There is such variety in fashion and silhouettes these days that we can no longer think in terms of one type of correct fit. Instead, we need to think about fit differently depending on what was intended for the look. I like to think about fit in terms of three different categories: Tailored fit, which is what we previously thought of as perfect fit, body con fit, which aims to really show off the wearer’s curves, and oversized fit, where items are larger and intentionally more loose. 

1. Tailored Fit: Here items skim the contour of the body and are structured in all the right places, achieving a perfect balance between snug and roomy. Blazers and most jackets, classic bootcut trousers and jeans, shaped button down shirts and blouses, flared skirts, most sheath dresses, most coats, basic cardigans and pullovers, leather jackets and t-shirts fit in a conventionally flattering way when they adhere to a tailored fit. 
2. Body Con Fit: Here we are looking for an intentionally form fitting effect. Items fit more closely to the body than they do for a tailored fit. Items designed for a body con fit include jegging jeans, most skinny jeans, bandage dresses, tank tops, frocks like the Bailey 44 striped dress I posted last year, some pencil skirts, turtlenecks and sheath dresses, and leggings.
3. Oversized Fit: Here the fit is much roomier than the tailored fit and therefore less conventionally flattering. There is lots of slouch, lots of volume and far less structure. So-called perfect fit goes out the window here because shoulder seams droop, waists are too wide, armholes and trouser crotch points hang too low, and sleeve lengths are too long. The lack of waist definition and tailoring is not everyone’s cup of tea. It looks like you should size down at least a couple of sizes in these items, yet they are supposed to look boxy and baggy. 

The oversized fit is the most fashion forward and edgy fit of the three. In some respects this fit is already quite trendy through items like oversized knitwear, oversized vests, big tees, boyfriend jeans and shirts, billowing blouses, baggy short shorts and harem pants. 

If you assess a garment according to the wrong fit, you might end up wearing an ill-fitting garment. A body conscious item will be too loose if you assess it according to tailored fit. And an oversized garment will not be loose enough if you assess it according to tailored fit.  

Here’s an extra detail to consider. Sometimes you can manipulate fit to achieve a specific look, either by sizing up or down in an item, or just by default because that’s how the item fits your body. For example, the charcoal wool trousers that I’m wearing in this outfit were supposed to be tailored. Yet when I tried them on in my size, they looked more slouchy and oversized. I liked the baggier fit and decided to embrace the fact that the trousers didn’t look anything like the fit that was represented on the model. 

Tricky stuff! Are you more confused than ever about correct fit, or does it all make perfect sense?

We’ve been enjoying blissful September Seattle weather. Mild and sunny during the day, crisp and cool in the mornings and evenings. That’s why downtown Seattle evening life has been bustling as locals make the most of it before the rain sets in. 

Greg snapped these photos just before we met friends for supper at the Umi Sake House in Belltown. I needed a cheerful outfit to match the great weather and my happy Japanese-food-eating mood. This skirt makes me happy for a myriad of reasons, so that was a no-brainer. It was also nice to wear it one more time before it hibernates for Autumn and Winter. I LOVE the way soft full skirts swish, float and move as you stride. It feels romantic, ladylike and carefree, all of which adds to my good mood. 

I usually wear my skirts with one of my wardrobe essentials: A tucked button down shirt, a camisole with half buttoned up denim jacket, or a turtleneck either tucked or untucked. Of course, I also pair my skirts with blouses, statement shirts,  knitwear, and jackets, but generally prefer a wardrobe essential because the combination is easy, minimal and simple. In this way I never have an orphaned skirt.

I’ve had this lightweight, gauzy, neon pink silk turtleneck for years and, quite coincidentally, it matches the skirt. Now and in Spring is the perfect time to wear it because it isn’t that warm. The rolled collar and hem give it a casual vibe and appropriately dress down the skirt. Scrunching the sleeves relaxes the look even further.

I finished off the outfit with low heeled orange animal print pumps to pick up the orange in the skirt and to throw in some pattern mixing. And my neon and cognac clutch just because I’ve fallen in love with neon yellow matched with neon pink all over again. For me, those are fun early ’80s flashbacks. No jewelry apart from wedding ring, watch and specs. 

This is a very, very bright outfit. Too bright for some, and my apologies for hurting your eyeballs. But I do love my brights and feel as comfortable wearing them from head to toe as I do wearing a more subtle, neutral outfit. As long as the outfits in both colour spectrums are simple, minimal, modern and crisp, they both feel at home in my style persona.

Spring colours are on my mind after seeing the 2013 collections at New York Fashion Week. I’m in the midst of watching the shows at London Fashion Week, and thereafter it’s Paris and Milan. The colour direction is becoming clear and I’m excited about it. There will be lots of variety, just like there is this year. That’s always a good thing because there will be something for everyone. 

Here’s how I see the colours for Spring and Summer 2013 shaping up: 

• Blue is going to be big, from pastel shades and mid tones, to cobalt, French navy and ink blue. 
• If blue is the colour of next season, white is the runner up. All shades of white are matched with every colour and neutral, or worn on its own from head to toe. 
• Pale shades of yellow are mixed with the blue and white. 
• Black and white is strong like it is almost every season. 
• Shades of blush, linen and taupe are mixed with white, black, pastels and brights. 
• Light earth tones make a lovely debut. Think rich, spicy, earth tones diluted with white. 
• Brights like poppy red, fuchsia, citron, lime green, emerald and violet make another great return. 
• Pastel pink, peach, mint and lilac are there, but in smaller doses. 

Check out Pantone’s colour report for Spring 2013 for more on next season’s colours. Pantone has selected ten colours that they think are most important for the season. Of course, they expect there to be many variations on each colour, along with neutrals like white, grey, black and metallics.

How do these colours and their combinations grab you?

You can probably pull together a version of this outfit for Fall right now! It is simple and casual, yet structured and will take you almost anywhere. From Mum on the go, site seeing, traveling, and running errands, to dinner out, shopping, lunch out with friends, date night, or casual Fridays at work. It’s what I call an ageless, no-nonsense outfit that is ready for action. 

Choose any colour palette that tickles your fancy at this time of year.The components of the outfit are as follows:

• Tapered Jeans: Either skinny or straight because those silhouettes work best with fashionable flats. A slim bootcut could also work.
• Blouse: A soft blouse, buttoned right up to the top is on trend, but feel free to unbutton if that’s your preference. Wear it tucked or untucked. Add a belt to tucked blouses to finish off the look. 
• Blazer: A tailored blazer with crisp, clean lines always looks fabulous because it’s structured, dressy, polished and denotes authority. Choose one in a wool blend, tweed, rayon blend, or any fabrication in a solid or pattern that screams “Autumn”. Scrunch the sleeves for a more relaxed look. 
• Fashionable Flats: Slipper flats, flat oxfords, loafers or ballet flats sans socks are the way to go in either a pattern, solid or colour block. 

Add jewelry as desired, or sport a jewelry free look like the model is doing here. Grab a handbag to match and you are done. 

You know the drill. Fine tune these outfit components to suit YOU. Wear a layering tee instead of a blouse if that’s more your thing. Wear heeled booties instead of flats. Leave the sleeves unscrunched. Wear a denim skirt instead of jeans. Wear boyfriend jeans instead of tapered jeans. Sport an oversized clutch with the look, or stick to a large tote or crossbody bag.