Adapt this look: Hello, Autumn!

Welcome autumn in style with this adorable look, a fall take on summer’s biggest trends.

Fashion Formula = Cardigan + Tank + Plaid Cropped Pants + Boots + Studded Bag.

Scamp Cardigan | $128 at Anthropologie

Racquel Tank | $24.50 at Abercrombie and Fitch

BCBG Plaid Cropped Pants | $130 at Nordstrom

Edmonton Boots | $448 at Anthropologie

“Hudson Rivet” Bag | $235 at Kenneth Cole

How To: Wear Weekend Clothes to Work

Picture yourself in your closet on a typical Monday morning.

If you’re anything like us, you see more weekend clothes than workday clothes. With a greater range of colors, fabrics, and silhouettes, they’re just more fun to wear. It’s just a shame that they’re fully appropriate only two days out of the week.

Or so you may think.

We try to liberate these fun loving clothes from the closet as often as we can, covering ourselves with the Law of Weekend Clothes at Work. Simply put, the Law states that, in a business casual office, you are allotted one (1) weekend appropriate item per outfit, given that you surround that item with suitably business appropriate clothes.

Why does it work? Well, the formality of the rest of the outfit serves to elevate the look of the one casual piece. Note that the one item part of the law is more of a guideline, rather than a strict rule. With one casual item, you usually can’t get into too much trouble. For those of you who enjoy a challenge, however, we encourage you to try two or more items. If you want to share a cool outfit idea, (or if on the other hand, you run into problems) feel free to contact us at styleintelligence@gmail.com.

Now let’s look at two common examples of the rule in action.

For women: Say you want to wear your favorite t-shirt to work.

Sabrina Embellished Tee | $39.50 at Abercrombie and Fitch

Dress it up with a cardigan, skirt, and a pair of heels. An added bonus—on the off chance that you’re perceived as unapproachable at work, the addition of a personal item to your look can go a long way to softening your image.

For men: This example is perfect for the man with one (or two, or ten) too many pairs of jeans in the closet.

“Faded Away” Jean | $89 at Kenneth Cole

Pair your jeans (no wild washes or treatments, please) with dress shoes, a blazer, and a sport shirt. The quintessential dot-com entrepreneur look, yes, but you’ll be backing it up with more than buzzwords like “mindshare” and “eyeballs.”

Friday Fashion Hotlist | 8.26.05

Issue X of the Friday Fashion Hotlist: a compilation of some of the cutest and coolest stuff Style Intelligence Report saw out there this week.

This week, we're mixing it up with a cardigan and biker boots, both of which we saw in excess during our trendwatching extravaganzas.

For women...

Utopia Cardigan | $78 at Anthropologie

We love the unique look of this wool cardigan—especially the touches of gold.

And for men...

Ride'um Cowboy Boots | $250 at Kenneth Cole

These boots are hot on both men and women. So we also found a biker-inspired women’s version:

Biker Babe Boots | $275 at Kenneth Cole

College Packing Hotlist | Men's Edition

Without further ado, we present the men's packing list:

• Denim: For a more versatile look, go for darker washes.
• Sport shirts: Casualize them by rolling the sleeves up, just so. But please don’t pop the collar. Stripes are flattering but also very common. For a sport shirt with more personality, try a patterned shirt.
• Cargo pants/shorts: Casual bottoms provide a great foundation to the college man’s wardrobe. You can get away with wearing more dressy tops (e.g. sport shirts) without overstyling your outfit.
• Khakis: Look for flat-front pants in a color that flatters your skin tone. Generally, I find that sand colored khakis flatter more than the yellowed variety.
• Corduroy: Look for corduroy with a medium-size wale, as it’ll be more versatile over time.
• Sandals or flip flops: especially if you live on the West Coast.
• Polo shirts: For a more distinctive take on this collegiate classic, try an eye-catching color and/or a slimmer fit.
• T-Shirts: But beware of the career fair t-shirt…it’ll peg you as anti-fashion, and not in a trendy way.
• Sweaters: Have a few on hand in both crewneck and v-neck styles. For a more fashion forward look, go for a zip up.
• Casual Jacket: Try an interesting cut in a versatile color. One of my current favorites is a bomber-style jacket in black nylon.
• Overcoat: Especially in colder climates.
• Sneakers: If you’re not an athlete, look for sport sneakers with style, such as Adidas’ classic Samba shoe.
• A great-looking messenger bag or backpack.
• Blazer, Dress Shirts, Ties, Slacks and Formal Shoes: Have a couple of sets on hand for the social occasions that will inevitably arise—dorm dances, dates, and the like. Make sure to have more than one set of dress shirts and ties so that you won’t be “the guy with one set of clothes” when you review photos of your college life.
• A few good-looking pairs of PJs for when you roll out of bed and head straight to class.

College Packing Hotlist | Women's Edition

Your best bet for collegiate style: combine style with casual comfort by looking for special pieces in established categories like denim, knit shirts, and the like. The key is to purchase versatile pieces that will take you from your dorm to class to social events.

But what should you be packing for school? Look no further, and check back tomorrow for the men's packing list!

• Denim: A variety in different fits, washes, and colors will do you well. They’re a fashion staple for college and beyond.
• Knits: Knits are great for fitted casual tops, sweaters, and even skirts and dresses. Look for fashion forward cuts with interesting detailing. Cropped sweaters are and will be hot for Fall 05.
• Tank Tops/T-Shirts: Great for casual days, and you can dress them up or down depending on the situation. Look for fitted cuts in fashion forward colors, such as teal, white, and leafy green. Layered tees were very Summer 2004—to update the layered look, try mixing two knits with different textures.
• Camisoles: Perfect for dressing up jeans during the day, and they’re party-friendly as well.
• Flowy tops: For going out at night. One extremely common fashion formula: Flowy top + Jeans + Heels.
• Lightweight jacket(s): Cropped blazers, bomber jackets, etc.
• Overcoat: Especially in colder climates.
• Casual pants: Corduroy, cargo pants, cropped pants, etc. From Bermudas to Clamdiggers, cropped pants are not only fashion-forward, but also easily adaptable to a casual college wardrobe.
• Skirts: Mini, A-line, and Full skirts are preferred to the restrictive and formal pencil skirt. Many are found in casual fabrics, such as cotton or denim.
• Sundresses: A perfect daytime look. Wear with casual shoes so as to not overdress.
• Casual shoes: Chic sandals that are both flattering and walking-friendly. Stylish sneakers. Flip flops. Lots of flats.
• A few pairs of dressy shoes for going out.
• A great-looking messenger bag or backpack.
• Formal dresses: A few formal dresses for events like dorm dances and dates. Have one long dress and at least two shorter dresses.
• A few good-looking pairs of PJs for when get lazy and wear them to class.

Friday Fashion Hotlist | 8.19.05

Issue IX of the Friday Fashion Hotlist: a compilation of some of the cutest and coolest stuff Style Intelligence Report saw out there this week.

This week, we're mixing it up with a statement necklace for women and an affordable grey suit for men.

For women...

Palm Fruit Necklace | $128 at Anthropologie

Statement necklaces are in. Wooden beading, tribal influences, and multiple necklace strands are all big.

And for men...

Charcoal Wool Three-Button Suit Blazer | $325 at Banana Republic

No longer a symbol of conformity, grey suits are back. We love this suit from Banana Republic for its fabric (BR has access to some of Italy's best mills) and detailing (hand sewn buttons, three button cuff detailing, and multiple interior pockets). Find the matching pant for $148.

Trendscape: Creased Denim

Tired of flash-in-the-pan denim washes and jeans distressed to the point of unwearability? Style Intelligence Report is pleased to present a denim trend that's much more wearable: creased denim.

Think of your trouser pants, right after they come back from the dry cleaner. Clean, freshly pressed, with that nice crease running down the front of each leg. Creasing your jeans imparts a sense of the same formality that is embedded in your work clothes. And it's perfect for Casual Friday at more conservative workplaces.

How do you get the look?

1. Bring out your iron and ironing board. Turn on to medium heat.
   
2. Position your jeans on the board so that the center front of one of the legs is on the fold.
3. Slowly press the fold flat using the iron, moving from mid thigh down to the hem.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 with the other leg.

Easy, simple, and oh-so-chic.

Back to School: Collegiate Fashion Trends

More than anything, college style is all about looking good without looking like you’re trying too hard. And let's be realistic--chances are, you won't be going heavy on the Edwardian fashion or rock rebel chic clothes.

Luckily, collegiate fashion is In. Think preppy collared shirts, vests, and cardigans--and sporty chic track jackets, polos, and henley shirts.

What should you be wearing for a fresh, collegiate look? Whether or not you'll be attending classes this fall, Style Intelligence Report has the answer for you:

Men

• Sports-inspired items, like track jackets,
  
• Patterned sport shirts,
• Cardigans,
• Knit ties,
  
• Fitted polos,
• T-shirts over polo shirts (or sport shirts), and
  
• Denim, as usual.

Women

• Cropped anything: blazers, sweaters, and pants,
• Henley shirts (a casual nod to Nautical fashion),
  
• Cardigan sweaters,
• Vests,
  
• Premium denim: as the prices rise, the popularity of status denim only increases,
• Oversized sunglasses with square-shaped frames,
  
• Plaid and Tweed, and
  
• Sports-inspired items (e.g. track jackets, tennis tank tops).

For more information, check back next week for our back-to-school packing list. We'll drill down on Exactly what you'll want to have hanging in your closets.

Friday Fashion Hotlist | 8.12.05

Issue VIII of the Friday Fashion Hotlist: a compilation of some of the cutest and coolest stuff Style Intelligence Report saw out there this week.

This week, we're hot on accessories: a grosgrain belt for women, and classic canvas slip-ons for men.

For women...

Polka-Dot Grosgrain Belt | $28 at JCrew

Style Flash: Dots are hot. And this belt perfectly bridges the reigning stripe standard with a smattering of adorable dots.

And for men...

Vans Classic Slip Ons | $37 at Vans

We’ve been seeing these classic canvas shoes on the feet of stylemakers everywhere. Some may prefer the more fashion-forward wildly patterned look, but we’re opting for a more versatile solid color. Find both varieties at the Vans website.

Introducing...Profiles in Style | Tim A.

We've been scouring the Bay Area for fashion forward folks, and we're happy to introduce a new recurring feature highlighting these people's creativity and individual sense of style.

We're pleased to inaugurate "Profiles in Style" with Tim, an ensemble cast member in the San Francisco production of Wicked. And by the way--we Loved the show. If you're in the area, buy tickets. ASAP. They'll sell out fast.

Name: Tim A.
Occupation: Ensemble cast member in "Wicked," currently playing at SF's Orpheum Theatre.
Hometown: Los Angeles.
Style Philosophy: Casually dressy with a funky flair.
Wardrobe Staples: A closetful of jeans. Today, I'm wearing Parasuco jeans. I bought them in Toronto; they're not readily available in the States.
Where I Shop: Beverly Center, and a lot of small boutiques, like Jet Rag. I also like Diesel stores.
Last Words: Fashion doesn't always have to be uncomfortable.

Friday Fashion Hotlist | 8.5.05

Issue VII of the Friday Fashion Hotlist: a compilation of some of the cutest and coolest stuff Style Intelligence Report saw out there this week.

This week, we're keeping warm with the perfect summer-to-fall jacket for women and a motocross-inspired jacket for men.

For women...

Zoe Jacket | $99.50 at Abercrombie and Fitch

The medium weight of the jacket combined with the detatchable hoodie makes this the ultimate jacket for the summer to fall transition. Plus the pockets are really cute.

And for men...

“Can You Handle It” Biker Jacket | $69.99 at Kenneth Cole

The motocross styling on this lightweight jacket adds to its classic charm.

Working Days | Men’s Edition: Casual Friday

An outfit friendly to those with a casual workplace. For those with more conservative workplaces, save this one for Casual Friday.

Fashion Formula = Cardigan + Sport Shirt + Cargo Pants + Oxfords.

Pima Cotton Zip Cardigan | $59.50 at Banana Republic

Stimson Trail Shirt | $69.50 at Abercrombie and Fitch

AE Vintage Cargo | $39.50 at American Eagle

“Career Builder” Leather Oxford | $119.98 at Kenneth Cole

Trendscape: Grey Denim

Looks like the denim industry is using its head. After season upon season of complicated rinses and treatments, jeans are going grey this fall.

As the most sophisticated denim variety, grey denim has versatility, refinement, and a dose of cool. It instantly elevates an otherwise so-so outfit, whether you’re going out for groceries or going to a club. Integrate this versatile piece into your wardrobe by pairing it with anything and everything in your closet, especially your whites from spring and summer.

What’s the verdict? Grey matters.

Check out some of our favorites, from Yoox.com:

For men...

Neil Barrett Jeans | $55 at Yoox

Cloak Jeans | $74 at Yoox

For women...

Habitual Jeans | $58 at Yoox

Helmut Lang Jeans | $128 at Yoox