While in New York for Mercedes Benz Fashion week recently, I took some photographs of some of the fashionable folks who attend this twice-yearly style summit.  We all know that it’s tricky to dress for winter weather, but the ladies and gents that I’m going to feature here in the next two weeks were all able to pull together unique, fashion-forward ensembles, despite the murky meteorologist reports. Why? Because they know the key elements necessary for great style!  That doesn’t mean expensive, just thoughtful. I knew it would be a great opportunity for me to share and reiterate with all of you just what components are needed to create incomparable style. Let’s break it down. Every great outfit is composed of three things: color, texture, and pattern. That’s it. I guarantee it! So let’s take a closer look at the movers and shakers who make a daily business out of fashion and style.

Seeing Spots

You just can’t go wrong with a statement coat!  Here we have a very sleek trapeze coat done in faux leopard that zips up the front. It has an interesting portrait-type collar and leather details on the pockets and zipper. She definitely looks cool, but notice that everything else she’s wearing is a supporting player to that fabulous fur!  The coat brings in the texture, pattern, and color in one swoop!  Her black leather leggings, black leather bag, oversized shades, and Mary Jane pumps with a leopard vamp complement without being matchy-matchy.  She looks like a rock star, in the very best of ways ...

Doing Denim

Chic layering isn’t that hard to achieve for the well informed.  Here we have some simple items that when combined, create this casual, yet flirty and fun look.  A basic black cowl neck sweater in black lays the groundwork for the bronze, floral patterned metallic textured skirt. I LOVE the denim jacket as a blazer or cardigan here, that is truly thinking outside the box! Topping it all off is a vintage fur coat in a light beige color that lightens the mood, but still keeps her warm. Black handbag, black tights and ankle boots complete her super cool and stylish look! 

Sweater Girl

Here we see a gal whose leading with her textured boucle’ sweater!  She has toned down the pattern of her skinny leopard jeans here, by keeping the rest of her outfit simple and chic. Fur collared coat thrown casually over her shoulders keeps it classy, while her chandelier earrings, and Chanel brooch add a dressy quality. I like that she thought of her up-do hairstyle with headband as a compliment to this look. Her other accessories are a black leather handbag and classic pointy toe pumps. (They are making a big comeback, after all the years of platforms and wedges, so make sure to look at Goodwill and see if you can find some.)  This is casual glamour done in the right way! 

Now that you know how to break down stylish ensembles piece by piece, the next time you go to Goodwill, keep in mind my simple rules for style. You’ll see what color, texture and pattern can do to transform ordinary clothes into extraordinary fashion!