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Dark, somber, serious.
We can wallow in the fact that the fashion mood this season seems to reflect the mood of the world.
Or, we can redefine it and revel in fall's fresh take on proportion, color and retro-inspired ideas.
Sometimes, fashion shifts ever so slightly from one year to the next. Not so this time around. We may not have loved the costumey Russian interpretations of last winter, but it was easy to understand. This season is more complicated and full of contradictions. Volume balanced by slinky. Enveloping layers and skimpy minis. Orderly grays and unruly reds.
When the fall clothes were first shown earlier this year, a collective groan was heard among some women as they watched a parade of leggings and skinny pants marching down the runways. Another gasp was audible when it became apparent that grunge was back in all its chunky, layered, mismatched glory.
What's a sleek minimalist to do?
For one thing, put away the notion that it's an Either/Or choice. Instead, go with what calls to you. Maybe it's the lines of an overcoat, worn haphazardly over a cozy sweater. Or the straightforwardness of pinstripes on a suit with a bespoke tailor's fit. And while plaid may seem anything but spare, it can have the look of a clean classic in a jumper paired with tights and a turtleneck sweater.
Still in doubt? Go with anything red.
It's the surefire way to let everyone know you're ready for fall.
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