Summer's Ethnic Styles -- for Fall
If gypsy-inspired pieces topped your summer to-wear list, you'll be happy to know that come fall, you don't have to stash these togs in the back of your closet. In fact, it's easy to take ethnic summer items into autumn. Here's how.
The Peasant Skirt
To make this summer-perfect item look right for fall, try pairing it with cozy, rugged pieces. Choose an oversized sweater in a chunky knit. Go for a rich fall color, such as chocolate brown, rust, or moss green. Your sweater should have a slouchy silhouette. Then add textured tights in a color that complements your sweater. For feet, experiment with a pair of stacked-heel boots in a rich mahogany or camel-colored leather. Accessory-wise, complete the look with a felt hat with a wide brim, and gold hoop earrings.
The Tunic
This was the summer of the tunic. And while it looked great layered over a swimsuit and or paired with capris, it also works fabulously with skinny jeans for a chic but comfortable weekend look. To up the ethnic flair, pair it with piles of bangles and dangly earrings. Beaded ballet slippers will work before it gets too frosty; then try a pair of weathered cowboy-inspired boots when the snow starts.
The Ethnic Accessories
Summer's big accessories had a raw, ethnic feel, and included wooden and shell beads with gold accents. For fall, these pieces are still strong -- in fact, they match nature's palette. To wear them, you can go two ways: Pair with fall's ethnic prints or go for contrast and pair with tailored pieces. With ethnic prints, try a beaded necklace over a large-print dress or wide-sleeved top. For a more tailored look (and one that's attention-grabbing, thanks to the contrast), try oversized beads over a turtleneck and boot-cut wool pants, worn with flat boots and a top-handle tote. Or add gold-tone beaded earrings to a slim, feminine suit. What's more, fall's own accessories have an ethnic flair. Look for metal and wooden cuff bracelets and oversized pendants and beads in warm fall shades of orange and brown. These items look great over classic jeans, turtleneck, and boots for the weekend; or peeking out of a wide-sleeved blouse or from under a tailored blazer for the workday.






