Kenneth Cole had the right idea with their Holiday 2008 collection, which they presented in New York on Wednesday, July 23. Here's the prescription: Keep the regular fall wardrobe of cozy shawl knits, simple smocked jersey tops and little black dresses and when holiday party season rolls around, just add a jolt of jewel toned color in the form of a smart round toe patent leather pump or flat, or a chic envelope clutch bag.
Starting with dark grays and inky blacks as their base - something that Kenneth Cole knows will never go out of style - for Holiday 2008, the collection added fuchsia, teal and cherry red sweaters, tops and dresses for a more festive look, if accessories alone won't get you in the spirit of things.
Mixing in sportier techno fabrics worked best when used to fabricate tailored staples like the trench coat, which Cole reworked as a quilted nylon number. Puffy jackets with shawl collars likewise turned sporty into something more chic.
For men, it's all about toned down tailoring - wearing that button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and keeping it slightly wrinkled, but adding a crisp touch like a wool vest. And no need to don the full tuxedo - a tuxedo-detailed shirt can work just as well.
