thePULSEFall Fashion 2004
Keep it RETRO. Keep it SIMPLE.
Sandy wears a print blouse with detachable zip-sleeve front and tan stretch pencil khaki pants. (Clothing courtesy of Ike’s Den Clothing, Shrewsbury)
September 2004 – It’s September. The summer is fading away like the smoldered embers of Independence Day bonfires, kids are picking up their school books again and our favorite TV shows are beginning to trickle back onto the tube. It’s the twilight month, the bridge between bathing suits and turtleneck sweaters, beach volleyball and leaf peeping. Fall is nearly here.
As the days get shorter and the temperature starts to drop, it’s time to once again focus on new fashions. This year, it’s all about retro – yes, VH1 “I Love the 80s” fanatics, your dreams have come true – from sleek, cropped and low-rise designs to printed and crayon-bright styles. The key is to keep it simple. Stick to shopping for the 3 Cs: Campus, Club and Corporate and you’ll have no trouble turning heads, whether it’s in class, on the dance floor or at the office.
Wil sports a tan gabardine 3-button suit with pleated slacks by Jack Victor, Italian silk tie in paisley and leather and lizard belt by Demarco Giovani (Clothing courtesy of Lujon, Worcester). Cristina wears a contemporary Versace-inspired black halter-top dress (with drop waist and beaded detail) by Victoria Royale.
Just the basics
The 80s are back in a huge way. The newest looks showcase classic styles with a contemporary twist and this time around designers are sparing us the tyranny of high-top sneakers, acid washed jeans and felt scrunchies.
The hot hues this season are crayon-inspired (royal blue, bright green, yellow) and earth-tones (dusty teal, shell, cranberry, rust, green, brown). The fabrics to look for are suede, tweed, corduroy, matte jersey and velvet.
On the outs are rhinestones, sequins and super low-rise jeans that gave birth to the term “butt cleavage.” Back in the limelight are embellishments such as fur, lace, embroidery, beading and fringe, which can be found adorning anything from totes to jeans.
And always remember to accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize! Jewelry adds flair to any outfit. Keep an eye out for shell and natural stone jewelry, long dangly earrings, pendants and chunky rings or necklaces. Top it off with a multi-colored or candy-colored ribbon belts, retro floral pins, mini ruffle bags or wood-handled Bermuda bags.
Cristina wears a black lattice sleeved twin set top and jacket by Katherine Barclay of Montreal and jeans Sandy wears a quilted eyelash jacket with rabbit-fur finger collar by Joseph Pebkoff of Montreal, a lace bustier by Adea of Italy and jeans by David Kahn. Bergen sports a retro tie-dyed halter-top with pointelle lace and matching ruffle-edged skirt by Marie Pierre. (Clothing courtesy of Ike’s Den Clothing, Worcester)
For the stylish student
Track jackets: No longer solely for long-distance runners, the shell staple is back in dozens of colors. Wear half-zipped over graphic tees and tank tops.
Bouclé sweaters: Perfect for September’s mild weather, Bouclé sweaters are incredibly soft textured stretch knits. Must haves are turtlenecks, sleeveless tops, wrap tops, and cowl necks.
Open neck tees & sweatshirts: This wide-neck look showcases and accentuates the shoulders and neck. Wear layered over tight-fitting tees. Tip: The bottom shirt should be visible around the neck and should always be thinner and a smaller size than normal so that way it won’t look bulky underneath the top shirt.
Polo’s Lacoste has re-launched its alligator-adorned polo shirt, updated for ‘04 with a fitted shape and cropped length. Tip: Polos also work with layers.
Wil looks the part in a tan gabardine 3-button suit by Jack Victor, Italian silk tie and leather and lizard belt by Demarco Giovani. (Clothing courtesy of Lujon, Worcester)
Outerwear: Stay warm with down vests, velvet jackets, zip-up sweatshirt hoodies with graphic designs, sweater ponchos, cropped denim jackets, fitted jackets with convertible collars, motorcross and pilot jackets in denim and leather, and trench coats in every color imaginable.
Blazers are perfect for the classic preppy look. Find them in corduroy, khaki, plaid, pinstripe or even jean. Wear un-buttoned with a white-collared shirt and jeans.
Jeans Low-rise: Still in and showing no sign of losing steam, but keep a look out for the return of dark denim, as well as jeans with flared legs, pinstripes, embroidery and embellished front and back pockets. The newest craze on the market is the low-rise cropped jean, which looks great with a blazer and a bowler cap. Beware: Excessively faded styles are becoming passé, but you can still squeeze out a few months before they’re a total fashion faux-pas.
Totes in plaid and canvas, adorned with funky retro designs, stripes and chunky flowers are expected to be popular on campuses this fall.
Tippits: Accent your outerwear with faux animal fur neck wraps reminiscent of the Victorian era for a classic sexy look.
For Men: Pleated khakis, rugged khakis, dark-washed jeans, corduroy, leather, wool and low-rise jeans are all popular this year. Mix and match with ringer-tees or contrast-stitching tees, button-down plaid shirts (yes, dad’s favorite is back) and button-down classic Henleys in stripes and bright colors (orange, purple, pink, green).
For a head-turning night out
The little black dress: Was it ever really out of style? Perfect in matte jersey fabric, accessorize with a colorful belt rested loosely on the hips or a flower pin centered at the waist.
Wrap tops: Wear with a flared skirt in ruffled, sexy, soft, or lacy styles.
Enjoy the fall without bulky sweaters: Cristina wears a stylish Hong Kong jacket, beige tank from Rainbow Shops, low-rise jeans and rainbow knit scarf from The Gap. Matt wears a blue-striped button-down shirt by Express and jeans by Abercrombie & Fitch
For the polished professional
Four words: sleek, sexy, chic and streamlined.
Pinstripes: Perfect if you really want to wow them. A white-collar is essential, reminiscent of James Cagney. Match a knee-length skirt with a black wool halter.
Tweed: The classic woven knit fabric is back. Find a matching two-piece pant or skirt suit in pastel colors (cosmetic pink or dusty teal).
Plaid is the fabric for fall; two-piece pant or skirt suits, knee-length pencil skirts, sports jackets and layering camis.
Sweater-dresses: Catch them in mohair, bouclé or knits, ankle or knee length.
For Men: Pin-stripes, stress-free shirts (stain, spill and wrinkle resistant) and blazers – worn unbuttoned – are must haves
Matt matches a white long-sleeved shell with a short-sleeve tee by Express and Abercrombie jeans. Bergen sports a sexy off-the-shoulder top and jeans by Express. Wil is wearing Dockers, checked button-down shirt by Cactus and boots by Lugz
Ensemble: Sandy wears a quilted eyelash jacket, lace bustier and jeans. Matt wears a striped button-down dress shirt, black dress pants and black leather belt. Bergen wears a gold three-quarter length sleeve pucker top and inverted front-pleat pant by Joseph Ribkoff of Canada. Wil sports a tan gabardine wool suit. Cristina re-invents the little black dress in a look inspired by Versace
