Fall Color Preview

Gone are the days of summer brights- for fall/winter 2015 it's a more neutral and muted color palette that's dominating the runways.  Read below for your neutral know-how color guide for the season ahead.

Latte

A boring khaki this is not! In a light, buttery caramel, tan sheds its utilitarian rep and appears surprisingly luxe when played off similar shades for a monochromatic look.  For a trace of color, cool desert-like tones- sky blue, mauve, and sage- paint a dreamy picture.

Edun

Edun

Edun

Ivory

Think of this shade as plain white under warm mood lighting: it's slightly muted with a dollop of cream.  The romantic hue lends a extra-lush feel to jewel tones, like deep purple.  More old-world glamorous pairings? Rich chocolate, emerald green, or dark red.  

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera

Flint

There's nothing flashy about this light, conservative gray, which makes it the perfect canvas to offset super-vivid hints of neon, like fuchsia and tangerine.  To strike a sportier but equally bold note, try a primary color, like team-spirited yellow or blue.

Altuzarra

Play It Cool

As temperatures rise, your warm-weather wardrobe options shouldn't be plummeting.  Take your pick from any number of these effortless, lightweight looks.

Feel summery and feminine in this floaty floral maxi with a flouncy, ruffle top.  Cinch a belt to show off your waist, or skip it altogether for a more relaxed fit.

Miss Selfridge

IRENE NEUWIRTH

Saint Laurent

heels.com

Are you an all-season pants girl? Go for a cropped pair in a breathable fabric and graphic print.  Then pair with a relaxed tie-front blouse for a look that's polished, but also loosens up the structured bottoms.

Mother of Pearl

Joie

C Wonder

Tory Burch

Michael Kors

Tory Burch

Update your sunny-day office attire with a flirty, yet professional no-fuss dress.  Don't fear the horizontal stripes!  The loose fitting fabric just skims your curves.

Balmain

Michael Kors

Forever 21

zooshoo.com

Saint Laurent

Don't want to ditch your denim? Opt for lighter-weight chambray.  Wear a cropped pair with elastic ankle cuffs to highlight pointy toe pumps- the nude hue plus the flash of skin elongates legs.

Vila

3X1

Kendra Scott

Jimmy Choo

Valentino

For a girl's night out, this mini shows off your legs, but keeps it demure on top, with fuller, cape-like sleeves.  Bonus: the tie-waist subtly defines your middle.

Diane von Furstenberg

Givency

David Yurman

CARVELA

Feel like your weekend started early with a breezy white skort and neon pink blazer.  It's tidy enough for a day at the office, but will take you straight to happy hour drinks afterwards.

Pucci

Topshop

Ben-Amun

Sam Edelman

Givenchy

Prints Obsessed

This summer everybody loves prints!  Pack a colorful punch in eye-catching patterns, pretty to playful to exotic.  Test-drive the trend in silhouettes cut for your body, like these graphic sleeveless dresses that are perfect for any summer occasion.

Go fun and flirty in an above-the-knee dress with ankle strap heels for a brunch date.  Bonus, a long flirty zipper lengthens the body.

newlook,com

If you're not feeling like working those legs, this breezy maxi dress provides coverage while still being airy enough for summer weather. Don't fear the sheer! Built in lining gives you a see-through look without overexposure.

Modcloth

A bold multi-color patterned sheath is a cheery work alternative to your basic black version.  Pair it with nude pumps to elongate your legs.

CÉDRIC CHARLIER

Rock a sunny retro look for an outdoor cocktail party or a wedding.  A full skirt creates a slimmer waistline and flatters the hips.  Balance the proportions with a tighter fit up top too.

Dorothy Perkins

Not Your Garden Variety

Maggie Gyllenhaal
 Burberry Prorsum

Garden-variety girlie? Think again! This season everyone's wearing bold florals. These stylized prints and embroideries, some reminiscent of art nouveau with their vines of paisley, have a slightly unearthly quality that makes them stand out from the usual summertime displays of roses, sunflowers, and peonies.

Emily Blunt
Dolce & Gabbana

Emmy Rossum
3.1 Phillip Lim

Kate Mara
Balenciaga

Kerry Washington
 Dolce & Gabbana

Clare Danes
Prada

Taylor Swift
Oscar de la Renta

You CAN Do Mesh

Gretchen Mol
 J. Mendel

Miranda Kerr
Elizabeth & James

If, when you hear the word "mesh," you think of those stinky shorts at the bottom of your gym bag, you are in for a pleasant surprise.  What started as a boon to runners, swimmers, and aerobics instructors has caught the eyes of designers, who have translated the weblike fabric into sophisticated fashion meant for the street.  And, yes, even the red carpet.

Why I love this look...
1. Today we expect our clothes not only to look sensational, but also to perform- and mesh does.  The material's narrowly spaced openings allow air to pass through, keeping you cool and dry.  What a godsend during this particularly hot and humid summer!

2. It's seductive in an offhand way. The shapes may refer to athletic wear- T-back dresses, sweatshirts, and tank tops- but the result is refined, owing to luxe fabrics and pairings as well as the subtle glimpse of skin.

How to Pull it Off...
When worn with flat sandals, a simple T-shirt dress with a netted bodice is perfect for a backyard barbecue or a day running errands.  But it becomes cocktail attire when teamed with strappy high heels.  Mesh open-toe booties are sexy and unexpected accents to wide-leg trousers or any easy shirt and shirt combo.

Gianvito Rossi

Valetino

Alaïa

Kara

Alexander Wang

Bailey 44

Elizabeth & James

Rebecca Taylor

zooshoo.com

Rag & Bone

Juicy Couture

Adidas

Boutique 1

Jonathan Simkhai