News Article

For: October Issue

To: Gulf Coast Womens News

By: Linda K. Bowman, Ext. Agt. IV - Family & Consumer Sciences

Santa Rosa County Extension Service

Telephone: 850/623-3868 or 939-1259, ext. 1360

“Fall Fashion Forecast”

In women’s fashions, individual items and pieced-together fabrics add up to a whole new way of dressing for this season’s fashion-conscious female. Gone is the total head-to-toe look dictated by anonymous fashion experts. In its place is a range of beautiful items—team players that are also strong in their own right. It’s fashion diversity taken to its outer limits.

The fashion mood ranges from somber to flamboyantly folkloric, observes The Soap and Detergent Association. Deep brown, warm camel and basic black take leading roles. Rich reds, strong blue-grays and soft neutrals follow. But, here and there one finds paisley prints, Pucci-like swirls, middle European embroideries, sheer floral prints, and patchwork brightening up the pictures. The season’s “must have” accessory is the embellished shawl—embroidered and jeweled as wearable works of art.

Cropped pants, jodhpurs and motorcycle pants are members of the supporting team. Trousers are narrow enough to be tucked into boots or provide low-down interest with pleated side flares or ankle-to hem zippers.

Skirts are a major component of the layered look. They may be straight, slim and long or fuller and embellished with patchwork, embroidery, lace or a flash of sparkle.

Black owns the evening scene. Seen from afar, these garments may look all the same, but up close, they’re a clever mix of surfaces—matte, sheer and shine, satin, crepe jersey. They’re featured in interesting patterns created by patchwork and appliqué, changing grainlines and connecting shapes to form peek-a-boo effects. Designers offer slinky, bias-cut evening dresses in Art Deco-like collages with bits of chiffon for strategic see-through areas. Black was favored here, too, but midnight blue and bordeaux gave equally stunning results.

As one glances through many of the offerings for Fall 2002, children’s fashions seem to have come full circle. This is particularly true in the footwear market.

Grown-up details include wingtips, buckles, zipper pulls, ankle boots and oxfords with hidden ghilley lacing. Adult technology has also invaded this footwear category, providing inner sole cushioning systems and increased flexibility. Athletic-inspired shoes are new on the fashion scene. One version features a window pocket where kids can insert logos of their favorite teams. The “tween” market (ages 8 to 12) welcomes shoes that resemble Mom’s footwear, but feature appropriate heel heights and more mature colors than their little sisters’ wear.

“Mini Me” garments that are popular for Fall include classic turtlenecks, knit hoodie shirts, jeans, corduroy jackets, crew neck sweaters, knit sweater vests and plaids. Funky separates with raw edges, reverse seaming, patchwork and reflective trims mix and match with the more traditional pieces.

The footwear industry is not the only group that has discovered the tween market. Fashions are designed specifically to appeal to this group. It’s a faster, more fashion-oriented mentality than traditional kids’ wear, but the look is sweeter than juniors. Foil brush strokes, hand-painted florals and ripped edges adorn denim bottoms in low-rise and bootleg styles. Patchwork T-shirts, blazers with sheer sleeves, bohemian love prints, color blocking and Marimekko prints, washed finishes and sparkle touches are among the looks favored by this age category.

What’s the best way to take care of your new fashions? The Soap and Detergent Association reminds consumers to always read and follow garment care labels prior to cleaning.

For further information contact: Linda Bowman, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, The University of Florida--Santa Rosa County Cooperative Extension Service--IFAS, at (850)623-3868 or (850)939-1259, Ext. 1360 for south county residents, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Hearing-impaired individuals may call Santa Rosa County Emergency Management Service at 983-5373 (TDD).

Extension Service programs are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin. The use of trade names in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. It is not a guarantee, warranty, or endorsement of the product name(s) and does not signify that they are approved to the exclusion of others.