By Francesca Claybrook
Ladies, we’ve made it halfway through August and, believe it or not, that means fall is right around the corner. This is always a big time in the fashion world (September issue, anyone?), and it’s also an exciting time for planning your fall wardrobe. We’ve been lucky enough to score you some assistance: here to help us out are two New York stylists who collaborated with BellaVitaStyle to bring you a fall fashion preview. Nicole Gulotta works in fashion, music, and television, and has just branched out with a company of her own. Lori Messerschmitt works with musicians and photographic artists and collects vintage jewelry. Let’s see what these dynamic ladies have to say about what we’ll be wearing this fall.
BellaVitaStyle: What are the major trends we should keep our eyes open for this fall?
Nicole Gulotta: Sweater dresses, major. Monochromatic outfits. Lots of layering.
Lori Messerschmitt:
1) Shearling, wonderful shearling, but more modern and lightweight than our mothers would recall.
2) Brocade me. Gimme gold! ?3) Prints, prints, prints
BVS: What kind of shoes and boots are going to be popular?
NG: The loafer is making a comeback; it’s kind of a twist on a proper or Annie Hall type thing. Wear them with something unexpected like a short little frock or with cool, rolled up slouchy pants – to de-conservative-ize them. The brogue/lace up is still happening, both high heeled and flat. Ankle boots and motorcycle-ish motifs are still popular, too.
LM: Call me crazy, but the strappy sandal is hanging on for winter, just pair her with a heavy, heavy sock. And don’t forget her dear friend, the caramel colored clog!
BVS: What kind of feeling did the fall collections have? How does that translate into clothes we all can wear?
NG: Casual and Modern. Which is easy to wear, it just takes some courage to loosely pair things together.
LM: For me fall was an exercise in acceptance. It has all been out there, but the modern twist is unlike those before us – beautiful sleek cuts in neopreen or the aforementioned shearling, thinner and sleeker. The best throw backs are the A-lines with the skinny belted waist. For every day, this translates into a big break for those professional gals looking for something fashionable they can wear every day, but also for us street beats who love layers but don’t want the bulk.
BVS: Is there a particular color or two that are really going to be big this season?
NG, LM: Camel. Grey.
BVS: Are there any articles of clothing or accessories that we should definitely be putting away for now?
NG: Put away the Uggs, pleeeeeeeeese.
LM: I agree with Nicole on this one. Trash those f-ugg-lies.
BVS: If you had to narrow it down, what’s the one item that everyone needs to have this fall?
NG: Some kind of unusual, textured, possibly sparkly legging.
LM: Give me shearling or give me death! But I’d settle for the bloomers from a detacher.
BVS: Any final words of wisdom to help us construct our fall wardrobes?
NG: Think about looseness, layers and varying lengths – and the ease of clothes on your body. Then put a tiny jacket on top. Then, when winter hits, put a loose coat on top of that!
LM: Silhouette! Shape, volume, tailoring. Don’t be afraid to go oversized with light fabrics and layer under and over for some warmth. Then cinch it in with the slim belt. Roll up your sleeves, roll up your trousers, and throw on something woolly on the legs and feet and never forget that smile.
Want to learn more about our stylists? Check out Nicole at www.nicolegulotta.com and her new company, The Nomadic Trading Company (a collection of beautiful bits inspired by her travels – traditional textiles are culled from artisan collectives and local bazaars around the world, and then transformed into chic gear and home paraphernalia) at http://nomadictradingcompany.com. More information about Lori can be found on her website, www.lorimesserschmitt.com. Thank you ladies!