HINGHAM, Mass. (August 30, 2006) – Fashion forecasts used to speak of the season's "look," then outline a list of must-haves recommended to assemble that of-the-moment style. Times have changed. This fall's forecast starts with a list of musts but leaves the assembly part of the equation largely to the imagination of the wearer. "Fashion has become more expressive and women are hunting for those interesting finds they can blend with their tried-and-true favorites to create a multitude of looks that reveal glimpses of their personalities," says Betsy Thompson, Talbots fashion spokesperson. Talbots fall lineup features a mix of trusted classics and unique finds that work together and stand alone.
MUST-HAVES
Here are Talbots top 10 “musts” for fall 06:
- Decorated Jacket. Whether it's plush velveteen with embossed buttons, a visually rich tapestry with tonal velvet trim or a faded denim officer's jacket with bold brass buttons, a fitted blazer with a decorator's touch takes center stage this fall. Artful yet practical, a decorated jacket is the season's style maker.
- Forgive Me Dress. Can a dress grant forgiveness? The answer is yes if it's crafted of a matte, drapey fabric like crepe knit in a fit-and-flair shape that gently wraps or gathers at the waist. Wrap dresses and styles with draped necklines and shirring at the waist offer a “ready in 5” solution for women who know that multitasking is not just a handy knack, but a way of life.
- Chunky Cardigan. Warm and cozy, a long cardigan becomes the softer stand-in for a tailored jacket and provides just enough insulation when it's not quite cold enough for a winter coat. Belt it, layer it, live in it.
- Gauchos and/or Cropped Pants. Anchored by slouchy boots or delicate flats, gauchos and cropped pants have a stylish kick that's invigorates the wardrobe. Combining different proportions lends a fresh twist this season and gives women the freedom to layer varying lengths in ways that work best for their proportions - e.g., it's ok to wear gauchos with a cropped jacket, vest or long cardigan.
- Barn Belt. An equestrian-inspired belt that can be cinched or slung around the waist adds the right finishing touch to cardigans, shirts, jeans and tunics. Look for distinctive hardware and stitched, braided or tumbled leather. For a bit more polish, consider a wide waist-cinching sash in soft leather.
- New White Shirt. There's always a place for a crisp white shirt in a woman's wardrobe. This season's take is softer and prettier thanks to a sculpted shape and feminine details that range from dramatic ruffles to hints of romantic lace. Wear yours with jeans, a decorated jacket, a flouncy party skirt or sleek evening trousers in chocolate or ruby red.
- Ballet or Tuxedo Flats. More evidence that best classics get better over time, ballet and tuxedo flats are understated, effortlessly chic and in step with the latest trends. Croco-embossed velvet tuxedo flats look stylishly at home with denim or satin. The same holds true for tweed or corduroy ballet flats sprinkled with beads and embroidery.
- Black Pants. No explanation required here but great fitting black pants in a no-fuss style are an intelligent, versatile, indispensable must this season.
- Modern Navy Blazer. Remember how smart you looked in jeans, khakis or flannel pants when you were wearing that trustworthy navy blazer? The classic navy blazer is back and in better shape than ever - a tad shorter and slightly nipped at the waist. This is an investment piece with a proven track record.
- Trouser Jeans. Women over the age of 35 want the fit of their clothes to be comfortable but shapely, and are still on the prowl for jeans that fit them to a T. Five pocket jeans with flare, boot or straight legs are strong players, but trouser styles in a darker rinse are fashionable and flattering on a range of grown up curves.
SEASONAL TREND NOTES
Soft tailoring, feminine details and artful strokes of embellishment are continuing trends. There's a sculpted quality to much of fashion this season - jackets are shaped from all views, skirts have fluted hemlines or gentle pleats that suggest movement and necklines are prominently cast to draw the eye to a woman's face (e.g., chiffon trimmed scoops, asymmetrical gathers, uncluttered Vs). Layering steps to fashion's center stage and earns high praise for practical merits. Cami's, tanks and lace-trimmed tees offer an effortless underpinning, peaking through jackets, blouses and knits. The cardigan is huge whether frothy and light or chunky and cozy. A clever mix of varying proportions is giving fashion a new balance, one that gives the wearer more choices for self expression and flattery.
With layering so big, the enclosure becomes a focal point. Etched metal, brushed brass and old world passementerie frog buttons are both noteworthy and functional. Adjustable wrap and tie enclosures are also strong.
For color, there are endless excuses to stick with the fabulous five: black, navy, charcoal, camel and chocolate. The accent colors tend to be more jewel than harvest in inspiration - ruby, amethyst, antique gold, mint and teal. Rich plaids and nubby tweeds lend plenty of visual interest but animal prints are everywhere. From croco-embossed tees and zebra print pencil skirts to tiger eye jewelry and faux cheetah flats, the animals are clearly out of hiding this fall.
ABOUT TALBOTS
Founded in 1947, Talbots is the headquarters for grown-up, classic style. The Company offers an extensive private label assortment of clothing in four complete size ranges, including:
- Misses 2-20
- Petite 2P-16P
- Woman’s 12W-24W
- Woman’s Petite 12WP-24WP