For a stylist-turned-designer whose name is synonymous with over-the-top glamour, Rachel Zoe just unveiled a surprisingly subdued lineup for her Fall 2019 Rachel Zoe Collection. While her signature smattering of sequins still made an appearance, she mostly chose to communicate luxury through languid tailoring, baroque-inspired prints, and a rich palette of ochre, crimson and Prussian blue.
"For fall I was inspired by Italian women, and their strong and unapologetically feminine style" says Zoe. With options ranging from sashed jumpsuits to suede wide-leg trousers and burnout velvet, the collection doesn't shy away from glamour, but rather embraces it with a quieter confidence. Take for example the cropped, color-blocked jacket paired with coordinated suede, wide-leg trousers — a look that blends a hint of '80s decadence with modern versatility, and would provide a welcome palette cleanser amidst a sea of cocktail dresses. Or the slinky, long sleeved satin jumpsuit with peaked shoulders and a plunging neckline that exudes the kind of sexiness that seems completely intrinsic. Since no homage to Italian style would be complete without animal print, Zoe incorporated lashings of zebra and leopard. "Personally I'll wear a head-to-toe zebra print suit any day of the week, but I've given my woman a range of options," says the designer who admits others may feel more comfortable with a voluminous leopard print blouse or maxi dress. The best iteration comes in the form of a degrade leopard jacket styled over a midi dress and ankle boots. Here, a few of the best looks, along with styling suggestions for those of us who aren't Italian bombshells by nature.
The Animal-Print Update
The enduring nature of leopard print is due in large part to its versatility. This ombre style is a fun twist on the classic print, while still offering a more playful alternative to the ubiquitous black and navy outerwear that is traditional for fall. Wear it with a striped Breton tee and corduroy trousers for a unique Saturday ensemble.
The Statement Jacket
The return of jacket weather is the silver lining of the dark cloud that is the end of summer. A buttery suede version with a color-blocked, geometric design is the kind of standout statement you'll reach for all season. While we like it paired with suede bottoms, it will look stunning with the structured satin trousers that have already been seen in countless Fall 2019 collections or layered over a midi dress for cocktail hour.
The Evening Ensemble
When it comes to evening dressing, the less fussy the better. The eye-catching neckline of this jumpsuit provides ample interest, while the simplicity of the design effectively translates to "put it on and go"! Keep hair and makeup minimal and skip the jewelry for a thoroughly effortless take on glamour.
The Baroque Essential
It's no secret that Baroque is big for fall, but where many collections feel stiff and structured, this interpretation is more carefree. It would look stunning under a robe coat in say, dove grey, but can be styled casually with a chunky, oversized knit and lug-soled boots. With today's unpredictable seasons, versatile items like this dress are worth their weight in gold.
