The bohemian days of the summer are over. Instead, this fall season is all about layering tops, mixing fabrics and accessorizing with a Western flare.
Designer Wendy Mullin launched Wrangler 47 in 2004, a modern denim collection fit for both men and women. These jeans, adorned with "W" stitching on the rear pockets and a leather signature Wrangler patch on the right rear pocket, sparked nostalgia for the American Western frontier and the gallant cowboy.
Since then, designers have filled their fall 2005 collections with articles of denim, leather and suede adorned with fringes and metal studs.
Denim, in particular, has washed over the clothing racks in retail stores from Neiman Marcus to the Gap. Store mannequins have been dressed to showcase the latest cuts of denim pants, jackets and skirts.
This past August, Muiccia Prada, prominent fashion designer, premiered Prada Denim, Prada's first line of denim pants for men in 92 years of business.
The line features traditional cut jeans in seven different washes from dark blue to gray - each pair signed by the Prada label on the right rear pocket. The retail value of the Prada Denim line ranges from $295 to $695.
Like Prada, many designers have begun to individualize their collections by adding their own unique signature markings to their jeans.
Presently, the most popular form of branding for designers has become embellishing the back pockets of jeans with standout designs of embroidery, studs and rhinestones.
The two-year-old brand Antik Denim made itself noticed through its wildly embroidered rear pocket designs. Its new fall 2005 Western Jean collection features diamond cut stitching below the rear waistline and brightly colored, embroidered patterns on the rear pockets which resemble those of the American Indian. These high-demand jeans for both men and women retail for $225 to $320.
Perhaps one of the more superior lines of jeans on the market right now is Paige Premium Denim, designed by Paige Adams-Geller, denim model for high-end brands like 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and Blue Cult. With her expertise in denim, Adams-Geller created the "perfect fit" of jeans for women.
Paige Premium Denim pants not only feature stylish embroidery, but they are fitted to accentuate a woman's curves through leg lengthening, butt lifting and hip slimming effects. Now, for $135 to $270, any woman can tastefully accentuate her figure.
Other figure-enhancing jeans include JLO by Jennifer Lopez and Curvy, Straight and Original by Gap Jeans.
JLO jeans ($110) are cut to hug body curves, particularly in the butt, bringing out the "Jennifer Lopez" in all wearers. Whereas, Gap's new line of Curvy, Straight and Original jeans ($58) features three different cuts for three different body types.
However, no matter how perfect the jeans fit they won't look right without the proper counterparts. The blazer, for example, is the perfect jacket to mellow the rugged look of denim.
Banana Republic houses a variety this season's most sought-after blazers for both men and women. Ranging in price from $138 to $248, Banana Republic's blazers are available in a variety of different materials, including denim, tweed, velvet, wool, satin and leather. Mixing any of these fabrics with denim pants will give a chic finish to any outfit.
Layering tops underneath a blazer is not only fashionable, but it's also weather-appropriate this season.
Cardigans, sweaters and button-downs should not be worn without polo shirts, T-shirts, or tank tops underneath. Many women are employing the shrunken cardigan or the bolero over ribbed tank tops and lace camisoles to perfect this look.
No outfit can be considered complete without throwing in fall's latest accessories. From thick sequined belts to draping wood-beaded necklaces, it is not possible to over-accessorize this season. Accessories are an individual way to let personality shine through any trend.
Bulky leather and suede bags adorned with fringes and studs are perfect for toting around this fall's necessities, such as Sigrid Olsen's drawstring leather bag with fringes. This classy style is available in moss and black for $148.
Top off the entire ensemble with a pair of cowboy boots. Jessica Simpson is not the only one flaunting the style - cowboy boots have replaced last year's Ugg phenomenon all over Hollywood.
Frye Boots, the longest running shoe company in the United States, carries a line of authentic leather and suede cowboy boots.
These fashionable boots are decorated with stitching and studs that make them stand out. A pair of these "Daisy Dukes" can cost anywhere from $150 to $550.
And last but not least, wearing white after Labor Day is still unacceptable.
- Information from Bananarepublic.com, Bloomingdales.com, Builtbywendy.com, Dailycandy.com, Fryeboots.com, Gap.com, Men.style.com, Neimanmarcus.com, Shopintuition.com, Shopjlo.com.
