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Ms Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, touched down in Seattle, Washington, last Tuesday for a week-long state visit.

The couple have been married for 28 years and have a 23-year-old daughter, Ms Xi Mingze, a Harvard graduate who studied psychology and English. Ms Peng was born in Shandong and rose to fame as a folk singer.

While her husband was busy with political talks, she visited the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle and the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington.

While the media frequently compares Ms Peng's wardrobe to that of Mrs Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States, Ms Peng's style is the more formal and conservative of the two.

She incorporates Chinese design details into her outfits, occasionally donning a cheongsam or mandarin collar. Most of the time, though, the 53-year-old wears sharply tailored blazers over formal dresses australia in neutral colours and patterns for official state events.

Accessories and embellishments are kept to a minimum, although she is partial to a pair of pearl earrings, which she shows off by sweeping her hair into an elegant bouffant. Ms Peng, who appeared in Vanity Fair's International Best-Dressed List two years ago, particularly likes to highlight her waist with figure-hugging blazers or by belting up over her jackets.

And unlike the more fashion-forward Mrs Obama, Ms Peng rarely discloses the brands or labels she wears.

Nevertheless, she has earned a reputation for being stylish, thanks to her outfits by reclusive Chinese designer Ma Ke.

On the other hand, Mrs Obama has been spotted wearing gowns by designers such as Jason Wu and Vera Wang on numerous occasions. She wore a sexy black fitted off-shoulder gown with a tulle flounce by Wang for the White House state dinner last Friday. At the same dinner, Ms Peng chose to cover up in a long-sleeved teal-blue gown.

The South China Morning Post declared Ms Peng had "turn(ed) on the style" for the dinner, while Mrs Obama's gown "stole the show", according to New York magazine's fashion and style section The Cut.

Not to be outdone by her American counterpart, the Chinese First Lady was a picture of elegance during her US trip with her power uniform of skirt suits and ramrod-straight posture.

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This fall, formal dresses will be all about the details. From color and sheer skirts to illusion bodices and floral details, brides will be wearing intricate works of art.

But even amid such finery, emphasizing femininity will continue to be key for designers and brides, said Mia Antalics, owner of Garnish, a bridal boutique in Ruxton Station in Towson, Md.

"Sex appeal is part of bridal," said Antalics. "A woman doesn't get to wear gowns like this every day. She can show curves that she wouldn't regularly wear. I'm open to all of it ... from the plunging fronts or backs to the close silhouettes of the crepe fabric and colors, I love it."

Betsy Robinson, owner of Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection in Pikesville, Md., described the coming fall offerings as beautiful and feminine.

"The dresses were very pretty this season," said Robinson, who, like Antalics, recently visited New York City for International Bridal Fashion Week, where they purchased dresses that they will sell this fall.

Look for these trends in bridal fashion:

Color

White remains quite popular but color is making a breakthrough. Antalics loved all the color that designers used throughout their collections, especially traditional silhouettes reimagined in modern hues.

"Seeing designers bring in color is a great way to complete their collection," she said. "You see an assortment of lace, beaded details and texture. When they incorporate color, it is a happy medium of all those things. It is a nice way to balance everything out."

Pearls

The trend first popularized by actress Lupita Nyong'o in her Calvin Klein pearl-encrusted dress at the Oscars has crept into the bridal market.

"It does seem that pearls are having a comeback," Ripple said. "I'm very much in favor of that. I think that if pearls are done tastefully and in the right size, that will stay."

Plunging bodices

Antalics said she was happy to see an emphasis on plunging necklines and illusion bodices. She also liked the concept of placing appliques and embellishments along the front of the dress.

"It's allowing the brides' details to be front and center as opposed to the back," she said. "The detailing is amazing. They're using encrusted stone, lace and floral appliques along the necklines. I think it's beautiful."

Sheer skirts

Sheer is not only featured along the bodice and neckline. Designers are adorning their skirts with see-through fabrics. Rivini, Herrera, Oscar de la Renta and Lhuillier all have dresses with barely-there material.

Robinson was also impressed by the use of soft English/French tulle — a look that many designers showcase. But she warned about it looking too sexy. "There's a fine line between a pretty wedding dress and it looking too lingerie," she said.

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We're used to seeing trendy, must-have items selling out at fashion-girl favorites like Reformation and Zara — each season, there's that one dress, coat, or matching set that seems like every twentysomething girl in New York City is wearing it. We were more taken aback, though, when we heard that this little black dress, by a brand called MM.LaFleur, has racked up a 900-person — and counting — waiting list. Sure, an LBD is a staple for many women (especially in the classic wrap-dress silhouette), but why is this particular frock, called the Tory, selling out as if it's this season's version of a Mansur Gavriel bucket bag?

If you haven't heard of MM.LaFleur, here's some background: The brand was founded in 2013 by Sarah LaFleur, a former finance consultant who set out to make dressing for work more fun. Indeed, if you're working in a corporate environment with a strict dress code, it's difficult to build a work wardrobe that doesn't drain you of inspiration. Unlike other trendy touches, like fun embellishments and unconventional color combinations, the design details of this dress might go unnoticed by unobservant clients, but will get you snaps from your fellow fashion people (note: that fold-over hemline, slim half-shoulder, and wrap bodice).

According to MM.LaFleur's site, the $235 Tory dress is "crafted from a highly breathable, wrinkle-resistant, eco-friendly crêpe from Osaka, Japan, has a satiny interior that will keep you cool all year-round. Bonus: The wrap is secured and lined, so there's no risk of an in-office wardrobe malfunction." We're all about a breathable dress that doesn't wrinkle, and while this may not turn you into the office fashion plate overnight, it's a hardworking item you'll undoubtedly get plenty of wear out of.

According to Business Insider, the dress is sold out of sizes 2, 6, and 10, and those who order it now can expect to receive it by early October. We've reached out to MM.LaFleur for further insight as to why this particular style has caught on like crazy, and we'll update with any additional info.

In the meantime, there are plenty of similar dresses to meet your conservative wrap-dress needs — shop some of our picks ahead (or, you know, suit yourself and wait for this one until next month).

Tory Hoen, Editor-In-Chief at MM.LaFleur, clued us in with some more insight on the sought-after frock, stating "Word of mouth was what put MM.LaFleur on the map back in 2013, and it continues to be the biggest driver of business for us. The Tory became a 'cult favorite' among in-the-know customers, and the word spread from there.

"Blogger Anh Sundstrom of 9 To 5 Chic did a post featuring the Tory, which definitely drove some traffic and helped us tap into the San Francisco-based audience. Our first run was 75 [dresses]. We quickly did a second run of 135. We are currently planning our next round of production to meet the off-the-charts demand we've seen."

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I think we can all collectively agree that runway trends aren’t always wearable. Actually, the vast majority are completely impractical for real life.

Last I checked, most of us non-supermodels live fast-paced lives unsuitable for sashaying about in enormous muppet-inspired coats or dresses adorned with twenty pounds of freshwater pearls. However, that’s not to say we can’t adapt trends to suit our daily lives or simply identify those that are actually wearable. They do, in fact, exist!

Stay on the forefront of fashion without tripping over your floor length skirt with these eight realistic fall fashion trends that seamlessly blend functionality and style.

Simple and stylish, chunky knits might seem pedestrian but we saw them all over the catwalk, including at Altuzarra and Prabal Gurung. The low-maintenance trend looks great with your favourite pair of jeans or paired with a sexy side slit pencil skirt. Add an additional topper like a gilet or a cocoon coat for a chic and polished fall ensemble.

picture: QueenieAustralia formal dresses plus size

This '70s trend has been around for several consecutive seasons, proving its versatility. Fall 2015 saw the wide-leg cropped pants in heavier fabrics like wool, tweed and leather. It’s an easy silhouette to master and the exaggerated legs means it’s likely to be comfortable. An easy way to create a balanced shape is to pair them with a slightly fitted top and add a heeled bootie for those milder fall days.

This is a trend all Canadians can get behind. Both minimalist and ornate puffer coats were seen on the runways of Fendi and Rag & Bone. Given the frigid temperatures, you probably already own one. If not, there’s no shortage of trendy utilitarian puffer coats you can pick up in time for the cold weather. Mix it up by wearing the athletic coat with a knit skirt and thigh high boots.

Plaid is back again for fall and despite its bold demeanour, the classic print is easy to style. A pair of plaid trousers teams well with a solid black turtleneck or a slouchy knit in a neutral colour. Alternatively, seek out a plaid pencil skirt that’s perfect for the office. Double plaid is made easy with a matching trouser and blazer set.

Turtlenecks have seen a revival and the newest way to wear it is under a dress. Another on-trend option is to attempt a sleek monochromatic look by pairing greys in different textures and tones.

The simplest way to wear fall florals is in dress form. The '70s are back in vogue, which means a floral dress in a swingy silhouette paired with knee-high boots and a fall jacket are completely on-trend and weather appropriate.

We’re not talking about Juicy Couture velour tracksuits here. This fall, the most touchable fabric was out in full force, as seen on the runways of Lanvin and Emilio Pucci, amongst others. Not only did we see the textile used in clothing but accessories as

It seems fall is all about playing with textures. Another easy way to add visual interest to your outfit is to add a touch of something fuzzy. A faux fur stole is a versatile addition to your closet. Try draping it across your body and belting it for an ultra luxurious look.

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DJane Yo-C, aka Josephine, loves hip hop. When she's not studying, she can be found at the turntables of clubs across Germany, from Leipzig to Munich. Party with Josephine.

The Täubchenthal is a hip concert venue located outside of downtown Leipzig between old warehouses and factory buildings. Fog fills the hall while a deep bass rumbles from the speakers. Up on the stage, a table is covered with a lot of high-tech gear. Behind it, Josi moves to the rhythm, turning knobs and switching records. People are dancing in front of her, and they cheer every time she creates a good mix. Some people go up to her to ask for their special requests and give her the thumbs-up.

Josephine, called Josi, also known as DJ Yo-C, is one of the best female hip hop DJs in Germany.

Yo-C is definitely a night owl

Josi is delicate, natural and open. Although some people use the term Djane to distinguish female DJs, she doesn't care for it at all. She doesn't see herself in the same club as Paris Hilton or German nude model Micaela Schäfer, who both happen to DJ, too.

Josi prepares her sets for hours. When something goes wrong, everyone can notice - there's no one in the background to press an emergency button for her. She believes good DJs need creativity, musicality, a good sense of rhythm, and a large musical repertoire to become successful.

'Pretty good - for a woman'

In the end, gender doesn't matter. "When the crowd sees that I'm not just a girl standing there, but that I can actually do something, then they like it," she says. At the beginning, she'd hear people complain when a mix wouldn't be perfect. Now she rarely gets bad comments anymore. "Sometimes there's someone who'll say, 'Hey, that's really great, even though you're woman,' or, 'Pretty good - for a woman.'"

It's part of a DJ's job to be able to ignore stupid comments and stay polite and calm. DJs are known to collect partygoers' most absurd requests. Josi has a few favorites of her own: "Once someone came to me to order a beer because he thought the DJ booth was the bar." Many come with their special requests - thinking they know better than she does what people will dance to, or insisting on hearing a song right away because they have to leave.

Yet others ask really cautiously, addressing her in such a formal way that leads her to think, "Come on, do I look that old? I'm 26!" But at the same time, she appreciates them being polite.

'My brain only starts working in the afternoon'

Josi has three to four DJ gigs a week. Very often she'll only get home at 8:00 in the morning. "I sleep a lot. Every day. My brain and my circulatory system only start working at about 4:00 or 5:00 pm. Then I start listening to music and picking songs, I'll practice mixing them, and so on. And then I'll go to bed again very, very late."

Sometimes Josi also gigs with her band Cover, Girl! on the weekends. "I sing and I play xylophone really badly. But it looks neat when I do it," she grins. Often she'll get booked as a double package - with her band and as a DJ, for example for birthdays or wedding parties.

"At weddings, people are always ultra happy. Our band usually performs during the day, I'll sing my four songs and then during the party in the evening the rest of my band is free while I'm mixing songs - that's obviously a contrast program. I'm there alone, people are looking at me, it's this mega party and I have to focus for four hours in a row. I like that - I even need that. It would be boring to always be doing the same thing."

Josi still finds the time to complete her media arts studies. Her final project for her Bachelor's is a documentary on homeless people in Leipzig. Still, she'll be glad when it's finally done.

Then she will focus on her true calling: She is and wants to stay a musician. She's not just a DJ. She writes her own songs and wants to produce music later, too. For now, she makes enough money to live a good life. She shares an apartment with her cat Uschi, which she loves more than anything, in a trendy neighborhood in Leipzig called Südvorstadt. Its countless bars, cafés and clubs make for a vibrant student nightlife.

'I see Germany as a whole'

Josiloves her home city. She found out not so long ago that this is where the Peaceful Revolution actually began: The Monday Demonstrations in Leipzig set the stage for the downfall of the GDR.

"There are commemorative plaques in Leipzig which were put up three or four years ago, so you can read what happened where. That's when I read about it first and started to look into that part of history." It also makes her a bit proud of her city.

German reunification is celebrated every year on October 3, but that's not important for Josi. It's just a normal holiday, and she usually goes to work the day before. "I see Germany as a whole. Nevertheless, I sometimes encounter prejudice when I go to the western part of Germany, along the lines of 'Oh, you don't even have a Saxon accent.'"

The DJ is also studying media arts

She does sometimes notice differences between eastern and western Germans - in their appearance. "When I have a gig for example in Frankfurt, I look at the people in the crowd and usually see all these trendy girls who look unbelievably artificial with their high heels and their tight dresses. You don't get that in Leipzig. I'm not like that either. Especially designer bags and that kind of shit, I can't relate to that at all. But otherwise they like to party just as much as we do and are super friendly - were not that different by nature."

Zero tolerance for racism

Josi can also get really mad when she thinks about Germany. "Racism is a big issue here in the East. And even more now that so many refugees are coming. There's a rally here every week. Heidenau [Eds.: where anti-refugee protest has become violent] is just around the corner and you can see what's happening there. You just need to overhear people talking there and it's enough to make you feel sick."

When Josi is on tour in the West, she realizes that it's a lot more multicultural there than in the East. "Here there aren't that many foreigners at all - and people are still afraid of them.

Especially in villages - there's just Germans there. I don't know what they're so afraid of. And when I go to the West, I have the impression that there's more social cohesion there."

Josi says she's not into caring about fashion labels

Josi has just participated in an anti-racism campaign. A friend of hers who is a photographer did portraits of different people in Leipzig with short texts for a website. His was successful all over Germany.

AlthoughJosi doesn't describe herself as a political person and suddenly starts swearing a lot when she talks about these issues, her standpoint is clear. "As a DJ, I play music in many different languages, from musicians from all over the world. I love to travel and to discover new cultures. So it just stuns me to see people in my own country who have and share right-wing ideas. But there are also so many people resisting and showing solidarity: That gives me hope."

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