Speaking Style

If the profusion of feathered headwear doesn’t clue you in, the heavy use of prints should. Carolina Herrera’s collection for Fall 2008 is reminiscent of Ralph Lauren’s for the same season. Sure, Herrera’s designs say more ‘mountaineer’ than ‘farm girl,’ but most of the looks are no less outdoorsy.

While Ralph Lauren decided to use a lot of buffalo plaid in different colors for his collection, Herrera was more subtle with textured fabrics, simple checks and very colorful abstract prints. The interesting, eye-catching pieces were also paired off with plainer ones to achieve a certain visual balance. A patterned top and contrasting gray patterned vest were matched with chocolate brown suede pants for a look that’s rugged and chic at the same time. It’s important to note that Herrera fans will want to pick up a similar pair of suede pants soon as they seem to be the designer’s fashion statement for the season.

But just because an outfit wouldn’t look out of place in Appalachia doesn’t mean that it can’t work in a formal setting as well. There were some pieces like a knee-length yellow dress with a cinched waist and fringe all over that you could take from the hiking trail and straight into a celebrity fashion magazine. Most of the clothes will take a woman of a certain type and age to make them work properly. But even if Herrera didn’t do so well for youthfulness, she definitely gets top marks for inspiration and the versatility of her garments.

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