Fabulous in Rochester

ROCHESTER NATIVE & STYLE GURU COURTNEY WINSLOW TALKS FALL/WINTER FASHION.

PHOTOS BY ALEXANDRA ELISE HAIR BY SOOZ SALON

Fabulous in Rochester

The dilemma we are all toying with: I’m ready to be dressed up, but not so sure I’m ready to go out... or am I? As the fall trends started to roll in, it was wonderful to finally have that excited feeling about clothes again. I was like, “Yes! We’re back!” “Wait, we are back, aren’t we?” Then, I was all “Umm, oh, no, we aren’t back? Do I keep that floral gown? AHHH!” Man, this is confusing stuff. It’s hard to keep up with the latest news, but I can keep up with the latest fashions. So, I’m about to say something very, very important; come hell or high water, we are getting out of our sweatpants this year! Did you hear me? We are getting out of our sweatpants. I’m as terrified as you are. But it’s time to put down the tie dye, step away from the Crocs and leave the nap dress by the bed.

The Friends trend began in the summer, and this fall it’s catching on like the #FreeBritney movement. Y2K, ahhh I remember it fondly… low slung jeans, a cropped white baby tee, a grunge cardigan sweater slung over the shoulders and Doc Martens boots. Sweet on the outside, naughty on the inside. Slouchy denim is the new skinny jean. They are wide-leg, lower on the waist, lighter in color and way cooler than the mom jean. If you’re not ready to bare your midriff, I love pairing them with a tucked in chunky sweater or a button-up under a slim-cut blazer. Always wear with a choker necklace or a perfect gold band.

Bold prints are making fall groovier this year. Sets of brightlycolored patterns are going to swing right into winter for a fantastic holiday vibe. These coordinating (but not necessarily matching) colors, like marigold and bubblegum or cobalt and chocolate, make you want to break out in an Austin Powers dance ensemble. Look for amazing vintage pop-up shops on Etsy or Instagram for a true vintage piece. But don’t stop there with the vintage vibe; charm necklaces are fabulous with colorful stones and personal meanings. Try a mother-of-pearl compass from Mann’s to remind you where you’re headed layered with Grammy’s gold Nantucket basket to remind you where you’ve been.

Now that you’ve started to ween yourself off of your fancy silk PJs (we all know you pretended they were real clothes on your call with your boss), you may be feeling the urge for some power suit action. Girl bosses, this is your time to shine. Men’s suit styles are ’90s glam. Think oversized everything created with separates that can be used on multiple occasions. Layer a tailored jacket with a cool vest and wide-leg trouser for chic events. Leather loafers finish

off the look, with a chunky heel and a penny for your bank. It’s femininity, Sharon Stone style. Watch out, boys, she’ll need a very dirty martini to show off her rose-cut cocktail ring.

Now that I have properly laid the groundwork, the sweats must come off. I know. This is scary. But I have a cozy yet more “get the hell off the couch” acceptable option. Knits! This includes everything from après ski afternoons by the fire with a colorful Fair Isle pattern to a cape for nighttime that doubles as a blanket (wish they came heated!). You can find very comfortable and stretchy sweater dresses as well as oversized tops to take you from home office calls to inperson meetings. Add some XXL diamond studs, a pair of over-the-knee slouchy boots and pull your hair back in a bun to take this to Rose Tavern for a nice fall night by the lake.

This beautiful life was meant to be lived. Get dressed up for no reason,

Diamond studs, choose your size and setting, from $220.

Ring with 7.96ct emerald and diamonds in platinum, $66,000. and get jeweled because it gives you something magical to find wonder in. Get lost in a pavé pool of diamonds surrounding the most gorgeous emerald you have ever seen. You can feel the strength of the stone radiate through you, turning that magic into reality. Share your gratitude and joy of life by giving time and presence to those in need. Every damn day.

That’s really living the good life. Enjoy, my loves.

Cheers.