This is a very exciting time for a professional wardrobe. The look this season is made up of many separates that put together, look like a modern suit.

The pieces should match and create a silhouette that has a uniform look. Uniform means, evenly balanced, with colour, shape and texture. Although you will be picking through separates, try everything on to see what combination of pieces look good on you. Mix and matching can be fun and you will end up with a versatile wardrobe.

It is the season of the skirt. I love skirts and you will be able to find them in many lengths, fabrics, and colours. Stock up! The hemlines are up and down. You decide which length you are most comfortable in. The simple pencil skirt can be found in lace with slight ruching at the waistline to allow movement and shape.

The silhouette this season is not stick straight. It is tailored with room to breathe, to accommodate the natural body. There are full skirts that have loose pleats from the waistline that look relaxed and fluid. There are skirts with wide pleats from the top down, in a soft fabric, that have a fly away impression.  Even though these skirts have a very feminine suggestion, they are still tough enough for the office as they pack a strong fashion punch.

Tops are fantastic this season. Their shapes match perfectly with any skirt. Blouses are soft with and without patterns. Even though patterns may not be complimentary on every body, I am seeing patterns that work and have a modern edge. Try them on, you might be surprised.

Blouses have a sophisticated look. There are ruffles and pleats that add style and finesse. There are also blouses that have a peasant shape with ties at the top and at the sleeves. There are many options as blouses are sleeveless, cap sleeved and ¾.  Most blouses have a shorter sleeve.

Shirts are less flamboyant to match the textured skirts. They have the classic styling with subtle vertical pin stripes. The collar may be slightly rounder, longer or pointier.  Many shirts will have the option of a shorter sleeve with a strap inside, to roll up the sleeve above the elbow and button it.

Blazers are necessary as an outer layer. They also add a professional look to your overall appearance.  They have an hourglass shape, which is cinched towards the waistline. Or, they are cropped to allow for a cinched waistline, that the skirt provides.Many sleeveless blouses are paired with cardigans, some patterned with large abstract flowers. Also, a thin belt around the cardigan creates the cinched hourglass shape. Still creating a professional suit with style, that is not traditional.

Trousers have a new shape. They are straight or narrow, and some are cropped. The most popular colours are black and camel. Trousers are simple this season, as the skirt is the main attraction. With a simpler pant, ladies can choose flamboyant tops.

Once you have put your suit together, give yourself a good look in the mirror. You want to look fashionably strong, with soft tailoring. This is the look of urban dressing.

Adieu,
Mattie

The fashion colours for spring are interesting this season. There is a strong sense of colour that is neither bright nor bold. But, there are also a few extreme choices for the fashionista that is less than neutral.

The key colours this season are flattering for everyone. The colours are strong in that they have a pigment to them. Red, green, blue purple, fuchsia and yellow, are colours that will enhance your wardrobe. I am also seeing a lot of these colours in bottoms. For the fashionista, look for electric variations of these colours.

Pastels are most popular this season. They are not necessarily a weightless colour, they are a faded shade of the colour. Pastels are worn in combinations with other lighter tones. The look is not overall light. These softer colours allow the silhouette to be more forgiving in that they create a smoother line. This is very much a vintage look.

The best pastels are lavender, rose and khaki. Lavender is a lighter tone for purple. Rose is also softer than red. And sugar almond is the new khaki. These colours are not considered girly, they are sophisticated in that they are worn with layering. Pastels incorporate a solid key colour to ground your outfit, not allowing it to look too fairy like.

For ladies who are not into pastels (including myself), there are some chic looks that are great options this season. They are black, grey and white.  Graphic patterns in these three colours are very popular. Graphics include dots, stripes and wavy horizontal and vertical lines. The pattern can be large or small. In fact, at a distance some of the black and white patterns look like a pastel grey, very close to silver.  This is the trendiest look this season.

Neons are out there in the form of athletic wear. Neon green, blue, yellow, and pink are in fashion.  I am not a big fan of neon colours for older women, I believe it is a younger look. But when it comes to sports, go for it. If you are working hard to keep your body strong, why not choose something bright to get you out of bed and into the gym. Colour can motivate positive action. If these colours are too bright for you, you can always find them in a trim of the outfit, or a hair band.

Exotic prints are an optimistic use of colour.  There is an endless parade of colourful prints. The prints are bold, youthful and urban. They are a look that shows you have taken the time to choose something fashionable to wear. Prints can be large, spaced out florals as well as vertical stripes in a variety of bands widths of colour.

Hopefully with my suggestions I can empower you to understand that choosing colour and prints can be fun.  Why not love your clothes. If you feel good about what you are wearing, then you will look good wearing it.

Adieu,
Mattie

Knits have become very trendy in the last few years. They used to be a frumpy look, but have now become modern and sleek.

The knit look is fresh and light weight. It is shaped to allow layering that creates a longer, leaner look. A slouchy sweater won’t look frumpy, over a shirt because the knit of the sweater is not heavy. A lighter weight knit will give you curves.

If you feel self conscious about fitted knits, then choose darker colours. Black is always popular. Charcoal, navy, and brown, are also some ideas for you to look into. Another option to consider is what you wear under the sweater. Vertical stripes on your fitted shirt or a darker short or long sleeve t-shirt can also compliment your shape.

The first thing to note when putting your knit outfit together is that the look should have an impression of luxury. That does not mean that your pieces need to be expensive. There are many stores that carry knits in a variety of price points. Your knit pieces need to look fresh.

The vintage look includes, the simple classic v-neck, cardigans and vests. All of which can be worn with professional shirts as well as funky t-shirts. Neither the fitted shirt nor the t-shirt has to be tucked in. If it hangs under the sweater it can actually help you look leaner. Make sure that nothing goes past the hip line. Everything has to be shaped to look tailored, but not tight.

Trendy looks include cardigans that have a symmetrical hem (that means not cut straight at the bottom). They also have a ruffle front, so that it drapes and flows as you walk. It is a very pretty cardigan look.

Cowl necks are also stylish, they are open around the neck area and look fantastic with trendy hoops.

Sweaters are also available in short sleeve if you find you get too warm. There are a variety of fabric blends, from wool to cotton. Lurex in the knits allow for some stretch, so that there is shape as well as shine in the appearance.

Textures in knits are in fashion. Roses, cable, honey comb all look very attractive. Knit shrugs are very hip with dresses.  The sweater dress has made a comeback. I would add a belt and matching great boots, not shoes.  Boots that are either, tall and sleek, a wedge bootie, or lace up calf boots. No flats, there must be a heel with a sweater dress to look sophistiacted.

Cable sweaters that fishermen used to wear, are now lighter weight. You can wear that look as a vest or a jacket. And, if you really want to jazz it up, replace the buttons, to suit your personality.

The overall look for knits is nice pieces, which look casual. The knit look is one of my favourite looks because it can be dressed up or down, depending on the way you feel or where you have to go. Fashion that is flexible, can’t get better than that!

Adieu,
Mattie

This season, it is easy to keep warm and be stylish. Coats are fun because they are modern, conservative and trendy. There is silhouette, detailing, and colour options to choose from.

Since it is January, there are sales everywhere. Look for something with substance for a good coat as an investment piece. Also consider a less expensive fun coat. You don’t want to wear the same coat every day. Moods and weather change all the time.

The most important thing to consider when buying a coat is how does it fit? Almost every classic style is back in fashion, so try them all on to see the difference on your body. Even though a coat can be bulky, it can still have a shape that compliments you.

Classic coats to look for are the double-breasted pea coat, the trench, and the smoking jacket. If you are looking for a feminine and fancier look, the coatdress might be for you. Although, these coats might sound boring because everyone has a version of them, they aren’t. There are new trends that update the classic coat.

A key trend in coats is in the silhouette. Many coats are belted or cut in a shape that allows for an hourglass look. The trench is shorter than the usual length to give it a sense of flair. The coatdress is fitted with a higher waist and does not need a belt.  The smoking jacket is slightly longer than the traditional look. All the coats have a sense of volume. They are not tight on your body. There is a sense of movement, so go ahead and saunter.

It is the detailing that updates the classic coat. Collars are oversized resembling that of a cape. Sleeves are roomier for comfort. There are epaulets, which is military detailing on the shoulder. Buttons are oversized and belts have a ribbon finish. Don’t forget a snazzy scarf.

Coats are bold and discreetly colourful. The jewel tones carry into the coat season. Green, red, and blue in a wool fabric is an exciting option. The tweed weave is exaggerated or has more than two colours. Metallic threading adds polish to your coat.

Capes are big this season in many colours. The best innovation in the cape is that it has been cut to include sleeves, not just holes for the arms to go through. Making it an easier coat to wear.  The faux fur vest is sophisticated and can be found for under $50. Make sure the rest of your outfit matches this look.

More great casual looks include faux leather and suede. Look for them in the bomber and aviator styles. The shearling trim is what makes this jacket cool and luxurious. The parka is also popular for casual wear. It is shiny and puffy. Technology in fabrication allows for a warm lining not to look too bulky.

Since wearing your coat should keep you warm, have some fun with it and exude a sense of your personality. After all, it is the beginning of a new year. Why not try something new?

Adieu,
Mattie

Mattie a la Mode is a monthly fashion advice column. Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert.

Where is the party? Who is having the party? You should ask yourself when putting your holiday outfit together.

Here is how I break down holiday dressing; business Christmas party, formal evening and friends cocktail party. Each party has their own characteristics. And this season, they all include bling!

Bling this holiday means, many gold bangles thin or thick with jewels. Gold is making a comeback. Cuffs and heavy neckpieces also make a great statement. Chokers are new this season. They come in black velvet or leather with a jewel or charm hanging in the front.

At the business Christmas party so many ladies tend to over dress and some under dress. The key to a business party is that it is a business event. You should be thinking smart and conservative yet still fashionable.

For business, I would recommend the black and white minimalist look. This look is very popular this season as each piece is stylish. The black pant should look like a tuxedo pant, tailored.  A cumber band in black satin can dress up the pant. The white or white and black patterned top should be soft in silk or chiffon. The blouse could be ruffled or have an exaggerated collar and cuffs. 

You may add a colourful blouse to this look, if you find that black and white is too simple for you. The key to pulling off this tuxedo look is to add a neckpiece and cuff bracelet that stands out and shines from a distance. After all, it is a party.

For a dressier or formal party I would recommend a dress. You can still have the tuxedo look by adding a sash belt and topping it with a smoking jacket. A smoking jacket looks like a blazer yet is softer and rounder. It is a lightweight jacket that has a satin lining, with or without a print.

Dresses can be long or short. Many dresses have a vintage silhouette. The biggest trend in dresses this holiday is in the fabric. Although the black dress can have a simple shape, it is the organza, lace, velvet, and beading that allows you to step it up a notch. Either the whole dress can be in a luxurious fabric, or some of it, like the collar, the sleeves, the cuff, the hem or belt.

Saving the best for last. At the cocktail party, you can definitely go all out. Take some of the business and formal ideas and jazz them up with a funky pair of shoes and slightly go overboard with the bling. Glitz and glamour is the look you should be going for.

Some of the trendiest items this holiday are black leather skinny pants. Fitted jewel tone dresses with studs and jewels encrusted on them. Sheer tops with sequins are daring, (please consider an appropriate under layer that is just as trendy). Silver and gold lame tops are popular. Keep the lame in moderation, you should shine, not your outfit.

This holiday season you can mix and match your pieces and have a new outfit every time you go out.

Happy Holidays

Your handbag and your shoes do not have to match. But, if you like the look, go for it, because matching your accessories is still a stylish thing to do.

Either your handbag or your shoes should match your outfit. The look of an ensemble is in fashion, even at the casual level. Not everything should match as it may start to look monotonous. Either your shoes or handbag should be a statement piece.

A statement piece is an item from your outfit that stands out on its own, with style and personality. This season’s statement pieces are modern with texture, lines and colour. Even though this may sound busy, it is a minimalist look. Shoes and handbags are sleek and controlled. Don’t forget your boots.

Every fall, boots are extremely popular. If you haven’t bought a pair in previous years, then you may crack this season. There is a boot for everyone. Boots are available in every texture. Leather and suede are most popular. There is also affordable faux leather and suede.

The colour of boots is not as bold as handbags this season. Black, all shades of brown and even cognac to burgundy are trendy this season. Boots are all about the lines, making them look very stylish.

Look for boots that allow you to feel awesome.  The retro stiletto tall boot is always in fashion. Consider it an investment piece.  Booties with a wedge heel and fringes or tassels look hip. Lace up granny boots, to the lower calf, with a chunky heel may be the coolest boot this season. The slouchy suede boot is still in fashion.

If you are looking for some colour in your outfit, your handbag may be your best bet. Handbags in jewel tones are extremely popular. Because these colours are trendy you may want to explore the new mini bags. They hold your key, cel and a credit card.

The texture of the handbag is important. The texture should be smooth and modern or embossed and trendy. Embossed is the look and feel of animal skin. It is a faux impression of python or crocodile. This embossed texture looks great in red, green and electric blue.

Handbags have a defined shape. They are not slouchy, nor oversized.  The bag may have either a thin shoulder or a wrist strap. Ladies are holding their bag in their hand. Regardless of how long the strap is, it is wrapped around the wrist, like a bracelet.

The most fashionable shoe to look out for, are the Mary Janes and the loafer. Mary Janes should have a chunky or wedge heel with a funky strap and buckle. Loafers should have clean lines or a wing tip design with tassels and a chunky heel. This look is called “frumpy-fabulous” as these shoes are traditional and can look plain. This season, these two styles have very trendy features.

Statement pieces can also match your mood. They can be whimsical and clever which creates an attitude about how you like to look. After all, fashion is about attitude.

Adieu,
Mattie

This is a great season for office wear. Styles have a professional look and a sophisticated feel for all the women with interesting and demanding lives.

The biggest buzz in fashion this season, is in “mad men” styling. For those of us (including me) who have never seen the show, that means a conservative and masculine sense of tailoring.

The best news is that even though tailoring is so important this season, sculpted volume is new silhouette. Although these two words might sound like they contradicted each other, this is where the flexibility of fashion lies. Almost everything will be tailored this season, with the allowance of flow. Fashion will not be constricting, because it is shaped. Shaped to look good on everyone.

When looking at your finished outfit, it should have an hourglass shape. Almost like the shape can stand on its own, once you step out of it. That means, your suit should not be tight. It should be tailored and loose enough to move around in, but not a size too big.

Although the suiting can be considered masculine with pinstripes, checks, and tweeds, it is not. The shape of the tailoring is lady like. The traditional black and white of these men’s patterns is open to colours. Ladies can add a personal and feminine touch to their outfit. The fabrics are also lighter weight so that they can drape and not be tight.

The overall look of the suit should match, mostly in tone. Although many ladies don’t want to buy a perfectly matching traditional suit, there are enough pieces to get around this. If most of your pieces are black, grey and white, you will still achieve the suiting look.

There is a lot of variety in bottoms this season. Pants are narrow and wide through the leg. Skirts are long and short, flowing and narrow. Both pants and skirts are gentle around the waist with soft pleats, so that they are curved and nipped.

Although pants and skirts might sound a little boring this season, they are not. They are tailored and will look good on you. The blouse is how you will soften the look of the suit. The variety of blouses is endless. Look for volume in the sleeve, a pretty, soft, peter-pan collar and a tailored torso. White and vertical stripes are always popular. But this season, there are many bold and graphic patterns to choose from.

Most of the bold styling this season is found in the blazer. You will find simple single-breasted blazers and cardigans, with and without patterns. But, if you really want to have some fun with fashion, it will be in the blazer. There are military and band like boxy styling with shorter collars, pockets with lapels, shiny buttons and leather belts. There are also the traditional blazers cut with so many seams it looks like a corset.

Once you get your business suit together, don’t forget to inject some colour and personal style. After all, all work and no play makes the day, a little dull.

Adieu,
Mattie

From what I have been hearing ladies want and need some colour in their fall wardrobe. Lucky for you, colour is in the air. You will be inspired with all the new and bold colours, exuding a sense of daringness and self-confidence. Colour is definitely making a statement that looks luxurious.

Although, the look of all black is still in fashion, try some of the new jewel tones and see how you like the look. Jewel tones are the new, sophisticated colours this fall season.  Look for emerald, ruby, sapphire, magenta, amethyst and many more.

Of the popular jewel tones, emerald is starting to stand out as the favourite. Emerald is a versatile colour in that you can wear it as a blouse, blazer, and even in one of the colours of the popular tweeds, checks and plaids that are emerging.

Jewel tones are eye-catching. They look best in a fabric that is soft and shiny.  They look good in rayon, chiffon, silk, satin, velvet and wool. You will start to see them everywhere. If you find that they may be too bold for you, there is a lighter version out there. Rose, aquamarine, opal, and topaz in a washed out shade is also available.

Pink is also starting to show up as the favourite of the lighter jewel tones. It can be found from a bolder version to a light dusty rose. Many ladies sometimes have a problem with pink because it may look too feminine or soft. Pink is the new boardroom colour. It looks great with all professional wear. It also has a complimentary feature, as it flatters almost every complexion.

Accessories are a category, which is definitely embracing the jewel tones. Handbags and shoes in shiny patent or crocodile leather are hot this fall. As I mentioned earlier, black is always popular, but why not try something new in emerald, ruby or sapphire.

If you’re not into a “Wizard of Oz” pair of shoes, then a small shiny jewel tone clutch can be a great addition to your wardrobe. Watches are an inexpensive way to also add jewel tones to your look because they have straps in many colours. And, you can make a bolder statement, as it is so small compared to rest of your outfit.

Plaids, checks and tweeds have become very popular this season. They are trendy in that they are not in conservative. The traditional pattern has been replace with exaggerating shapes and weaving. Mostly the colours range from black, brown to grey. If you look, you will find jewel tone threads are appearing in the patterns. You can best find this look in skirts, blazers, coats and scarves.

A very trendy look this season is the python. Even in its traditional colours, this print is fashion forward. You will see the python in many jewel tones and mostly the bold ones. I would recommend a light investment such as a wallet or a glass case.

This fall season brings many new bolder ideas with a strong statement. Jewel tones have life in them, let them speak for you.

Now that summer is almost over, creating the right transition wardrobe can be challenging. I say hold on to summer as long as we can.

The summer fashion has been casual with a sense of style. This style has come from either your overall look or statement pieces. As the weather gets cooler, you can still have that summer expression with pants and long sleeves. Remember, it is windy at night on the beach!

Keep wearing your summer fun and bold colours in your tops. Transition colours like khaki, beige, white or cream, and even denim will help you transition into the cooler fall season. Bermuda shorts, capris and pants are a great way to shift into fall.

A fun way to keep the summer feel is to have a colourful tank under your open shirt. The shirt can be your jacket, in a pattern, or solid white, or even any denim wash. The shirt is heavy enough to keep you warm, and light enough to not be considered outerwear. This layering look is very much in fashion.

If you are going to wear a shirt as a jacket, make sure it is tailored. Otherwise, it will look frumpy and not stylish. This season the silhouette was and is going to continue into the fall as body conscious. Don t worry, that does not mean form fitting. There will be plenty of room to breathe.

Denim vests are making a comeback and look great with a fitted t-shirt. They are versatile, as they look great with shorts, pants and a long or short flowing skirt. The look of the vest with shorts can look slightly masculine and dated. The best way to pull off this look is with wedge espadrilles in a funky summer colour.

Flip-flops are the best way to hold on to summer. The look is that you just got back from or going to the beach. Because summer should be a fun and colourful season, these shoes look best in any colour other than black, white or brown. The only exception would be if they were metallic. Havainas are the best looking affordable flip flop out there. Their design is artistic enough to generate a sense of style with what can be considered a cheap beach shoe.

Nail polish on your fingers and especially on your toes can also transition you into the fall season. Summer colours are fun and look great on your extremities. The Pirates of the Caribbean collection are trendy. These fun colours will match any business attire and most of the fall collections and still look summery.

Although most people think that sunglasses are for sunny days, you should consider protecting your eyes on most days. This summer sunglasses have been extremely varied. There are many looks for many personalities.  Not only is purple popular, but yellow and turquoise have also popped up. The frames are skinny and the lenses are large. The look is light, so even though the shades and the colour are large, you can see through them.

Hold on to summer for as long as you can.

Adieu,
Mattie

Now that you have put together a wardrobe for the summer and the sun has finally come out, try some inexpensive statement pieces. Statement pieces are individual items that stand out on their own, yet don’t clash with your outfit. These pieces can either be an extension of your personality, or something new that you are experimenting with.

Statement pieces can be expensive, therefore I will give you some cheaper ideas that won’t go over your budget. Whether you decide a narrow or flowing silhouette, with neutrals, floral or colour block styling, there are many summer ideas to add to your summer style. Some of my inexpensive suggestions can reap a big reward.

The easiest place to start with statement pieces is always jewellery. Of course, this category can be expensive, but if you try some of the discount designer stores I am pretty sure that you will find cheaper pieces. As well, it is summer and a time when many stores start clearing merchandise and put things on sale.

Accessories have a sense of girly glam. What I mean by this term, is that the styles are feminine and dressed up with a sense of current fashion. Something in your outfit must be trendy. This is a great way to wear last year’s dress with a new piece of jewellery.

Look for insects on your pieces. Not the real ones, but ornate butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and beetles that are either in metal or gems on your jewellery pieces. Sometimes they can be tone on tone with one type of metal, but most times you will find them with vibrant colours. That is why they are statement pieces. The most popular way to wear these insects is on a ring, necklace and hairpin. Hairpins are making a comeback this summer.

Gold is also making a comeback. Because of it’s colour attributes and can be more expensive then silver, ladies are not wearing a lot of it at the same time. Consider hoop earrings, but no necklace. Gold is a good example to exercise the less is more concept.

There is a summer gold with has a metallic rose tint to it, that is very trendy this summer. I consider this colour a transition into the gold that is looking popular this fall. The rose softens the bright gold.

Some ways to introduce this colour into your wardrobe is with make-up. Eye shadows and lipsticks have a gold shimmer with pink undertones this summer. Bags, belts, sandals, are looking pretty glam in the new rose gold.

If you are looking for something bolder, then a watch might be your best bet. Oversize plastic watches in every vibrant colour, including neon, are everywhere. They can have eccentric faces with funky square and circular details. I wear my oversize, hot pink, $10 watch with everything. And, no matter what else I am wearing, I get compliments on my new watch all the time.

Now that you have some idea of how to create a personal summer style, try something fun, that is cheap. There are many funky things going on in fashion this summer so beware. Invent your glam without going overboard.

Adieu,
Mattie