Stepping Into Fall With Style - fashion - Brief Article

Ebony, Sept, 2001

For the New Black Woman

Fall can be fashion's most fashionable season, and this year's trends are all about individuality and self-expression. It's easy to bring out your true colors--just become one with Mother Nature's vivid landscape, and follow her changing foliage to create the most colorful wardrobe for work and play.

Chicagoan Tara Coyt, an account supervisor at Burrell Communications, spends her days meeting with representatives from some of the nation's top corporations just like many other stylish Sisters in marketing. For these Sisters, it pays to have a signature style that leaves a positive and lasting impression with the client. And Coyt, who sports trendy honey blonde twists, represents the fashion freedom that many women who work in creative environments enjoy.

"My clothes affect and reflect my attitude," she says. "There are days when I may not have to meet with a client, but I will put on a suit because that's what I feel. Or, if I feel like being funky, I may wear a multicolored shirt, or some colorful jewelry to accentuate my wardrobe. The clients appreciate seeing different things and the flair that we bring."

But what if you work in a conservative environment? Coyt says career women should understand the work environment and flaunt their sense of style within professional guidelines.

"You can wear a colorful blouse or earrings or funky shoes with a conservative suit and make your conservative suit fit your own style,"she says.

This season's casual looks range from the romantic to downright risque, and career women can start their fall transition gradually with colorful accessories. Earthtone queens can add a little zip to their wardrobes by fusing some of the darker yellow hues (in the mustard or rust-color spectrum) with browns and beiges. A deep, reddish orange is also complementary with earthtones, Delve into the royal family of colors (eggplant, for example) and don't snub the greenery--olive is very becoming on most complexions.

Coyt says there are four must-haves that are sure to get you in the autumn mood.

Funky Shoes. Coyt says she can change her entire look just by changing her footwear. "If you know that you're going to hang out after work, you don't have to bring two totally different outfits," she argues. "Just bring an extra pair of shoes to either dress up or dress down your look." Even a basic navy suit works with a trendy pair of leather or suede boots. (Leather boots are available in every shade under the sun this fall.)

Shop around and spend your money on quality shoes; shoe divas will be the first to admit that a good quality shoe will never go out of style. And Coyt says that you don't have to break the bank to find quality. "I definitely never, ever pay full price for shoes," she says. There are many boutiques and department stores that specialize in quality clothes and shoes with discounted prices; you have to find your best bargain."

Leather & Lace. Love is in the air--thanks to the rebirth of the "Lady Marmalade" movement (i.e., the remake of the hit song and the movie Moulin Rouge)--and leather and lace is hot, hot, hot this season, Long lace dresses in rich colors and black sheer lace tops have become the "it" fabrics, both for after-work get-togethers and swanky after-5 events.

Sexy and supple, leather is also back on the market this season in various shades. Coyt fancies outfits with leather trim for work, and on page 46, she is shown wearing a salmon and ivy tweed two-piece suit, complete with deep pink leather trim and belt. "This suit is appropriate for work and for after-hours," she says. She knows how to have fun with contemporary suits as well. "I make sure I wear a fun blouse underneath the jacket, so if I go out after work, I can take the jacket off and look nice and have fun with a different top."

Many designers are combining the sex appeal of leather and lace with leather-trimmed lace boots and shoes. (These shoes are generally high-end; if you've got the money, splurge. If you're on a pre-holiday shopping budget, shop around for these pricey kickers).

Precious Metals. For many Sisters, bronze is on fire this fall. Perhaps it's the magic that a beautiful bronze blazer, blouse or scarf can do for Black skin. Bronze perks up the yellow or red undertones in Black skin and makes the wearer appear more vibrant. Diehard earthtoners like Coyt, and wild-at-heart trendsetters like the rap artist Eve, flock to bronze and wear it well. But Coyt warns that Sisters shouldn't become a slave to trends. "I do like some of the trends, but I try to take them and make my own," she says, pointing out her big gold belt and earrings, which complements the hints of bronze and gold in her mosaic style shirt. "If the trendy style doesn't work for me, or it doesn't look right on me, I'm not going to wear it. Women shouldn't wear [ill-fitting and inappropriate styles] just because it's a trend."

Ankle-Length Sweaters. Nothing says sophistication like a flowing, ankle-length sweater. Unlike those discriminating hip-hugger jeans, anyone from superslender Sisters to full-size princesses can wear an ankle-length sweater well. Colorful, chunky knit sweaters and soft turtlenecks are also must-have items for fall. Coyt says career women should look for quality when purchasing sweaters and clothing in general.