This season marks the return of bold, bright colors. And with fun and flouncy layers - from blazers to ponchos, and yes, even capes - an absolute must-have for every woman's wardrobe, it's easy to add a little pizzazz to even the most basic ensemble. Thanks to a standard from American National Standards Institute (ANSI) member and audited designator ASTM International, brightly dyed garments can remain vibrant and eye-catching all autumn long. ASTM D5548-05e2, Standard Guide for Evaluating Color Transfer or Color Loss of Dyed Fabrics in Laundering (Not Suitable for Detergent or Washing Machine Rankings) , covers the evaluation of dyestuff color transfer or color loss from dyed fabrics.
For the gents, a well-tailored suit is de rigueur for a dapper look. This season, slate greys are taking preference over dark black and navy blue hues, but no matter what color you choose, ASTM D3780-02(2008) has you covered. ASTM D3780-02(2008), Standard Performance Specification for Men's and Boys' Woven Dress Suit Fabrics and Woven Sportswear Jacket, Slack, and Trouser Fabrics, outlines performance specs for men's and boys' woven dress suit fabrics, as well as woven fabrics for sportswear jackets, slacks, and trousers.
Versatile and always en vogue, leather is always a fall staple for men's and women's jackets, skirts, shoes, and satchels. For help in selecting the right leather to create the desired design and silhouette, designers can look to ISO 14931:2004, Leather -- Guide to the selection of leather for apparel (excluding furs) , a standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The standard was developed by ISO Technical Committee (TC) 120, Leather, Subcommittee (SC) 2, Tanned leather, with ASTM International administering the ANSI-accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group to both committees.
If there's just one thing to keep in mind this fall, it's accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! The right accessory is often all that's needed to change up an outfit and bring together the perfect look. For men, this may mean swapping in an ascot in lieu of a striped tie; for women, donning a silk woven scarf à la Jackie O. Either way, ASTM makes it easy with ASTM D3785-02(2008), Standard Performance Specification for Woven Necktie and Scarf Fabrics, which details performance specifications for woven necktie and scarf fabrics made of any textile fiber.
And for those who may be a little more daring, fashion eyewear can be a fun way to pull together a smart look. ANSI Z80.3-2010, Nonprescription Sunglass and Fashion Eyewear Requirements, applies to all nonprescription sunglasses and fashion eyewear used for casual, dress, and recreational purposes. This American National Standard was developed by ANSI-Accredited Standards Committee Z80 (ASC Z80), which is administered by the Vision Council.