Bella Band Press

August 25, 2006

Belts: Neiman Marcus recommends a canvas Fendi belt with a gold buckle. But Genevieve Yraola, senior fashion market editor at Shop Etc. magazine, says you can find great inexpensive belts at places such as Forever 21 and Target.

Black dress (with bubble or blouson accents): This is the season of the dress. A sweater dress is the best choice, but all sorts of dresses will do. Layer your dress with a chunky knit sweater, belt it around the middle, and voila! — instant chic.

Gold chain necklace: Gold is back in a big way, on handbag hardware, shoe details and especially around your neck. Pile on the gold chains, but more sophisticatedly than those '80s rappers.

Boots: Boots of all styles are in for fall. Most women already have a stable of boots, so freshen your footwear this fall by trying a slouchy boot or a cuffed boot, says Hope Greenberg of Lucky magazine.

Sweaters: Neiman Marcus' top pick is a sexy, fine-gauge knit tunic from TSE, worn over skinny pants. Less expensive options include Urban Outfitters and the George line at Wal-Mart, Yraola says.

Menswear-inspired trousers: Pants are pretty this season in plaids and pinstripes. Wear themwide leg or in a long Bermuda shorts style, with boots. A full pantsuit works well, too.

White blouses: The white shirt of the season at Neiman Marcus is a gorgeous, billowy-sleeved creation by designer Zac Posen. But no need to break the bank for this staple. You can find a great white blouse just about anywhere. Yraola's suggestion for style on a budget: Bebe.

Red accents: "Red is the No. 1 accent color for the season," says Gregg Andrews, a fashion director at Nordstrom. Buy a red coat, or a red handbag. Wear red lips. Neiman Marcus recommends a bold red shoe, paired with black tights.

Expecting a lot from your clothes

If you're a mom-to-be who is also fashion conscious, then get yourself a Bella Band! This simple 84 percent nylon, 16 percent spandex creation comes in a variety of colors and is sized 1 through 3, based on your size before pregnancy (0-8, use size 1; 10-14, size 2 is for you; and 16-plus, go for size 3). When you're in those early stages when nothing fits, this one purchase (around $25) can create an instant wardrobe, allowing you to wear your old clothes longer (unbuttoned, under the Bella Band) — and, as you collect maternity wear, helping the bigger clothes fit better,until your growing belly catches up. www.ingridandisabel.com.

Layers provide function and fashion

Layering used to be a simple matter of practicality. Too cold? Slip a blazer over a T-shirt. Too warm? Peel away a cardigan to reveal a camisole.

Function follows form in new and unexpected ways this fall. Cinching a bustier over a lace top exudes an Edwardian vibe, while leggings worn under skirts and dresses evoke images of the '80s, said Jay Padgett, visual merchandising manager at Dillard's.

"Customers like a lot of layers because they can express different looks," he added.

Of course, layering still offers some functionality — easing the transition from work to after hours, from summer to fall. And where layered looks used to emphasize pairing outerwear with cold-weather staples such as sweaters or blazers, the valley's mild fall climate calls for a lighter touch.

To make the most of this look:

Mix solids with prints to create a unique fashion statement, and leave those outdated embellishments at home.

Pair strapless tops and flowing tanks with longor short-sleeve shirts to add bulk to a traditional summer piece.

Play with proportion by pairing long shirts with short vests or long sweaters with shorts.

If you just can't be bothered to figure it out for yourself, invest in all-in-one layered looks offered at stores such as Macy's and Bebe.

Whatever your choice, it's all about building an individual look, said Padgett.

"If you mix it your own way, even though you may have the same pieces as someone else, you will have your own identity," he said.

BEE NEWS SERVICES