1. Sweater knits/Vests
Sometimes fashion really does take practicality into consideration and this evidences itself in the weather-
friendly sweater knit trend. Tunic-length sweater shirts/sweater dresses with skinny jeans tucked
into chunky-heeled boots are THE look for winter. Easy to assimilate, reasonably flattering, and weather-
appropriate.
For a collegiate touch, go for tbe vest. Especially chic in tweeds/wools, or in a menswear print like
pinstripes or houndstooth. Argyle is a classic sweatervest pattern. If you are daring, try a velvet or fur
vest.
2. Wide Belts
Good-bye skinny low-rise belt.
Belts pay homage to the 50s. They sit at a woman's natural waistline and are big, clunky affairs.
Don't be too trendy. Stick to wide, thick (3-inch width) belts in versatile neutrals like black, white, brown, and navy.
Or make it a statement piece and get it in crimson.
3. Menswear Influence
Plaid Deserving of its own subcategory. If you have to make one concession to this season's trendy
patterns, let it be plaid. An offshoot of this is flannel. To me, this is a nod to the redneck chic that I had
hoped would die this season and go the way of camouflage, tattoo graphic tees, and trucker hats. Grunge is a slightly less
offensive aesthetic than lumberjack/trucker, but we're still not out of the woods. Baby steps.
Plaid isn't too geeky chic when kept in moderation. Feminize your plaid with bows or pleats, or incorporate it into your wardrobe as an accent. Plaid hoops at Target ($7) are flattering and noncommital.
The cropped plaid jacket at H&M runs for $100 and is bound to make its wearer look like a a half-wrapped Christmas gift, and a bulky one at that.
More flattering choices in menswear prints are checks, pinstripes, and houndstooth.
Trousers and pantsuits give a business casual alternative to your stovepipes. Knee-length pinstripe shorts are being presented as another workingwear alternative. These are being worn over opaque tights, another must-have for this season.
The key to mastery of the menswear influence is to feminize it. If your blazer and trousers are all about business, soften the effect with a ruffled bib-front blouse and round-toe Mary Jane pumps. Wear a menswear pattern in a soft, draping fabric and a sculpted cut. Perfectly integrating hard-edged masculinity with coquettish froth can be tricky, but balance is the guiding principle here.
