Be Chic For Less This Fall
The calendar says it's still mid-summer, but a glance in your favorite shop window will show the fashion world is thinking fall.
It may seem early, but now's the time to play early-bird if you want to be chic in September.
On The Early Show Wednesday, Marie Claire magazine (www.marieclaire.com) Editor in Chief Joanna Coles played "Chic on a Shoestring," peering into fashion's immediate future for good deals on the hot looks for autumn.
She was joined by Julie Chen, Harry Smith, Susan Koeppen, Kelly Wallace and an audience member.
In "Chic on a Shoestring," expensive, "splurge" clothing is shown along with much more reasonably priced items, referred to as "steals." It's often hard to tell the difference, but players do their best to pick the bargains.
But, who wants to wait to wear them?
Coles showed outfits women can wear now and later. Even if you're spending only $40 on something, make sure it'll be something you'll use often, by investing in the latest trends.
The great looks Coles showed enable women to be "Fashion Forward" while still feeling comfortable in these late summer months, then easing into fall. All enable a seamless transition.
LOOK 1: CROPPED PANTS
Cropped pants are a huge trend this season. It's a great item to wear during the hot summer days and on into fall. Pair with a great sleeveless lightweight top for summer, and add a blazer to make fall ready. The cropped pant was a huge trend for the season and was a staple in Balenciaga's fall collection.
Splurge: Black cropped pants from Theory: $215
Steal: Black cropped pants from Zara, $39
What's the difference? The splurge has a more tailored fit.
LOOK 2: CINCHED WAIST
This trend started last fall, and will continue to be strong in this one. So, after a summer of big baby doll and tent dresses, well — the waist comes back! Waistlines made a dramatic return in the Dolce and Gabbana show this season, parading tiny waists with a tongue-and-cheek runway show that had the models walking down with chastity belts; think more recently to Beyoncé Knowles at the BET awards.
Cinch your waist by wearing a skirt with volume and a wide belt. This look will give anyone an hourglass figure. Great for all shapes, will enhance your curves if you're curvier, and help give the illusion of curves if you lack them.
Here, Coles proved that accessories are a great place to invest; they really can change the whole look of an outfit!
This look requires a big, bold belt. So, don't be shy. You'll see how often you'll use it.
Splurge: Michael Kors belt: $395
Steal: Nicole Miller leather belt: $115
What's the difference? This is more about quality: Everything with the splurge is better quality — the fabric, stitching, and general wear and tear on the pieces.
LOOK 3: SHIFT DRESS
This is comfortable and easy for any woman to wear. Shift-shape dresses are great for all body types and conservative for a dress while still being chic. This is a great look to wear to the office or just out to dinner with friends. It's great for those hot summer days, and then through fall by just adding a cardigan or great pair of tights. And, for those more daring, add bold, colorful tights! Shift dresses were all over the fall runways, featured by Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, and Givenchy, to name a few.
Splurge: Milly shift dress: $342
Steal: Banana Republic black shift dress: $148
What's the difference? The big distinguishing factor here is the fit: The splurge's fit is more tailored and body-conscious.