November 21, 2003

Spotlight on fall fashion

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

Fall has arrived in a flurry of wet weather and sweater-wearing temperatures, and with that, the need to re-evaluate our wardrobes once again. As in the past, successful trends tend to repeat themselves and this year brings back the character of the 1960s, reminiscent of styles made famous by the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and recently resurrected by the newly crowned first lady of California, Maria Shriver.

Black and white takes the honors as the color building blocks for fall wardrobes. From flowing, feminine white blouses over slim, leg-hugging black pants to tailored dresses and suits with contrasting trim, this color combination is timeless, and a few basic items will make for a myriad of fashion combinations when paired with the right accessories. Browns are also making a stellar statement, in rich chocolate or rusty hues, accented with creamy, winter white shades.

This year, skirts and boots take center stage. From short, sexy, micro-mini tweed or pleated flare skirts to longer, leather variations, it’s all about showing off those curvy, lower limbs.

“For the most part, anything goes this year,” says Jaleh Welby, owner of Café Hair in Almaden, who travels every year to Milan and throughout the country in an effort to stay on top of trends and provide insight for her customers. “There are so many different things that are in, but boots are everywhere. Short or long and paired with tights and printed nylons, it’s the biggest thing I saw.”

Unquestionably the hottest rage, boots in all colors and lengths come complete with lots of heel. One thing you won’t see much of this season is flat styles as pointed toes and stiletto heels (although more for show than comfort) have come back step after step for a strong statement.

As far as accessories go, old favorites from days gone by have found their way back to the catwalks as gloves and hats in all colors and styles add glamour and sophistication to any look. One more notable comeback is hats for men—yes, it’s time to bring out your father’s fedora and pair it with a duster length coat for that special night out with your lady. Fur (real or faux) is another must and can be found trimming everything from sweaters to hats, gloves to boots. Again, anything goes.

According to Welby, hair color is changing right along with the season. Deeper blondes and golds are replacing the sun-kissed shades of summer, and richer browns with caramel highlights are sprouting up on runways around the world. “Everything is deeper, with lots of highlights,” she says. “Whatever your color is now, just drop it a shade or two darker.”

Hair this season is right in step with skirts—fashionable at any length—although Welby admits that people tend to go longer as the weather chills. Big hair with curls is also making a steady comeback, as seen of late on celebrities sporting messy tresses in a sexy, carefree style with loose wavy locks. Less preparation in this case is more—welcome words for anyone looking to cut down on pre-party primping.

Heavier makeup is making a bold statement this fall, with focus on dark, dramatic eyes and lighter lips. According to InStyle Magazine, peach is this season’s color. Opaque shimmery lipsticks are found to be best suited for darker skin tones, while sheer peach or pink glosses will be more flattering to lighter ones.

Party and formalwear is trending away from glitter, sequins and beads and more toward feminine velvets and flowy satins, with high-heeled, ankle strapped stiletto sandals to chunky heeled options for the younger set. Romance is definitely back in style.

Whatever the look, whatever the occasion, Welby admits that for her clients, it isn’t just about their hair. “When people come and sit in my chair, it’s really about their total look from head to toe,” she says. “Every hairdresser should also be a fashion advisor.”