Fall 2005 for Men

Yes boys, the seasons are a changing. And with the change in season comes a shift in pace and feel. It’s the season of layering, with softness and colour. This year fall brings with it rustic warmth, old world opulence and the charm of the familiar.

Greens are bountiful this season, in every conceivable hue from forest greens to jade to emerald. Dark hues for the winter and fresh tones for spring. The other colour palette that’s carried forward from summer is mustard, burnt orange and grey. Blue ranges from inky and indigo to teal.

Black makes a comeback though in a folksy way coupled with white embellishment in the form of print and embroidery. Brown gets a woodland twist when paired with teal blue and earthy greens and gets with the family into warmer hues such as burgundy and purple.

Fall 2005 is all about rich fabrics and colours, whimsical prints, silhouettes a tad military a tad old country, and a return to formal, refined looks.

If you're ready to get a handle on the season, just devour this Top 5 fall checklist and get cracking.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Top 5 Picks

#1 The Argyle Checks

The Argyle Check sweater is one of those fashion pieces that continue to resurface every fall; maybe because it's a sophisticated style, or maybe designers haven’t gotten over reinventing it. Whatever the case, you can take your pick of argyle sweaters in V-neck or round-neck. The sweater looks awesome over a collared shirt or worn underneath a sporty jacket.

Wear it with: Distressed jeans.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

#2 The Colour Purple

If you’re the trendsetter in your mob, you may want to set your sights on purple and its intoxicating cousin burgundy. These are the spring equivalent of pale pink and work fabulously as fitted shirts. Throw in a bit of print on the yoke or under-cuff and you have a shirt that smoothly traverses from day to after-office drinks. If you're doubtful about stepping out in full-on purple, then incorporate the shade into your look with details like stripes or an accessory like a scarf or tie.

Wear it with: Black trousers, tucked in for day and worn casually for evening.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

#3 The Sports Jacket

A great looking blazer is one of the season's most coveted essentials. Constructed in corduroy, denim, worsted wool or cotton twill, the blazer keeps things practical and comfortable, while working as easily for day as it does for night. The blazer ups your trend quotient, while keeping you warm when temperatures nose dive. If you’re not quite ready to plunge into this trend, opt for a multiple pocket casual jacket, along the same lines.

Wear it over a bright sweater or funky t-shirt and faded jeans.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

#4 The Grey Jeans

You've got your dark blue jeans, and your light wash pair, but it's time to upgrade your denim collection with a pair of faded or dark grey jeans. The colour of these jeans is pure fall/winter, especially with all the jackets and sweaters cropping up, the style gives you some rugged appeal.

Wear it with: An urbane black turtleneck (high-neck) or round-neck sweater.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

#5 The Ankle Boots

Get the complete outdoorsy feel with ankle high lace up boots or slip-on boots for a sleek finish. Which ever you choose you can be sure these will keep your feet toasty every step of the way, this fall. Boots are the updated on footwear this season. Don’t get left behind.

Wear them with: Jeans or pants - these boots stop at nothing in being ultra-practical.

I hope these Top 5 picks help simplify your choices for fall and have you raring to go!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Next up: Fall 2005 for Women

Welcome to Style Asylum!

Hey all you stylish people, a very warm welcome to your very own, spanking new, refuge to style! This space will see us deconstruct and reconstruct all the colourful, perplexing, intriguing and downright drool-inducing contructs of the fashion world. From trends and silhouettes, to colours and fashion seasons, we shall delve into them all and emerge with fresh insights.

I'm Meera Mittal, a professional fashion designer and consultant based in Mumbai, India. I learnt the craft while training in Fashion Design at NIFT, New Delhi (1998 - 2001). I design, consult and write on Fashion & Beauty.

In the area of design some of the industry leaders I have worked with are: Selfridges London, Raymond Be: and The Taj Group.

I am also Fashion Consultant with: Tips4me.com, Sunsilknaturals.com and Fashion and Style Expert on: Rediff.com (India's leading news portal).

From style to spirituality, I have many varied interests, which I hope to share with you along with my thoughts on fashion & style, via this space. Drop me a line with your thoughts!

Much love!