Pro tips: the essentials for fall.
Written by Place de la Cité | October 8, 2020
As we prepare to experience an autumn like no other, we have no choice but to adapt all areas of our daily lives to this new reality. We are not only reviewing the way we work and entertain ourselves, but also the way we dress. The watchword for the autumn wardrobe is comfort. The versatility of the season’s key pieces offers more possibilities without having to own more clothes; we combine chic with casual and sporty with very chic, in a quest for absolute comfort. This versatility is also seen in the predominance of neutral colors, to which brighter shades such as red, blue, orange and green will be added.
SMART CHOICES FOR A LASTING WARDROBE
The first step to a smart wardrobe: the basics. Since these classic garments will last through the seasons without fail, they are chosen for their long-term durability. But beware! It’s important to remember that choosing quality clothing is not just a question of price. Before buying, make sure you analyze it from every angle: protruding threads, distance between stitches, seams, woolen fabrics that are not tight enough, not to mention the type of fabric. Cashmere, merino wool and natural fibers such as cotton are the best choices. Lycra and petroleum-based clothing, including polyester, should be avoided as much as possible. It is also important to choose clothes that flatter the figure, whatever it may be. Designer Julie Blondin explains the VIAXHO™ method, which associates different body types with the following letters:
V- The V-shaped body type can be compared to a funnel or an inverted pyramid. The shoulders are broader than the waist, which is broader than the hips, which are rather petite.
I- The shoulders and hips of the I silhouette are the same width and the waist is very slight. She is slender from head to toe, petite and has a small bone structure.
A- The A figure is comparable to a pyramid or a triangle. She has small shoulders, a narrow waist and more pronounced hips and thighs.
X- The X figure is the typical figure to rely on for balance and harmony of the body. Her shoulders and hips are the same width and in the same alignment. She has a very defined waist, smaller than everything else.
H- The H figure has shoulders and hips of approximately the same width and her waist is often not very defined. She is a little stockier and has a stronger bone structure.
O- The O figure has a shapely and curvy upper body. The curves of her stomach are as pronounced as the width of her hips. Her shoulders often appear small and she has a generous bust.
1. Make a choice without risking everything
Although it already holds a prominent place in most wardrobes, the shirt is back in force for fall. Whether plain or patterned, it is unequivocally versatile, for creating both a chic and a casual look.
The check shirt
The checked shirt is being redesigned to offer a variety of styles: long, short, neutral and colorful. Wear it with denim at the weekend for a casual look, or with a skirt or a nice dress for your socially distanced after-work drinks.
How to wear a checked shirt according to your figure
V – Opt for neutral-colored checked shirts. If you button up the shirt, add a belt to slim your waist. If you choose to leave it open like a jacket, wear neutral clothes underneath. I – Choose an oversized model and wear it open to give volume to your silhouette. You can also add a turtleneck under the shirt.
A- Dare to have fun with colors. Wear a colorful checked shirt with neutral colored jeans, pants or a skirt. If you wear an oversized checked shirt, add a small belt to slim your waist. If you decide to leave it open, choose slightly more fitted clothes.
H- Choose a slightly shorter model, or have fun playing with layering.
O- Play with layering to lengthen the silhouette, or combine the checked shirt more simply with jeans or black trousers.
The corduroy shirt
At this time of year, getting dressed can be a real headache. It’s warmer during the day, but cooler in the evening. The corduroy shirt is the perfect in-between, as it can be used as a light coat. You just slip a sweatshirt or turtleneck underneath to keep warm.
How to wear the corduroy shirt according to your figure
V- Wear the shirt open with a neutral top, or buttoned up but left open at the top.
I- Dare to wear color. If you decide to wear it open, pair it with a standard sweater or a neutral-colored turtleneck.
A- Opt for neutral colors. If you wear it buttoned up, make sure to leave a few buttons open at the top.
X- If you opt for an oversized model, leave the shirt open and tuck the shirt into your pants or skirt to slim your waist.
H- You can choose a colorful model. If you wear the shirt open, combine it with a V-neck T-shirt to show off your neck.
O- Wear the shirt open and don’t hesitate to play with layers, patterns and colors. Have fun!
The white shirt
The white shirt is without doubt a wardrobe essential. Whether it’s short, long, fitted, loose, with a spread collar or a Peter Pan collar, it will go with all your clothes. A little advice: invest in a beautiful, high-quality white shirt. It will be your best ally for seasons to come. How to wear a white shirt according to your figure. V- Shirts with a V-neck or those with a large opening at the collar are best. A wraparound shirt is also an option. I- Opt for a slightly looser model with a cut that will flatter your figure. For even more effect, button up the shirt completely. A- Opt for white shirts that are not too long or too short, with a tailored collar. X- Have fun trying different styles. Just remember to keep your waist trim.
H– Choose a shirt with three-quarter sleeves or roll them up to achieve the same effect. To flatter the figure, keep the collar undone and avoid shirts with chest pockets.
O- Dare to wear it a little longer or as a tunic and play with layering. You can also choose a style with some delicate details.
A touch of fantasy that does you good
Although we love the versatility of a classic wardrobe, we love adding a fancy piece. The one that will turn heads this fall: the ruffled blouse. It will bring originality and dynamism to any other piece of clothing.
How to wear the ruffled blouse according to your figure
V- Opt for more discreet blouses, without patterns and with smaller ruffles.
I- Ruffled blouses are made for you. Choose one with patterns or colors to give volume to your silhouette.
A- Have fun trying different models, whether they are colorful, patterned or with voluptuous ruffles.
X- Show off your harmonious figure by tucking the blouse into your skirt or trousers. This will show off your waist to advantage.
H- Opt for ruffled blouses with a V or U-shaped collar, in a solid color or with a pattern.
O- Choose blouses with diagonal ruffles and favor those with 3/4 sleeves.
2. Always bigger
Worn both chic and casual, the oversized jacket is a must-have in any wardrobe. Wear it with a pretty top for important meetings and just add a warmer sweater underneath for walks outside.
How to wear the oversized jacket according to your figure
V- Whether short or long, favor neutral-colored jackets. If you fasten it, add a belt to refine your waist. If you choose to leave it open, wear neutral-colored clothes underneath.
I- Choose a looser model and leave it open to give volume to your silhouette. You can also add a turtleneck under the jacket.
A- Have fun with colors. Pair the jacket with neutral-colored pants or a skirt, or wear it with jeans.
X- If you button up the jacket, add a small belt to slim your waist. If you decide to leave it open instead, choose slightly more fitted clothes underneath.
H- To flatter your figure, choose a slightly shorter oversized jacket, or have fun playing with layering.
O- Play with layering or pair the oversized jacket with jeans or black trousers for a more classic look.
3. Monochrome comfort above all
With the rise of teleworking, we quickly realized that comfort is key, both in our facilities and in our looks. We are adopting the tone-on-tone trend in comfort mode. We wear clothes of a single color or a color that comes in different shades. In addition to lengthening your silhouette, the monochrome look will give you a professional appearance without skimping on comfort.
How to adopt the tone-on-tone trend according to your figure
V- Opt for simple, soft fabrics and choose a top with a V-neck to show off your upper body. Avoid chunky knits with high necks.
I- Choose flowing, feminine fabrics for the lower body and be bold enough to wear chunky sweaters. Consider rolling up your trousers to create a waistline.
A- Dare to wear materials such as wool and silk to give volume to your upper body. Show off your waist by cinching it with a belt and tucking your top into your trousers.
X- Choose woolen fabrics or sweaters that will emphasize your beautiful waist.
H- Play with layering and favor tops with a V-neck.
O- Dare to mix materials and don’t hesitate to play with layering.
4. The new little black dress
A knit dress is a very interesting piece to have in your wardrobe. It gives you a professional look for videoconference meetings at work and a casual look for quieter evenings at home.
How to wear a knit dress according to your figure
V- Choose a trapeze dress or add a small belt on the hips to define your waist.
I- Opt for a wrap dress that ties at the waist or a turtleneck dress. If your dress is oversized, consider adding a small belt to slim your waist.
A- Choose A-line dresses and avoid those that are too tight.
X- Choose a wrap or crossover dress to show off your waist. You can also opt for slightly more fitted styles.
H- Several options are available to you. Choose the style that suits you best from these: a dress that ties at the waist, a dress with a U- or V-neck, a dress with a bias cut or an A-line dress.
O- Opt for an empire waist dress with a V- or U-neck. This is the style that will show off your figure the most.
5. A cocooning style
One of the must-haves of fall will undoubtedly be the sweater. Its versatility will allow you to wear it with several classics in your wardrobe: you can pair it with a skirt for days when you have to go to the office, you can wear it with skinny jeans on the weekend and you can add a felt coat when you go out.
How to wear the sweater according to your figure
V- Go for it by simply opting for a V-neck sweater. Favor those with a soft color palette, made with a lightweight material, without frills or large stitches.
I- Add volume to the upper body by choosing a detailed knit, with large stitches or a turtleneck.
A- Opt for a colorful sweater with a plunging neckline or V-neck, or choose a model with feminine details.
X- Avoid a sweater with raglan sleeves and choose one with a scoop neck instead. To further refine the waist, tuck the sweater into your skirt or pants.
H- Choose sweaters that are a little more fitted to hug your curves. V-neck or wrap sweaters are best. O-When shopping, look for sweaters with a V-neck or U-neck and choose a model that falls below the hips.
6. Warm and cozy from morning to night
Like spring, fall is the season of in-between, especially when it comes to outerwear. Both the felt coat and the trench coat are minimalist classics, which with their simplicity, allow you to create a multitude of looks that are both trendy and comfortable.
How to wear a felt coat or trench coat according to your figure
V– Preferably, wear a coat that is fitted and cinched at the waist. Choose a style with a wide neckline and few details at the shoulders.
I– You can wear it open and a little oversized. In your case, the belt of the coat is not necessary. If there is one, attach it to the back instead.
A– Choose a coat that is fitted at the waist and favor models with details at the shoulders.
X– If you wear an open or slightly oversized coat, make sure to show off your waist by tucking your top into your skirt or pants.
H– Coats with a scoop neckline and a belt at the waist are best for your figure.
O– Play with layering. Add a coat over a jacket for even more effect.
7. The finishing touch: jewelry and accessories
The advantage of a classic and versatile wardrobe? You can let your personality shine through by simply adding a few accessories to a look. The first accessories that come to mind are those that will keep you warm without compromising your style, such as gloves, headbands, berets and large scarves. Once inside, dare to wear a headband, which is making a strong comeback this season. Choose between rope or velvet styles. Then go for minimalist jewelry such as a delicate chain or beaded accessories. For greater effect, go for statement earrings or a “real” chain, which is a little more massive. Finally, complete all your looks with an XXL bag that allows you to carry everything without forgetting anything. If the colors of your wardrobe are more neutral, dare to use color!
8. Conclusion
We hope that this overview of key trends will guide you during your next shopping trips. We wish you a colorful… and comfortable fall season!
