Fashion Forward

Style

FROM THE RED CARPET to New York’s Fashion Week, style correspondent Bobbie Thomas has front-row access to the goods and to the celebrities who flaunt them. When she’s not dishing on NBC’s Today show or reporting for E! Entertainment, she’s dispensing her personal pick-me-ups. “I hope by sharing my tips I can remind women about easy, affordable ways they can boost their confidence,” says Thomas. San Diego Magazine caught up with Thomas to chat about what’s in store for fall.

San Diego Magazine: What trends are you seeing on the runways?

Bobbie Thomas: We’re moving into a phase of seasonless style. Lots of designers are pulling out florals and sheer overlays. The runways were also blooming with minis for fall, with a lot of bare legs strutting down the catwalk. Especially here, where you’re dealing with warm weather year-round, bare legs are back. Heavier footwear and short hemlines make the legs the focal point. Women in San Diego should rejoice, because I’ll be in New York freezing!

SDM: How do these trends translate into everyday wear?

BT: Rebecca Taylor had a fantastic collection in which she layered two or three dresses on top of one another. She had a button-down dress open and layered over a pullover dress. It’s about what’s going to work for you——and really, your wardrobe should work year-round. Take the summer dresses you’ve been wearing, and if it’s cold out, layer them with leggings or an opaque stocking and a chunky knit sweater.

SDM: What about men’s styles?

BT: Men are keeping the silhouette clean and moving away from overly baggy, grungy looks. The trends regarding menswear are about getting back to basics, wearing tailored pieces or just a clean, polished look that fits well. Men everywhere should invest in a nice, crisp pair of denims that’s a bit more fitted.

SDM: What’s the word on women’s accessories?

BT: Statement jewelry is a hot trend. We’re seeing very artsy, creative pieces come down the runway, where some of them are reminiscent of the embellished necklines of the ’80s. It’s the best time to layer a few pieces together. Take a simple chain, clip on a bunch of brooches, or add some funky beads. Take a ribbon and string it through anything——from a clip-on earring to a brooch. I just love the idea of putting some of your favorite pieces together and really making a statement piece. It’s a fun way to add an accent to some simple classic dress you already have in your closet.

SDM: What makeup trends should we expect to see this fall?

BT: You’ll still see the smoky eyes, but another huge trend is the push to embrace natural skin tone. If you’re very, very fair and red-haired or black-haired, embrace that.

SDM: Have any advice on what not to wear?

BT: Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable! If you can’t stand up in stilettos, it’s going to look awkward, and you’re not going to look stylish. If you can’t strut your stuff in those stilettos, get a pair of fancy flats. It’s a rule of thumb across the board: If something feels too tight and you’re tugging and pulling at it, change.

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