Pants with wide legs: Trousers with full, wide legs were an essential statement on the runways. Some say they are a backlash to last year’s skinny jeans. Whatever the reason, wide-legged trousers have an urbane air about them. The key to wearing this look properly? Proportion, proportion, proportion! Long full pants demand height, so unless you are very tall, put away the ballet flats and break out the platform pumps. The taller you are, the fuller your pant legs can be. Top them with slim fitting jackets, tight T-shirts, tailored shirts and blouses.

The number one rule in wearing anything with volume is to keep the rest of your outfit minimal. Did we say proportion? Fit is essential, too. Full-legged trousers are available in both high- and low-waisted styles, so try on several pairs to find the look that flatters best.

Warm colors and lively patterns: Whatever you choose to call it – resort, cruise, pre-spring – you can tell it by its wonderful colors. Pink, baby blue, lemon yellow, hot tangerine, cream and white are a breath of fresh fashion air after all the grays, browns, plaids and otherwise dark colors of fall/winter. While some designers had a hard time deviating from a neutral palette (i.e. Giorgio Armani, Max Mara), the best collections are those with color. Floral patterns, batik and animal prints also pop up in many of these warm-weather clothes.

Big accessories: Accessories continue to be large in scale and are key to adding the finishing touch to your resort look. Oversized, movie-star sunglasses are everywhere. If you don’t own some, consider buying several pairs in different colors, including white, the quintessential color for resort shades. Large purses are also prominent and practical – you can use them to stow all your water, sunscreen, reading material . . . and your huge sunglasses. Don’t forget the jewelry. Resort baubles are generally less serious than those from other seasons. Huge, clunky necklaces and bracelets serve to remind us that we are on vacation, at least in spirit.

Photos: Evans Caglage/Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center/Fall 2007

Copyright © 2008 | Distributed by Noofangle Media

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