Fall Fashion

Mixed and matched outfits for women and layers for the fellas are dominating fall fashion trends this season.

Popular for women, are the skinny-leg and straight-leg jeans. Shopping for jeans can be a disaster, especially if you are a new-comer to the straight-leg experience, but asking for advice from a store sales associate can help.

“Skinny and dark denim jeans are selling off the walls,” said Charlie’s Jeans manager Patria Puguero. “Such brands as Seven for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and Union are by far the most popular.”

Charlie’s Jeans, located at 210 Market St., is known for its wide variety of designer jeans sold at moderate prices.

“I felt like they knew exactly which jean was correct for my body,” said sophomore pre- medical major Monika Galecki.

Almost all the straight-leg jeans are in dark washes to create a slimming affect and a tight fit around the leg and rear. Such styles as the Juicy Penelope Jean, which has a straight skinny-leg and a medium indigo wash, can be the base of your fall fashion choices.

For stylish tops to match your jeans, look no further than Lord and Taylor. Located at 1300 Market St., Lord and Taylor, one of the longest-standing department stores in Center City, is known for its large selection of brand-name clothing.

In the women’s department, elongated sweaters and tunic-like tops are prime examples of new trends for fall. The Michael Kors cowl neck top or the French Connection tunic can be paired with leggings or Buffalo skinny leg jeans.

“For fall, the junior department is stocked with sweaters and tops by Donna Karan, American Rag, Lucky Brand items, BCBG and Tommy Hilfiger,” said Lord and Taylor sales associate Shearine McGhee. “Many of the brands feature the longer length shirts, which are being worn with waist belts.”

These long tops accentuate your torso area and, along with the skinny jeans, create a lengthier figure instead of focusing on your curves.

And how could you leave the house without shoes? This wardrobe staple can be updated by shopping at Guacamole, the popular vintage-chic store located at 422 South St.
Known for their wide variety of clothing and shoes, Guacamole will satisfy your fall shoe cravings.

Choices such as Steve Madden peep-toe pumps, Rocket Dog sneakers and ballet slipper flats add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.

“By far the most popular shoe that has been sold out for weeks is the Ed Hardy slip-on and high top,” said Guacamole manager Siobhan Harper.

“Ed Hardy is a tattoo artist, so the shoes have tattoo-like designs on them. People have been coming in and just asking for these shoes and nothing else.”

Men’s fashion this fall is all about layers like cool T-shirts under button-ups and corduroy blazers. Wear jeans with a good fade and strategically-placed holes that were put there by the designer and not by you because you’ve had them for six years.
And here’s a word to the wise – your New Balance sneakers don’t qualify as dress shoes.

Why not dress up on a Saturday night in a nice button-up shirt from J. Crew, some Lucky Brand Jeans and some boots by Diesel, all located in Center City.

If you’re looking for a cheaper deal, pick up a button-up from the Gap on South Street and some casual shoes from Payless Shoe Source on Chestnut Street, an untapped resource for stylish men’s footwear.

And boys, you may have it easier with a more limited spectrum of wardrobe choices, but keep in mind that girls go through a lot to look good. So try to put a little bit of effort into your appearance beyond that hoody and backwards baseball cap.

Caitlin Murphy and Giovanna Ippolito can be reached at templenews@gmail.com