Just writing this column is taking much longer than it should have. Why? Because of excuses. In college I learned the phrase, “Excuses are the tools of the incompetent upon which monuments of nothingness are built.“Fall looks luxe and sophisticated,” Washington personal shopper Tara Luizzi says. “It’s got ’50s and ’60s glamour, with lace and longer skirts.”
Still, if you adopt every trend that tromped the runway, you’ll be a fashion victim. Here are a few we love.
Fur sure
Faux animal pelts, like Jack’s mock-wildcat vest ($68, at South Moon Under stores and www.southmoonunder.com), cozy up to jeans or “maybe go over something simple and beautiful, like a dress,” Luizzi says.
A case for lace
Channel Victorian belles in Beyond Vintage’s blouse ($124, www.revolveclothing.com). Heighten the romantic mood with a long necklace ($298, South Moon Under).
Glove story
Elbow-length gloves ($75, at Proper Topper), beloved of Hitchcock heroines and “Mad Men” gals, work well with another big fall trend: capes.
A world of skirt
The last time hems touched (or went past) the knee, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy still swiveled among us. Recall her minimalist vibe by putting a long skirt ($185, Reiss and at www.reissonline.com/us) with a slim sweater and tall boots.
Riding tall
Equestrian boots trot a bit closer to the knee this fall, but stay flat, meaning pairs like these from Alberto Fermani ($675 to $695, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and others) boast swagger and comfort.
Hat games
Don Draper doesn’t have an exclusive on dapper hats. Chicks can adopt his cocky walk with his fave fedora ($40, Proper Topper) or boaters and trilbies.
Leather channel
Last fall’s biker jackets went looser and slouchier this year, as in the model from BB Dakota ($230), all the better to stick over some of the season’s volume-centric tops and Cobain-redux plaid shirts ($98).
Bag ladylike
Smaller, slimmer purses play into the season’s retro feel. Reiss’ chained leather beauty ($325) classes up jeans and a blazer or goes to work with flash. Bonus: The return to non-suitcase-sized totes takes a load off your shoulders and back.
Cargo pants
Somewhere, Jennifer Aniston must be smiling, because her casual favorite, the cargo pant, has shuffled back into fashion. But the new pairs, like these by Sanctuary ($129) come in sleeker cuts, the better to march under tuxedo jackets or knit tops.
Oxford circus
Brogues, oxfords, tap shoes. Whatever you call menswear lace-ups ($248, at ColeHaan.com), “they’re great for that time between sandals and boots,” Luizzi says. Don them with pants or dare to rock them with ankle socks and a skirt.
