Fall/Winter 2022 Q&A

It’s good to have goals. After recently spending a wonderful week out in the Washington D.C. area, I’ve added the goal of finding a few new ideas and experiences each season to keep my mind fresh and open. In D.C. I walked around for hours soaking up the culture, museums, people and excitement of a city that has so much to offer. I was thrilled by an exhibit of Yayoi Kasuma – a contemporary Japanese artist and national treasure (see below), and was so happy to reconnect with an old friend from my 20’s I haven’t seen in ages.

I’m not exactly sure what this season will bring, but I’m going to do my best to seek out some cool new walking trails, exhibits and find even more ways to empower my clients to be the best version of themselves. When I started Find Fashion Happiness in 2004, I had no idea where this journey would take me. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help my clients with style advice, shopping, decluttering, self-care and more, based on their own unique perspectives and needs. It seems to be my ongoing purpose and I love learning new things all time time.   

To me, trying new things is good for the brain and can honestly make a difference in how you see the world … and how the world sees you! Happy Fall!  

Fall/Winter trends

It’s worth a reminder that trends are less about hard rules and more like fun ideas to spice up your look. Here are a few I’m noticing.

Big Blazers – Oversize blazers (not to be confused with the Shacket) can be worn in both everyday and work settings. The ones I’ve seen have been longish and cut in a slightly boxy shape – perfect for layering over simple items underneath.  While I do like this trend, be careful to balance the length if you’re on the shorter-side. Looks great with denim.

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Monochromatic Look – Columns of color are in style and very easy to wear. Solid neutrals are my fave, but any color is doable. This trend can work in so many ways, and whether dressy or casual, mix up the textures to make it more interesting. Also, blazers are a big trend this year and most jackets work well over a solid column of color. 

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Statement leather and suede  both faux and real, are great textures to try in dresses, tops or bottoms to spice up your look. I also love this style in bomber, biker and aviation jackets, blazers and shackets as well. The real thing can be quite pricey but there are so many high-quality faux and vegan leather options to choose from. Feel free to choose what works best for you (and your budget)!

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Utility Chic – A little hard to describe, but sort of a cross between utilitarian  workwear and fashion. Everything from shirt dresses, vests, well chosen cargo pants and skirts, trench coats and anoraks. While it’s definitely “in”, these great Fall pieces are both functional and classic and can be remixed with boho items for a contrasting look. This is one of my consistent go-to looks! 

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Equestrian for all: Back again are the tweeds, herringbones and plaids we know and love. You can find them in knitted tops, waistcoats, blazers and quilted jackets, paired with thick leggings or jeans, and tall riding boots. With so much focus on England right now, think Princess Di or Kate roughing it in Scotland, and feel free to add your own touches. 

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Pants: Super wide pants and jeans are everywhere, including  my least-favorite-version “puddle” pants that are extra long and graze the floor (tripping hazard vs. trend to me!). That said, I do like the ease of a moderately wide leg pant in a not-so-flimsy fabric paired with a fitted top to balance proportions. And yes, I still like and continue to wear both skinny and straight leg pants!  

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Tops: Cropped tops are on trend, but harder to wear for many of us. They do work well with high rise bottoms with fuller legs. Also, lots of hip length, tunics and longer shirts are available for those who prefer them. While not my favorite look, I’m also seeing quite a few cut-outs in the mid-section too. 

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Fall Colors: While most typical Fall shades are back, there are some nuances that might be fun to play with this season. 

• Barbiecore Pink – with the Barbie movie coming out soon, this color is hot and is all about the energy and fun of the sparkly Barbie lifestyle. I can’t see too many of us pulling off hot pink dresses or suits, but go for it if you’re in the mood! To me, this is more about finding a fun medium pink shade of lipstick or nail color to punch up an outfit.  
• Deep purples and all shades of blue are in this season, especially cobalt. We did see a bit of cobalt this summer too, but still big in clothes and even home decor!  
• Camel and light browns are very in style, and can look so classy. Great for coats, pants and accessories – and of course handbags. 
• Black is always “in” to me, and adding a supercool shine can light up the darker winter days and nights, especially with a little shimmer. Think statement leather, velvet, sequins, etc. to try this look. Clean shapes work best.

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Shoes and boots 

• Still seeing so many tall and over the knee boots, as well as the all-essential bootie. A touch of Western style, in a neutral color, is a great way to freshen up any skirt, dress or denim look on cooler days.  
• Preppy Loafers and Mary Janes are back, with a classic or blocky heel to give them a more updated look.   
• Mules and clogs are still big, especially with shearling and studded accents 

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Ask Suzanne

(It’s been a while since I’ve done a Q&A, but definitely feel so much of this is relevant for now.)

Question: I’ve seen lots of women wearing fanny packs as a crossbody bag, but I’m bigger busted and not sure how that would look on me? 

Diagonal lines across the body tend to look better if worn under your chest line toward the side rather than the back. Do not wear these bags directly on your chest. And while we’re on the topic, the strap on regular crossbody bags are being shortened a bit. If it works with your proportions, you’ll be a little more on trend. 

Question: I just redid my house and now a lot of the tchotchkes I used to have don’t fit anymore. What should I do? 

Removing one’s old treasures can be hard, especially when they are personal and may have taken up space in our homes for a very long time. It’s hard to say goodbye, but I’ll take a page out of Marie Kondo’s book and have you ask the hard question if these items give you joy. If they do, you should keep those around that really mean something. Otherwise, they may need to find a good new home. To me, personal items go a long way, and I tend to decorate with art that I love and items from travels. After that, I might add in a few plants or photos to add additional touches.  But as time goes by, it’s more about editing and less about collecting.