Fall Looks Are Front and Center

Bulky Layers (above left). Layer a chunky sweater with a cape or trench coat for a cozy-goes-chic look. Proportion, however, is key; keep your bottom half slender if you pile on up top. Dark, slender trousers and high-heel booties contrast and balance the looseness of the sweater and coat. – outfit from Ann Taylor

Animal Print (above right). Whether it’s ablouse subtly tucked under a leather bomber jacket or a bold printed handbag, animal prints have gone wild this season. Although cheetah-prints are the most popular, leopard, zebra and tiger motifs are also gaining favor.
– outfit from Ann Taylor

By Baileigh Johnson
photographs by Rafael Tongol

Layers, length, cheetah-prints and neutrals with pops of red were front and center during this year’s Mall at Millenia Orlando Fashion Week.

With outfits assembled by Melanie Pace, the mall’s resident stylist, and hosted by celebrity stylist and cast member of E!’s Fashion Police, George Kotsiopoulos, the event’s signature runway shows included fall offerings from Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Cache, GUESS, Lucky Brand, Macy’s and others.

One of the fashion shows benefited Runway to Hope, a not-for-profit that supports families impacted by pediatric cancer. Here are some of the hottest looks from the runway, along with tips on how to wear the season’s must-haves.

Ponchos and Tights (above left). Ponchos are another layering technique for dressing up or dressing down. Pair a poncho with tights, which aren’t just for keeping warm anymore. Choose blacks and dark neutrals for a professional look, or go funkier with bright colors and printed pairs.  — outfit from Ann Taylor

Muted Colors (above center). Summer is all about embracing color. Fall, however, is time to step back and let the garment speak for itself with seductive, muted colors. Dulling down the palette plays up details such as ruffles, pleats, stitching and fabric.   –  outfit from Caché

Booties & Belts (above right). When piling on layers, be careful not to sacrifice shape. To avoid a square look, cinch outfits together with a belt. Play with size, color and texture. As for the feet, it’s all about booties. Peep-toe, patent leather and studded details – nothing is off limits. — outfit from Ann Taylor

Tweed (above left). Fall brings a need for tweed. Once reserved for the office or Ivy League professors, tweed is making its way out of the faculty lounge and into the closets of fashionistas. Pair with cropped trousers and heels for a night out, or with dark-wash, skinny jeans and ballet flats for a trip to the grocery store.  — outfit from Caché

Pop of Red (above center). Scarlet, crimson and vermilion have caught fire this fall. Bright reds can impact any outfit – and you don’t need to don a head-to-toe cherry jumpsuit to get the desired effect. Nail polish, a swipe of lipstick or a structured handbag are all you need.  — outfit from Macy’s

Longer Hem Lines (above right). Fall is the perfect time to sacrifice leg for length. Try a full-floor maxi or a length that just grazes your calves. Choose from among a straight-cut, an A-line and a full silhouette. Calf-length skirts are best with heels, while maxi skirts are flat-accessible.  — outfit from Macy’s