The Oregon Women's Report - Women's News from Oregon

FYI

Hot fall/winter color story: Neutrals, midnight blue, mustard, grape, stone, shiny colors, chocolate and winter white (think renter’s white walls).

Hot textiles: Leather, snakeskin and anything faux fur.

My advice is to do something different; something you normally wouldn’t do. Look at the list of the hot fall/winter color story and pick something you normally wouldn’t buy and wear it mixed in with your existing wardrobe. In example, if you love the color mustard, go out and buy that mustard-colored jacket! Pair it with your tried and true chocolate slacks and a white blouse. The look you get is comfortable and cool at the same time. And you didn’t even think you could wear that color! Don’t forget to accessorize- maybe a great cuff bracelet and bold hoops?

Now that you’ve got your confidence up, instead of buying yet another black pant or skirt, buy it in winter white instead! This wardrobe basic looks especially chic in the cooler months when it’s more unexpected. Pair it with a stone-colored sweater or blouse accessorized with bold metal jewelry and heads will turn. It’s so different than the normal dark color palette that seems standard as the weather gets colder.

What about the hot textiles? I love the understated look of doing something bold on a small scale. Buy some awesome snakeskin pumps in a neutral color that will punch up your pants, skirts and even jeans! Can you imagine how great snakeskin pumps would look with jeans, a grape-colored jacket with a silver top underneath? It’s a little bold, a little sophisticated and a lot of sexy!

So this season, shake it up a little and keep them guessing. Fashion can be so much fun and you know how much better your day goes when you know you look great!

The choice is always yours, make it a good one!