Fall Fashion '06

If you are, at all, worried about hiding some of your own flaws, this coming fall, rest easy. Fashion designers (if you follow them) have given you reason to stop starving yourself. Big and baggy are pretty much the theme this coming season with over-sized coats and sweaters (knits will be huge)along with wide-legged pants, tunics, and egg shaped dresses. The trick to wearing these fashions is to not overdo it with baggy everything. If you are wearing an oversized sweater, choose a tailored pant or skinny jean or legging (yes, you can pull this off even if you're not a size 2). Remember, don't invest in every trend. Pick two or three things each season to invest in and make sure that the look is timeless so you can carry it into future season. Also, plan on seeing more dark colors this year than we've seen in past seasons. Any color at all will be in jewel tones of red, green and purple. Also, although chunky sweaters are in, fight the urge to layer them over too many pieces, otherwise you will add more width to yourself. Think about belting things and accessorizing with chunky shoes (put your stilettos away for now), a great boot (flat-heeled boots are back) and a leather satchel bag (the bigger, the better). Many of these pieces are investment pieces (read that as expensive), but buy less and spend more on things you will love year in and year out.