Time for a fall overhaul

Jet, Sept 6, 2004

Fall is no time to fall down on your style. Here's how to look hot with the coolest trends of the season.

* Face facts. Move over monochrome makeup! Bold lips and peacock eyes are prize winners this season. The smoky eye is still sexy, but instead of smudging dark colors across lids, go for shimmery copper, bronze or gold tones, gregarious greens, vibrant violets and royal blues. For lips, sheer tones are giving way to deep color, particularly wine and rum. But if you plan to rock the bright eyes, stick to a nude lip color or gloss so you don't overpower your face. Also, update your foundation. Go a shade lighter since your summer-tanned skin will lighten as the season progresses. And switch to a richer face moisturizer for added protection against the cooler, drier autumn air.

* Cut loose. Fall hair is carefree hair. Naturals and awesome afros, twists, dreadlocks, big curls, soft waves and anything loose and laid back goes this season. But before you dress up your tresses, treat your hair to some TLC. Repair summertime damage caused by heat from the sun (and that flat iron), chlorine from swimming pools, chemical relaxers and dyes by deep-conditioning your hair and getting those split ends trimmed.

* Take pride in your wild side. Leopard spots, tiger stripes, snake skin and crocodile, oh my! Exotic animal prints and skins are all the rage for fall fashion. Tame the look by pairing a solid color with one wild accessory: a crocodile handbag with a conservative work suit, a zebra-striped blazer with black slacks, a chocolate brown dress with a pair of leopard stilettos. Grrrr!

* Skirt the issue. Temps are dropping and so are hemlines this season. Go for mid-length skirts with a hint of flirt--a fluted edge, a peek-a-boo underskirt, a sexy pencil shape and a curve-skimming A-line cut.

* Boot up. Kick it in your dresses, skirts and cropped pants this fall with a cool pair of knee-high boots. Rounded toes. chunkier heels and sexy tennis-shoe/boot hybrids are season faves, but don't dismiss ankle-high boots, closed-toe mules, slingbacks and pumps. And wear a pair of textured tights with your fall shoes to further heat up your look--and keep your legs warm on those cool autumn days.

* Be glamorously girly. Femininity takes front stage this fall. Frill it up in a ruffled blouse. Pin a leather flower to your lapel. Wear a tweed blazer that ties closed with a velvet bow. Don a faux fur collar with your suit. Add a little satin and lace to your life.