TOKYO - JUNE 23: A model showcases designs from the Chanel on the catwalk during the Chanel 2010-2011 Fall/Winter Pret-A-Porter collection show at Yoyogi National Gymnasium on June 23, 2010 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Koki Nagahama/Getty Images)

Everything is in – including the kitchen sink

I’ve been watching the 2010 fall fashion season roll out with amusement and awe. Career women have been asking me for tips and advice for this season. Never before in the history of fashion have I seen so much choice in women’s dress.

You like prints? We got them? What about fur? Yup, you can even wear it as a skirt – cavewoman style. (Unfortunately it can help make even the skinniest model look bottom heavy.) At least it’s faux fur they’re promoting!

Speaking of skirts

Do you like your skirts long, short, full or skinny? Guess what? This season anything goes! Lace? Yes!  Velvet? You got it.  Military/aviator looks?  Yes sir! Prints? Leopard is king.  (My advice with animal prints is to avoid it for investment pieces like jackets, dresses and coats. Best as accent pieces)

Accessories

And let’s not forget about accessories: wide belts, skinny belts, multi strand neck pieces, clumps of bracelets, stiletto pumps, caged shoes, short boots, slouchy boots, tall ones and everything in-between.  Is your head spinning yet?

Something’s got to stick

It almost feels like desperation.  Basically they’re throwing everything at us in the hope that something will stick and we’ll make a purchase.

It’s overpowering, even for an image consultant.

The problem with too much choice

I’m afraid with all this choice many of us will walk away overwhelmed and not being able to make any decisions. But here’s the advice to remember. Repeat after me “Just because it’s in fashion doesn’t mean it’s right for me.”

The good news

There is a piece of good news for professional women in this onslaught of fashion…the return of the feminine suit. Thank goodness! And it’s due in large part to the popular TV show Mad Men. Finally working women have some attractive “dress for success’ suiting options which have been sadly absent for a number of seasons.

Since the trends are so broad this fall, you can probably find something that fits your figure and still look in.

Stay tuned here to learn more tips about what works for you and what doesn’t and why. If you’re in the Alberta area check out my one-day image enhancement workshops Oct 8 & Dec 3, Brand New You, designed to help take the trauma and guess work out of how to look your best.

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Posted by Joanne Blake

About the author 

Joanne Blake

JOANNE BLAKE
Canadian speaker, corporate image consultant & business etiquette expert. If you're interested in booking a presentation, keynote or coaching, contact me. Based in Calgary / Edmonton, Alberta in western Canada.

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