest, find the piece that works for you. Also don't be afraid to add texture to your layered look in the form of ruffle skirts and hefty cardigans.
Petite Denim Borg Biker Jacket, $80, available at Topshop.com. Express 'Ribbed Flyaway Sweater Jacket,' $88, available at Express.com. Rebecca Taylor 'Ruffle Silk Dress,' $375, available at Net-A-Porter.com. Simply Vera Vera Wang floral long sleeve tee, $34, available at Kohls.com. ASOS 'Aveline Lace Up Toecap Boots,' $76, available at Asos.com. Stylist's own tights. Rachel Leigh Violet Crystal Fringe necklace, $98, available at Rachelleigh.com .
Fashion & Media Darlings Model Layering Trend
Name: Stephanie
Affiliaton: AOL.com
Style Mantra: "I am a lover of layering for comfort and warmth. My friend says I have a laid back feminine look that is inspired by French classics. I invest in pieces that I can wear again and again, and I know what works and stick with it."
Style Tip: A little creative layering can go a long way. This turtleneck/sweatshirt dress combo is perfect for a day hike or a night on the town. Vests are also a major staple for fall. Invest in one that looks rugged but can be paired with a cool dress.
J. Crew shearling vest, $995, available in select J. Crew stores, for information go to Jcrew.com . Rachel Comey dress, $414, a similar version will be available on Tobi.com. Z spoke by Zac Posen Turtleneck Sweater, $325, available at Saksfifthavenue.com . KORS Michael Kors Channing Wedge Bootie, $295, available at MichaelKors.com . Falke cable knit tights, $65, available at Bloomingdales.com.
/index.jsp"target="_blank">Jcrew.com . Rachel Comey dress, $414, a similar version will be available on Tobi.com. Z spoke by Zac Posen Turtleneck Sweater, $325, available at Saksfifthavenue.com . KORS Michael Kors Channing Wedge Bootie, $295, available at MichaelKors.com . Falke cable knit tights, $65, available at Bloomingdales.com.
Fashion & Media Darlings Model Layering Trend
Name: Zoe Turnbull
Affiliation: Co-founder of Serious Business PR
Thoughts on Fall Layering: "Fall layering is hard: i'm out of practice after the summer and by the time I've got it down to a fine rhythm it's usually spring."
Style Ethos: "My overall style ethos is comfort - other than that, pretty much anything goes, which is where layers help distract from all my fashion mishaps - it doesn't matter if that skirt-legging look is a tad-heinous-slash-so-last-season because that overcoat-and-snood combo totally hides it."
Style Tip: Layering a chunky knit? Make sure to cinch yourself with a belt to maintain the waistline.
United Bamboo Mohair sweater dress, $265, available at CreaturesofComfort.us . Reiss leopard print blouse, $215, and belt, $115, available at Reissonline.com . Iosselliani drop earrings with eagle, $210, for information go to Iosselliani.com. MICHAEL Michael Kors leggings, $79.50, available at Macy's.com. Cole Haan Air Avalon Tall Boots, $348, available at ColeHaan.com.
Fashion & Media Darlings Model Layering Trend
* Knit-y gritty: "Knits came back more so than ever before as a layering tool," Stephenson says. "Using cardigans and using sweater coats was this trend of rustic glamour. Knits are so much easier than a coat because once you go inside, you have to take a coat off. With knits...it serves the purpose to keep you warm when you're outside and make you look fabulous when you're inside."
* Avoiding bulk: "There are airy and spiderweb type knits out there that show texture," Samet says. "This is key. As far as silhouette, off-the-shoulder and draping provide femininity as well as an escape plan if it gets too hot. With all of these layers, an underpinning is necessary."
* Styles to try: "If you have a knit dress, you can wear it with your leggings, you can wear it over your favorite man-style pants and belt it and push it up, you can put another cardigan over the knit dress with a pair of tights or bare skin," Stephenson says.
* Soften it up: "There's nothing sexier than layering one of your light, airy summer dresses with a big boyfriend cardigan and belting it to make it more fall ready," Stephenson says. "That idea of masculine layering with femininity is a big trend. Another thing with layering is you're using your pieces in new ways, so if you're always used to wearing a dress in a certain way and never really thought of putting a cardigan over it or a crewneck over it, try it."
* Belt it: "When you're layering, sometimes it gets too bulky and it's great to show your waist," Stephenson says. "When you're working with knits, if you keep them light, they won't bulk up too much and when you belt them, whether it's a wide belt or a thin belt, it's a great accessory when you're layering."
* Trends: "The vest is a particularly versatile piece whether in faux fur, chunky or loopy knits, or even a more structured version," Samet says. "The other big trend is in textured knits like exaggerated stitch details such as cables, braiding and open stitches. A utility jacket or statement jacket would be another way to capture the layered look."
* Jewelry: "I think still statement jewelry, whether it's from Target or whether it's Yves Saint Laurent or Dior costume jewelry, there's costume jewelry at every avenue," Stephenson says. "Necklaces have been there for the last two years are still important and have the hit mass level retail outlets, so that's a really fun way to spice things up. Put a funky fun necklace over the top of your crewneck and it just adds a little glamour to your sweater."
* Color cues: "We think that tonal and neutrals are the way to go this season," Samat says. "There are a few key colors like the olive green, camel and oatmeals, as well as the tweeds which can also be a blend of neutrals. Keeping the layering pieces tonal is the most classic and relevant."
* Outerwear layers: "Sweater coats are basically oversized sweaters that you can wear belted as a dress or you can wear over another sweater or a shirt and jeans," Stephenson says. "They just kind of keep you cozy and warm but without being too heavy that you have to take off."
Looking for more style tips? Here's how to wear the menswear trend for fall. Looking for more style tips? Here's
how to wear the menswear trend for fall.
How to Create a Tropical Tablescape and a Kitchen Theme
Layering Clothes Guide
How to Layer the Interior of the Hair
How to Wear Layered T-Shirts
Tia, 9-22-2010, 6:47AM
I think Michelle Obama looks fabulous in everything she wears. For those of you who think she looks hideous or other nasty comments, how about we see you in some of your outfits? Unless you're a runway model, I bet we can all find fault with what you wear.
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