Fall Fashion: Make the Trends Work for You and Your Kids

(ARA) - It’s that season again, the time of year when we reinvent ourselves. Kids are headed back to school and adults are shifting into their fall schedules. Suddenly, tank tops, t-shirts and shorts seem all wrong, and it’s time to overhaul all of our wardrobes in anticipation of cooler weather.

Bright colors, classic outerwear and luxurious fabrics are just some of the trends predicted for this fall; but not every look is right for every person. With so much to choose from, how do we know where to start?

“Rather than just follow the trends, we recommend women choose clothes that really look good on them, and work well for their lifestyles,” says Jim Bradbeer, president of Lilly Pulitzer, a company known for sophisticated casual wear that has recently expanded its collection. “Clothes should make you feel good,” he adds.

So as you head out to find the perfect essentials for this fall, don’t let the designers push you around. You want to stay in step with current fashion, but also choose what you genuinely like. Here are some fall trends to keep in mind while you’re shopping:

* Bright colors are in. Spring fashion celebrated bright colors, and the fall clothes are continuing that trend, but with more practical fall tones. For example, the Lilly Pulitzer line features bright pinks, blues and oranges along with tans and chocolate brown. These bright tones in rich fabrics are paired well with black and neutral basics.

* The outerwear choices this year include the classics updated: toggle coats in bright colors like pink, or in plaid patterns, quilted jackets in microfiber in all lengths, and riding jackets in earth tones with corduroy accents.

* Luxurious fabrics like cashmere, suede and lambswool are big this year. You’ll see lots of suede jackets, boots, skirts and pants. The cashmere turtleneck is back in cabled and fine knits; a must-have basic item that will work well as a layering piece. A great way to add color to your wardrobe is with a boldly striped turtleneck like Lilly Pulitzer’s Nora lambswool sweater.

* The mini skirt has returned, but is made modern with unexpected colors and patterns. You’ll see some classic tartans, pinstripes and even patchwork and printed stretch corduroy. It should be worn with tights (preferably in a kicky color) and long boots.

* Club clothes. Just because the weather is cooler doesn’t mean you have to give up sports, indoor or outdoor. Lilly Pulitzer fuses fashion and performance with a complete fall Club line, from warm-ups to windbreakers, skorts to shorts, and polos to pants. Stripes and plaids are perfect for country club chic, or you can stick with solids to get just the right look for the course and courts.

“The main thing is to have fun with your wardrobe; choose clothes that make you smile,” says Bradbeer.

And you can shop for your kids at the same time you are completing your own fall wardrobe. Lilly Pulitzer children’s clothes are a pint-size version of the ladies’ line, reflecting the same color palette and prints (appropriate for infants, toddlers and girls size 4 to 14). The collection is available at 49 Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores around the country, major department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, and upscale specialty shops nationwide. For more information on these and other products, visit www.lillypulitzer.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

EDITOR’S NOTE: Lilly Pulitzer offers apparel for ladies, children, and men, as well as ladies’ shoes and a complete home collection. The children’s clothes resemble the ladies’ line, reflecting the same color palette and prints in charming styles appropriate for infants, toddlers and girls size 4 to 14. There are currently 49 Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores nationwide. Lilly Pulitzer is also sold in major department stores and hundreds of other upscale specialty shops and clubs nationwide.

In keeping with the company’s commitment to “Life. Lilly. And the pursuit of happiness,” Lilly Pulitzer is a proud longtime supporter of The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Beginning September 22nd, an exclusive silk scarf will be sold at Signature Stores and Bloomingdale’s for proceeds supporting Susan G. Komen. This luxurious pink and green accessory is featured in celebrity ads this fall as the focus of Ford Motor Company’s 2003 Get Tied the Cause initiative. More information on products, retailers and brand initiatives is available at www.lillypulitzer.com.