Being color-conscious is one of many ways to approach your wardrobe; playing with shape is another fun way to go. The Pre-Fall 2012 collections showed some exaggerated shapes, but the good news is that these looks are easy to try at home. You can accomplish a lot of interesting looks just by adding a belt, or take one of the voluminous looks with no cinching required.
Blousey Blouses
Soft blouses tend to make any shape look and feel a little more laid back, but a tailored pant and a take-charge belt (seen at Temperly London) will significantly alter the overall effect.
Nipped Waist
The belt here is paramount, and easily alters the shape of a dress or a jacket. You can also choose to go the route of Honor and eschew the belt in favor of a fitted bodice with a peplum.
Coat Dressing
Layering is all well and good, but when the temperatures drop, you just need a big coat to keep you warm. If you go for all-out volume do it in a color other than black. More fun than a coat is a cape in a sleeker shape (like a dress). Just remember some form of embellishment – whether statement jewelry or a full-body print (à la Stella McCartney). Alternatively, go for a sleeker jacket but play with the silhouette by wearing a three-quarter sleeve or rolling up a full one; then add elbow-length gloves.
Collections
Blousey Blouses – Gucci, Reed Krakoff, Matthew Williamson, Temperly London
Nipped Waist – Calvin Klein, Honor, Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Gucci
Coat Dressing – Chloé, Jason Wu, Gucci, Stella McCartney, St. John, N˚21, Vera Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim
All photos via NYMag.com, except Honor, via Fashionista.com. Slides via Polyvore.
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