Fun, fearless styles fit for a queen

The new shape of fall is all about exaggeration inspired by the likes of a fun and fearless historic style icon - Marie Antoinette. The number one statue in fall’s fashion court: play with proportions. While volume ruled the runways this season, with Balenciaga leading the designer troops on this trend, you don’t have to be a supermodel to master these new shapes. 

Bobbie Thomas, ‘Today’ Style Contributor and author of ‘The Buzz’ for In Touch Weekly, helps make the runway a reality with styles and tips that allow everyone to stretch and expand their fall wardrobe.

Wide-Leg Trousers
So you said bye-bye to boot cut, but swore off skinny jeans after trying on every pair in the store this spring?  Well ladies, do I have good news for you.  The wide leg pant ($199; lottanyc.com) is flattering for most body types, especially those who are tiny on top, or have bootylicous bottoms like Beyonce.  Add elements of a modern-day Marie Antoinette (Parameter blouse $185; girlshop.com) and embrace your curves with fall’s friend, the vest– a piece that mimics the corset (Nanette Lepore $170; SaksFifthAvenue.com). With this look you’ll be all set to sit at your throne (um, desk) and rule with style.  

Black Tights, Bold Shoes
Hold onto your summer short-shorts for this look ($24.90; HM.com). Skirts and dresses are no longer the only way to show off your lean legs.  We’ve seen mod and mini all summer long, but those who are looking for fuller coverage can rest comfortably in shorts this autumn.  Match with a blouse (Sue Wong 'Victoire' blouse $189; La France, 813 248-1381). And speaking of comfort – designers have finally figured out that freezing is a fate no fashion queen should suffer! Avoid being beheaded by the fashion police this season, by making sure that every look is complimented by a pair of opaque tights ($32; spanx.com).  Wearing all black (fall’s must-have color) elongates the body, while big bold shoes will plant your hoofs firmly on the fashion track ($99.95; stevemadden.com).  Trot your way into this youthful trend- but remember it’s all about balance and proportion. So cover-up those gorgeous gams and conquer this key fall fashion look like a queen.

Capes and Slim Pants
While Marie Antoinette knew how to turn heads, you can also make a dramatic entrance this season with a cape that will have all eyes on you (Catherine Malandrino $995, intermixonline.com).  It may not be a ball gown, but a cape creates volume and draws immediate attention, while acting as a perfect compliment to slim pants or the here to stay (for now) skinny jean (Anlo $180; Henri Bendel 212-247-1100). This season’s trendy billowy blouses that hit below the hips compliment sleek bottoms best and highlight your natural curves (Matty M 'Poet' blouse $98; nordstrom.com). Narrow patent pumps and sleek stilettos act as the finishing touch to elongate your legs ($99.95; aldoshoes.com). And finally– remember it’s all about “Drama, Drama, Drama, dah-ling” so do not forget the accessories! Opt for fanciful accents like gloves and gems.

Bell Sleeves and Bubble Skirts
Be the bell of the ball with a tuliped skirt (Pink Tartan $328; searlenyc.com) and flowy sleeves shirt, ($220; SallyTsengNY.com). The volume that comes from a bell shape can keep you covered up, but still looking chic. The key to this juxtaposition?  Don’t mistake volume for poor fit! All of these amplified silhouettes are only advantageous if they fit and flatter your body.  Remember impeccable tailoring and playing with proportions is the only way to wear these trends.  For example, a cropped jacket with bell sleeves (Parameter gray tweed jacket $265; girlshop.com) and a loose fitting top add balance to a poofy skirt. 

Full and Flowy Frocks
The dynasty of plunging necklines and skin-tight stretch is over, making way for the era of the flowing frock. That’s right- full dresses and skirts are reigning this season, and this versatile style does volume like a true queen. Accentuate a tiny torso, prize-worthy waist or full hips with a belt that creates curves on this oversized silhouette. Or, emphasize regal shoulders by leaving your dress loose and flowy (Castle Starr dress $650; Henri Bendel). Either way, there’ll be no more squeezing into girdles! This do-anything flattering-for-everyone style will have you breathing a sigh of relief. 

Take some styling tips from a queen- while this is definitely a “dark season” for fashion, lighten things up a bit with accessories that would make Marie Antoinette proud. A feather bag (mooroo.com), layers of pearls, vintage-inspired footwear (stevemadden.com) and ornate brooches can create drama and liven up fall’s dreary color palate.

And last but not least, beyond the fashion, we’re seeing a new kind of confident beauty queen for fall- inspired of course by the daring Marie Antoinette. So get ready to toss up your hair, stop the spray tanning, and accentuate your curvaceous figure– this season old-school beauty rules.

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