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Season's Trends for Women

Erin Habes, owner of Sweet & Dirty.
(photo: Rose Mattrey)

Skinny jeans

I’m sure you’re dying to buy a pair of fun, ultra sexy skinny jeans for your girlfriend, wife or daughter this holiday season. As popular as the skinny jean has become, many women around the area are afraid that their body type just isn’t right for the style. The truth is anyone can wear skinny jeans as long as you keep in mind a few things: fit, comfort, color and footwear.

You want them to have the appearance of hugging the leg. You don’t want them so tight that they literally become another thin layer of skin. Buy a pair that hugs the body in a way that feels comfortable and gives the illusion everybody is looking for—slimmer legs!

The color is important because darker shades of blue and black tend to flatter a wider variety of body types as well as help create a slimmer appearance. Trust me—stick with buying blacks and blue jeans this holiday season and you can’t go wrong!

What kind of shoes would look best with the skinny jeans? Well, if you’re tall and skinny, congratulations—you can run around barefoot and still look fabulous. For the rest of us it’s a little more complicated. For those who are on the shorter side, tuck your jeans into a pair of high-heeled boots. It will add height and elongate the leg to create a slimmer look. You can also wear them with a pair of classic heels, flats, ankle boots and even snazzy sneakers. Or for those who are comfort-conscious, wear them with winter boots and still look fashionable.

Wide-leg pants

One of the most refreshing looks to emerge in fashion this season are wide-leg pants and jeans. If you’re looking to buy a gift of clothing, the wide-leg pant is a great idea. The trend is perfect for anyone wishing for legs that look elongated and fabulous and for women who would love to pull off looking long and lean. Who wouldn’t want a pair of pants that looked both flattering and forgiving for all shapes and sizes?

If you’re looking for a really sleek look in wide-leg pants, tell Santa you would prefer a fitted, fine-lined wide-leg, perfect with a fitted blazer and a pair of high heels. If you’re a fashion diva and are looking to really “wow” your friends and family this holiday season, tell Santa you would prefer a high-waisted wide-leg pant. The style is right off the runway and celebrities are pulling off the trend all over Hollywood. You can pair those pants with a very fitted top, preferably tucked in and, again, your favorite heels!

A selection of bags from Clutch.
(photo: Rose Mattrey)

Tunics

You can’t go wrong with one of the hottest looks this winter season—the versatile tunic. The tunic is an absolute easy-wear and can be paired with everything from skinny jeans to leggings.

Tunics come in all sorts of shapes, colors and fabrics and can be worn in an assortment of ways. Some tunics have an almost shapeless silhouette, which can almost look like a “bag dress.” These tunics look great paired with a belt to give shape, and flatter all body types. Printed tunics with bright colors are also very popular this season, but remember when pairing them with pants or jeans, keep it sleek and simple.

To the tall and skinny, congratulations again—while you run around barefoot with your skinny jeans on, you can wear any kind of tunic you want. For the rest of us, don’t wear a tunic too loose or it might give the illusion of a baby on the way. Just make sure to find a tunic that’s a little more fitted, and remember—it’s always nice to add a thick belt around the waist. A perfect stocking stuffer!

Jumpers

Does anyone remember the last time jumpers were big, circa 1995 and the whole post-Clueless preppy craze? Ladies, tell me I’m not alone in remembering the horror. However, back then we wore them fitted and structured, while this time around jumpers are being worn a bit looser so they work well with turtlenecks or basic tees. It’s always safe to buy a jumper in a solid color like black, blue, gray or red. That way they are versatile enough to wear often and it is easier to accessorize. Designers have also come out with crocheted and knitted jumpers that are a little form-fitting yet they flow at the hem. Jumpers are a great choice for a perfect new winter outfit for work or play. Paired with leggings, tights or skinny jeans and a pair of flats or ankle boots, you have yourself a fabulous outfit. Christmas shoppers beware though, jumpers are definitely an “it” item this holiday season, so snap the up quick.

Blazers

Easy, simple, chic. Those are the words to describe the always classic fitted blazer. If you’re buying for those women out there who are a) hard to shop for or b) have everything under the sun, I have a simple solution to your problem: A woman never has enough fitted blazers. Blazers are becoming more casual than corporate these days, making them versatile and comfortable. Blazers are a perfect fit with a pair or fitted wide-legged pants. Crisp suit separates can also be paired with a clean-lined tee and platforms.

Purses

Do you know someone who coordinates her outfit around her purse? What about someone who wears a different purse every time you see her? If you are weary about buying a purse for your loved one this holiday season, I have some easy pointers to make the shopping experience a little easier on you.

We still love oversized bags. Oversized bags, tote bags, metallic bags…they are all huge and fabulous this Christmas season. Buffalo has plenty of outrageous bags in unique styles and plenty of variety, so keep in mind this season to look for bags that suit the personality of the one you are buying for. Remember, the bigger the better, but that bigger doesn’t necessarily mean out of your price range. As Sue Marfino, the owner of both Shoefly and Clutch, says, “When it comes to handbags, women pay more attention to the style of the bag than the designer.”