Starting to wonder where the love is?
After seasons of hypersexuality -- tough chic, fetish faves like corsets, super steamy ads -- frothy fashion has been scarce.
But this fall, designers from Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent to Oscar de la Renta are opting for romantic ruffles, lace, sheer and off-the-shoulder blouses.
Despite the recent emphasis on hard-edged looks, fashion never wanders too far from feminine wiles: pink, large flowers, girlie sundresses and ladylike suits were hot just a blink ago.
Dreamy styles may help us transcend the boredom or difficulty that we face everyday (in a way sensible pumps and a string of pearls never will).
After all, we read romance fiction for the fantasy, which makes the genre account for more than one-half of all paperback fiction sold, according to Becci Davis, About's Guide to Romance Fiction.
"Romance fiction will always give the reader the promise of a happy and/or fulfilled ending for the main character," she said. "Not a lot of fiction today provides a happy or encouraging ending to a story and in a world of increasing violence and strife, a happy ending is very welcome."
If you want to incorporate romance into more than just your wardrobe, Davis suggests doing something special or good for yourself.
"If you like flowers, a single flower in a vase beside your bed can be a wonderful wake up. Candles give a warm soothing feeling...the key is to do something that makes you (or a loved one) feel special," she said."Romance is all about attitude!"
Incorporating soft looks into wardrobe can be as simple as changing a blouse or camisole. Here's how to wear the romantic trend right:
Tips
-An easy way to tenderize your stuffy suits: wear a lace camisole underneath.
-Dotted pantyhose are a super-sweet way to make even leather skirts more girlie.
-Wear ruffles in places you want to emphasize (yes, some designers thoughtlessly put them
on derrieres!): around your face, your wrists, hemlines.
-Play against opposites: mix frilly looks with a razored bob and clean face. Or wear a
tweed coat with a vintage slip peeking out and lush lips and curly hair. Whatever you do,
don't go head-to-toe romance (ruffles and lace with curled hair, blushed cheeks and lips
-- too Scarlett O'Hara)
Key Looks
-Sheers, lace or vintage-y blouses or dresses.
-Anything ruffled -- tops, coats, skirts.
-Hard and soft: romantic blouses with jeans or tailored pants.
-Boots with everything keep the look from being too froufrou.
-Blushed cheeks, plum lips and soft curls give you a romantic beauty edge with more
severe clothing styles.
