Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Kenisha:

Traditionally, winter weather brings out the"jewel"colors: garnet reds, sapphire blues, emerald greens, etc. This winter we're seeing lots of"dusty"colors, especially the rose family. But the big color story this season is brown in every shade, and mixing your browns with dusty colors, darker prints, and distressed denim for a gypsy/bohemian look.

Other than color, a key to putting together a warm and inviting winter outfit is to make use of texture. This is the time of year when knits, especially cable and bulky hand-knits, come into focus, and they are even more in style this year than usual. We're seeing crocheting, embroidery, crewel work, ruffles, and anything creating detail and depth in a sweater or top and giving it a handmade touch.

Another fabric texture is velvet, both traditional and with a bit of lycra for stretch. Corduroy is big, and that has a lot of texture. Wool is a traditional winter fabric in textures from smooth to tweeds. Pair wool, velvet, or corduroy pants and jackets with the embellished tops and sweaters.

In wintertime we do layering with winter colors and fabrics and wear our leather; this year, suede, rough-hewn sheepskin and shearling enter the mix. So if you want to send a warm winter message, try a combination of richer colors and richer textures.
Good luck and enjoy the holiday festivities!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl