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Must-have items for the fall

Fashion on the Street: Dominique Rivas. (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

American fashion insiders say there are six items everyone should have in their closet this autumn.

If you’re looking to be on trend, now’s the time to look for a classic pinstripe blazer, black leather messenger bag, a white fringed leather purse, tartan dress, tartan print sunglasses and a leather jacket.

But which of those made the list for Bermuda’s fashionistas?

A white fringed purse and leather jacket fit the bill for La-Keisha Darrell.

“Fringe is definitely in for fall,” the 41-year-old said. “It’s really a boho chic kind of flavour. I also like that with a leather jacket; it’s almost a classic. You can dress it up or down.

“You can wear it casual, but even over an evening gown if you find the right style of jacket. I know when I’m going somewhere formal I don’t always want to wear fur or a shawl.

“I think a leather jacket isn’t your average expectation with fashion. So it adds a little bit of a surprise.”

She described her style as trendy chic.

“Comfort is important, but I also like style,” she said. “I’m more fashion forward, but kind of scale that back for work because I like to be dressed appropriately.

“Normally if I’m out, or it’s the weekend, I like to accessorise a bit more. I’m more of a risqué fashionista, but for work I keep my accessories to a minimum and keep it more plain.”

She gets her inspiration from fashion magazines like Cosmopolitan, Vogue and In Style, although family members also carry some influence.

“From when I was young I just remember I always liked to dress well, so I think my mom and my grandmother had an influence on me growing up. They both have good style,” she said.

Carly Scotton, 25, said she’d also get the most wear out of a leather jacket.

“It’s gorgeous and I can use it all the time and can put it on with a lot of different things,” the bank case manager said. “It’s the one thing that you can afford to spend a little money on.

“I bought a Diesel one from Stefanel when I was 17 and it’s still in really great shape. I wear it every winter. It’s really good quality.”

Mrs Scotton said she dressed quite traditionally for work, but included a bit of her own style.

“For work it’s quite classic in the sense that I stay away from wearing pieces that are trendy and which go out of style quickly,” she said.

“I want pieces that will last a little while. The boho element comes in through my everyday look. It’s not flashy and more laid back.”

Dominique Rivas, 29, couldn’t decide whether she was most likely to fork out for a pinstriped blazer or a fringed purse.

“I’d probably wear the pinstriped blazer with a pair of cut up jeans, stilettos and a white ‘wife beater’ underneath. That would be a casual Friday, happy-hour-type look. I also feel with a blazer you can dress it up and dress it down, so it will get a lot of wear. I also like the fringed bag. One, because the colour white isn’t one you would typically see in winter, so it’s different. It would definitely pop.

“I know some people are very conservative and don’t wear white after Labour Day. I wear white and neon at any time of the year. I also like the fringe detail.

“Most people are scared of something like that because it’s different. For me if I know that most people won’t go towards it, I will.”

The corporate lawyer said her style tends to be chic and vintage-inspired, but also versatile. She loves to wear heels, but might also be caught out in a pair of Jays on occasion.

“I figure if you’re going to do it you might as well do it big,” she said. “You never know who’s watching you so you always want to look good.”

IT professional Aruna Lolljee said her style tends to be more “modern”.

“It’s a mix of pieces so I might mix something classic with things that are a little more up to date to give it an edge,” the 38-year-old said.

“Back when I lived in the UK, I would get a lot of fashion inspiration from magazines and seeing people and what they were wearing, but that doesn’t happen so much here in Bermuda.”

She said she just bought one of the must-have items on the list — a leather jacket.

“It’s classic and it just goes with everything,” she said.

Fashion on the Street: La-Keisha Darrell. (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
This fringed leather purse has been labelled one of six perfect items for autumn, by fashion insiders.
Fashion on the Street: Dominique Rivas. (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Another hot trend for this season? The pinstriped blazer. Fashion insiders suggest pairing it with a bright turtleneck for a statement.
Fashion on the Street: Carly Scotton. (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Fashion on the Street: Aruna Lolljee. (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
You can’t go wrong with leather in the autumn — so suggest fashion insiders.