As you get ready to pass the stuffing and prep for holiday months full of friends, family, and feasting, you probably also start thinking about the things you are grateful for (stretch jeans, anyone?). And while your grandma's gravy no doubt tops that list, on a non-epicurean note, we think that 'tis the season to be grateful for all the chic shades of gray. Oh yes, dear readers, we know that neutral hue might not sound as saucy as say, simmered cranberries, but right now this sophisticated and wearable neutral inspires sartorial praise galore!
If for some reason our recent Currently Channeling and Ask A Stylist stories haven't hammered the point home, let us say it again: the eighties are back with a vengeance. But unlike some seasons, when a particular era only impacts a few select designers and clothing styles, this decade is influencing everything from fashion editorials to cocktail frocks to the coolest hairstyles. Regarding the latter, one of the most interesting interpretations of eighties style we've seen is actually a beauty reference, specifically Madonna's "Lucky Star" look. As seen on the pop star circa 1984, the 'do in question showcases unruly, voluminous, semi-kinked locks, and it's currently being worn by everyone from established trendsetters (Mary-Kate Olsen) to up-and-coming talent (Juno Temple).
Like Superman around Kryptonite, we find ourselves powerless in the presence of fall's most unstoppable footwear fad: the over-the-knee boot. Rather than tucking our skinny jeans into mid-calf ropers or shoving our opaque-stocking-clad legs into wellies, right now we only want to slip on these semi-scandalous shoes. It may sound far-fetched, but it's true: these traffic-stopping boots are so aggressively chic that they make all other cold-weather options look passé. But why, you might ask, are these boots so powerful? For one, they were the sky-high style of choice for the most influential runways (which were jam-packed with up-to-there boots) and our favorite tastemakers took to the look in seconds flat. In short: they're the season's superhero shoes!
As the sun slowly heads into hibernation and the trees start sprinkling the streets with their leaves, it's easy to look at your stark, dark surroundings and dress accordingly. But rather than mimicking autumn's austere color palette and outfitting yourself only in charcoal and coal, why not have fun with jaunty outerwear and lots of interesting layers? And while you're at it, please punctuate those ensembles with bright accessories in contrasting or coordinating hues. (A pair of cherry gloves is definitely the sartorial equivalent of an exclamation point, no?) The results will be chic, cheery, and completely au courant, in other words, exactly what you want right now!