Fall calls for bold, cozy fashion
By Laura Dignan • For the Beachcomber • September 16, 2010

Fall is upon us and fashionistas should be making room in their closets. This year, when the temperature starts to drop, the trendy will be reaching for bold items that transition well from summer to fall.  “It’s important to update what you have from other seasons with a couple new, fresh pieces,” said Erin Kesselring, co-owner of Downtown Cowgirl on Rehoboth Avenue. “People are already excited to be getting back into layers and cozy things for fall.”

No matter your style, Amy Norgate, general manager of the Rehoboth Beach Tanger Outlets, said consumers should have fun while shopping this season.  “Fashion is all about aspiration and I think that human beings naturally have all kinds of things they aspire to do and be,” she said. “(Fashion) is fun ... People truly enjoy experimenting with different looks.” Walk on the wild side Lili Kohr, owner of Tiger Lili, located in the Rehoboth Beach Tanger Outlets, said there’s no shortage of great clothing and accessories in coastal Delaware.  This season, faux fur, leather and animal prints will be all the rage.  “Leopard print is always on fire on the runway,” Kohr said.  But there’s no need to overdo it. “(Fur and animal prints) are just simply gorgeous statement pieces,” she said.

While short, fitted leather jackets will be popular, Erika Chloe, chief executive of My Image Expert — an image and fashion consulting firm based in Baltimore — said an oversized fur coat is a must-have item this winter.  Consumers can also keep warm with fur-trimmed boots and sleeveless fur vests.

Chunky sweaters and loose-fitting shirts will also be paired with skinny jeans and tights.   But this season, there’s a new twist on skinny jeans.  “There are leggings now that look like denim,” Chloe said. “They’re cool because they look like jeans, but they’re not heavy like jeans.”

A new way to layer

While many tend to layer their clothing during the cooler months, Erika Chloe said layering accessories is an even better idea.  “Go with something really simple and then layer accessories to dress (something) up,” she said. “Every fall, it’s all about layering T-shirts, jackets and shirts. This season, it’s really about layering your accessories, such as necklaces.” From bold earrings and rings to cuff bracelets, bigger is better this season.  “They are pieces you can’t live without,” Chloe said. “They look like art and they seem to be getting bigger and bigger every year.”

Another accessory that’s circling around again is the scarf, particularly the Infinity Scarf.  “It’s just a giant loop that you can keep looping around your neck until it looks the way you want it to,” Kesselring said.

Pick quality pieces

Of course, women can’t go anywhere without their wallet, phone and lip gloss, and every outfit deserves a special bag or clutch to match.  Located in the Rehoboth Beach Tanger Outlets, Kate Spade has purses of all styles and colors.  Supervisor Jean Settle said the store’s offerings never go out of style.  “(Kate Spade) has a lot of pieces that become serviceable for years and years,” she said. “The store is classic,  timely and fun.”

This year’s most popular picks are satchels and messenger bags. When it comes to color, warmth is key. Experts say browns, golds, purples, grays, teals and military greens will be showing up in stores nationwide.  While it’s great to follow the trends, Kohr suggests buying quality  pieces that will stand the test of time.  “Life is about change and that’s fashion,” she said. “It changes every moment.”