The Top Ten Fashion Trends for Fall in New Orleans

The latest fashion trends for the 2010 fall season are chic, trendy, glitzy and bold.

1. Animal Prints Roar for Attention
Look for skirts, handbags and even high heeled pumps in animal print. The key to successfully wearing an animal print is to wear it as a statement piece not like a costumed cat on Halloween or as if you’re trying to blend into Jaguar Jungle at the Audubon Zoo.

2. Fur
Don’t worry if it’s real or fake, fur easily becomes your second skin this season. Look for fur vests, purses, boots, and collars to be popping up everywhere and in any price range. Although nutria is a type of fur and we are in a recession still, one may want to refrain from hunting some over on the West Bank to make some trendy holiday scarves. Of course, a real mink is always in fashion. Even in our 80 degree winter weather, you’ll look like a million bucks while walking the dog down the street in Old Metairie or The Garden District will drinking a toddy and waving to the neighbors.

3. Retro Rockabilly
Trend reports state that the 1950′s look is hot with ample cleavage popping up and pin-up inspired pencil skirts. If you don’t believe this one just cruise on over to a local burlesque show around town like Fleur de Tease, and you’ll immediately grasp this sexy concept and Betty Paige wannabe look.

4. Tailored Jackets
This trend is inspired by the menswear movement and can be a bit tricky to pull off. The “boyfriend blazer” is cute along with the sparkling tuxedo jacket, but just be sure to add a few girly touches otherwise you can easily look more butch than beautiful when going out.

5. Sparkles
As the price of gold goes up, so does the demand of studs, beads, baubles, sequins, and anything shiny. Look for loads of metallics and sequins to add that special punch to items that are already in your closet, taking you from eye-opening drinks at brunch to the night club. Of course anything black and gold with a fleur-de-lis looks spectacular since the Saints won the SuperBowl and can now be considered as NOLA couture.

6. Getting Wrapped Up & Layered
Nothing completes an outfit like a scarf or wrap. Take this trend and blend it with animal prints or sparkles and you’ll be downright sizzling this social season. A wrap also works well with layers adding a bit of flair to a favorite leather jacket or wool coat.

7. These Boots Are Made For Walking
This season boots are long, short, and any height in between. Boots are a must have for any female, and you can never go wrong with investing in a classic pair of black leather knee high boots. Pair them up with long or short skirts, jeans, and even classic wool slacks. Make sure the heel height is comfortable enough to hike up the stairs in the Superdome and make the long haul down Bourbon Street.

8. Colored Leggings & Tights
The legs are grabbing all the attention this fall with leggings, jeggings (jean leggings), and textured tights. This is also a very dangerous trend for those in New Orleans that tend to be a little rounder and hippier on the bottom. Please by all means don’t go on your actual number size when purchasing-instead go up a size or even two, to find a pair that compliments your curves. Nothing looks worse then a pair of pants so tight it looks like body painting artist Craig Tracey painted them on your big butt. Folks please leave a little something to the imagination for the rest of us, unless you’re trying to audition for the Camel Toe Steppers.

9. Lace, Ruffles, & Sheers
Black lace with a nude sheer is one of the hottest trends this season. Many form-fitting lightweight fabrics have found their way into designer hearts all over the country. For the love of the human next to you, please wear a bra and proper undergarmets. Nothing says I’m trying to find a second job at Rick’s Cabaret or The Hustler club like protruding nipples. Also, unless you’re trying to audition to be the next Captain Morgan Pirate, keep the ruffles to a reasonable length and leave the puffy shirt at home. Please save the flashing garmets for Mardi Gras and wear this trend with elegance and great caution.

10. Jewel Tones
This season’s jewel tone trend is more colorful than a Mardi Gras ball. Emerald, ruby red, purple amethyst, and sapphire blue are smoking hot- but remember a bold color goes a long way. Don’t show up to a gala in rainbow ruffles unless you’re costuming as the NBC peacock, trying to match the famous Pat O’Brien’s drink, or making a statement for gay and lesbian rights. Make sure your jewel tone hues blend all together with your ensemble otherwise you’ll only look like you belong on a Mardi Gras float.

Have fun with the 2010 Fashion Trends this season and remember your girlfriends will only tell you the truth when you’re in the ladies room and every one has had a few Hand Grenades from Tropical Isle!