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I’ve always thought pinstripe fabric was reserved for office suits, blazers and pencil skirts—but there are some new fashion trends that are making me think again. I gathered five unique approaches to the sophisticated fabric that may just make you think outside the lines, as well.

1. A Pinstripe Coat
Sure, those little tailored jackets that perfectly match your pants are nothing new, but this pinstripe coat from Zara is an entirely different idea. It has a tough edge and manages to look impossibly cool with cropped pants and ankle-boots. Plus, it’s way warmer than your go-to blazer.

2. Pinstripe Draw-String Pants
Yes, you read that right. I’m talking drawstring pinstripes. I loved Stella McCartney’s clever combination of the meeting-worthy motif with a cozy jogging fit. Cuts down on a lot of complex construction pressure, too, doesn’t it?

3. Pinstripe Shorts
It’s no longer summer, but a proper pair of shorts like these would look both business appropriate and super stylish when worn with tights and pumps. Bonus points if you make a matching topper for a darling short-suit.

4. A Boxy Pinstripe Tee
A basic top like this ASOS shell is not only a breeze to make, it’s a great way to funkify the classic pattern. Lengthen the sleeves or lower the neckline, just hold onto that boxy fit for a street styler vibe.

5. An Asymmetrical Skirt
If pinstripes are all about being orderly, mix things up with an asymmetrical hem like this Salvatore Ferragamo wool skirt. This can be applied to blazers, blouses and shirtdresses to give things an artistic touch.

Chime in! Which creative pinstripe fabric style is your favorite?

With the ’90s revival in full force, it shouldn’t surprise you that denim fabrics are everywhere right now. And I’m not just talking blue jeans! From chambray button-ups to shirtdresses and skirts, the heavy-duty fabric is actually quite versatile. While we all tremble in horror at the memory of Justin and Britney’s matching denim suits, there is a way to get design-happy with the on-trend fabric while not going overboard.

Here are some tips that promise chic results with denim fabrics:

1. Go for simple silhouettes.

This T-shirt dress from TopShop is a prime example, not to mention it’s so very Alexa Chung in its street style savvy. Plus, how easy would this be to sew? You’d hardly need a pattern.

2. Remember, little details go a long way.

Check out the simple ruffle on this ASOS dress. It’s minimal while making a big impact due to the weight of the textile. In other words, there’s no need to get intricate, pick a focal point and try pleats, pintucks, or gathers for standout results.

3. Don’t forget, denim can be delicate.

This fitted Modcloth top demonstrates just that all while sticking to the aforementioned rules. There’s nothing heavy about it, it’s flirty and feminine.

4. You don’t have to stick to plain blue.

Denim comes in fun prints like this Shop Ruche dress, it can be bright red or pastel pink, bleached or stonewashed black.

5. Try unconventional designs.

Jeans and jean jackets might be your first instinct, but they’re a dime a dozen in stores and a huge constructional feat. Think outside the box with sweet circle skirts, or even nostalgic pinafores (remember what I said about that whole ‘90s thing?).

6. Use denim accent pieces.

Sleeves, pockets, collars and cuffs can all be made to contrast your main fabric. This cashmere sweater joins soft with structured in one of the most unique ways possible.

What do you think, will you be infusing denim into your future creations?

We’ve all seen it, animal print fabric can range from frightfully tacky to amazingly stylish. So what are the defining elements of success? How do we avoid Snooki and shoot for Heidi Klum? And how do we implement this into our next creations?

There are three rules for success: classy cuts, classy lengths and classy fits. Leopard print takes on a whole new personality when it’s in the form of a tight body-con dress versus a sleek sheath.

Here are five key things to keep in mind:

1. For dresses or skirts, choose patterns with hemlines no shorter than a few inches above the knee.
2. If you pick a stretchy fabric, allow some extra comfort room to avoid any cling.
3. Opt for sleeves—either cap, ¾ length, or full will make your dress or top office-to-cocktail appropriate.
4. Try draping! Elegantly draped, pleated or layered fabric automatically has a high-end feel.
5. Keep accessories in mind. Belts, statement necklaces, embellished purses and even tights have the power to up the style ante.

Here are some examples of supremely elegant animal print fabric in stores now:

So what’s the verdict, are you going to give the wild trend a go?

Cotton flannel fabric is generally reserved for cuddly pajamas—cue those winter time memories of hot chocolate by the fire—but this year the fabric is getting a makeover.

As summer neared an end, we started to see a heavy dose of plaid in stores and on the most fashionable celebrities (think Gwen Stefani and Victoria Beckham). Then New York Fashion Week came in a flurry and delivered more inspiration for the classic print. In other words, there’s no better time to cozy up to some cotton flannel fabric for both your high-style and low-key apparel needs.

A simple button-up can be paired with a tweed skirt for an office-worthy ensemble like these sets from Brooks Brothers and J.Crew.

Lengthen that pattern to create a blousy shirtdress like this tie-waist number from GAP. Wear it with boots for a cute country twist or brown ballet flats for a city-chic feel—it could easily become your errand-running weekend staple.

And who doesn’t love the no-fuss fabulosity of a one-piece like this Harvey Faircloth romper? The brilliance of this (aside from the total avoidance of having to think about matching in the morning) is it can be pulled off by you or made micro for your niece.

But hey, let’s not forget that cotton flannel doesn’t only come in the form of lines and checkers. This floral Elizabeth and James blazer breaks all the rules and voids any preconceptions about the limitations of the fabric. You can get even more creative by mixing and matching prints and textures like this Free People top.

So when you’re stocking up on your cold weather fabrics this round, keep these fun all-season ideas in mind, especially the cotton flannel fabric!

If you adore vintage clothing as much as I do, you probably also have an affinity for corduroy fabric. GAP brings back the trend every few years, but it doesn’t have quite the same retro vibe on a pair of skinny jeans. The touchable textile looks cutest in the silhouettes of the ‘60s and ‘70s—I’m talking pinafores and bell-bottoms.

That being said, it’s also important it feels modern and not even slightly costume-y. Fortunately, my internet shopping skills discovered some totally wearable non-Halloweeny implementations of the textured fabric.

First up: Free People’s flares. I adore the saturated mulberry and evergreen hues! Bring out your inner boho babe like Vanessa Hudgens or Nicole Richie by creating a similar look. Long layered pendant necklaces would take things to the next level.

More into the mod movement than the hippie fest? ASOS’ cord dress with a simple A-line silhouette will make you flip. Darling, right?

And don’t be afraid to try some embellishments on the rich fabric, some beading or embroidery will give any item extra depth and an authentic vintage look. This shift dress from Paul and Joe Sister is an excellent example of just that.

The easiest way to break into using corduroy fabric, however, is with a skirt like this can’t-look-away Kenzo creation or this sweet high-waist circle design from Urban Outfitters. These would be basic yet unique pieces to add to your wardrobe.

Are you a fan of corduroy fabric? Do you have a favorite cord item from your closet’s history?

Fall is coming, fall is coming! Sure, it’s just the beginning of September, and most of the country will be basking in warm weather well into next month, but this is precisely the time of year I start aching for cooler days. Why? I crave layering up in cozy clothes, I want to bust out my favorite boots, and really, how many times can I keep wearing the same sundresses? Excitingly, New York Fashion Week is around the corner, which signifies new trends and new excuses to start plotting a wardrobe revival.

Luckily, you and I can makeover our closets with one single piece: a new coat. Lightweight or heavy duty, this staple can easily infuse chic sophistication into everyday ensembles. And hey, when you’ve got the skills (and some quality wool fabric!) you can make one inspired by the latest high-end designs at a fraction of the price.

In my pre-season anticipation I picked out a few inspiring wool coats.

In the mood for mod? Take note of Marni’s black and red plaid number—and mark my words, this classic print will be given new life these next few months! Quotation’s “Walter Coat” has a similar vibe with a bolder pattern and also happens to look incredibly cozy.

Military influence will also be big, so look no further than Burberry’s structured design with leather accents and gold buttons to get that army look.

Want to feel you stepped out of the Vogue offices? Gorgeous neutrals with luxe textures will do the trick! Just take a peek at Joseph’s belted robe coat or this heather gray topper from Theysken’s Theory.

If you’re dying to replicate that artsy home crafted vibe instead, you’ll adore BB Dakota’s Aztek wrap.

Which style is your favorite? When will you be loading up on your favorite wool fabrics?