Vogue gets 700+ pages to gush about fashion’s most awaited season; I only get 700 words, but I’ll try to do justice to the lush, the luxe, the long-awaited wools, velvets, knits, the ecstasy of new sweaters,…
By Maureen Mancini Amaturo
Vogue gets 700+ pages to gush about fashion’s most awaited season; I only get 700 words, but I’ll try to do justice to the lush, the luxe, the long-awaited wools, velvets, knits, the ecstasy of new sweaters, the warm embrace of a turtleneck, the intoxicating high resulting from faux fur against a chilled cheek, the dramatic, deep, heart-stirring colors, the sensual bliss that comes from wrapping yourself in billows of fabric, the elation of all things cozy and chic simultaneously, the new and renewed trends.
With so much to be passionate about when it comes to fall fashion, let’s not rush the affair. To start, here are some of the more intriguing trends. We’ll rendezvous with other fall fashion flings another time.
The Fall Accessory
The skinny scarf adds a bohemian touch and can be worn with everything, and I do mean everything. Fall runways paired skinny scarves with everything from sweaters to gowns.
Flirty Skirts
Two styles to watch for are car wash pleats, the new interpretation of fringe – wide, swaying, strips that let your knee peek through – and the flounce hem, flirty, fun, and just as compatible with a day at the office as it is with a night on the town. Relegate the pencil skirt to the back of your closet this fall.
Faux Fur Stoles and Cuffs
What’s new here are faux fur touches, rather than a whole coat or jacket. Think fur trimming sleeves or becoming the sleeves to contrast with the wool, draping around a neckline or a stole tossed over your shoulder.
Romance
Puffy sleeves, high collars, ruffles, lace, and chiffon, 1800s style. The interesting fall twist: pairing them with bright colors, leather details, and sexy silhouettes. Opposites attract.
Geometry
Super-saturated color, super graphic, defined prints. Geometric patterns are running circles around other prints for fall and add a jolt of impact. A print trend just as hot for outerwear as it is for hosiery.
Ladies of Spain
Hot-blooded Latin looks with lots of red, black, tassels, fringe, velvet, and drama. The ruffley bounce of this trend takes the flounce skirt to the next level.
Saville Row
The question this fall is more likely to be “Who’s your tailor?” than “Who are you wearing?” Rich tweed, houndstooth, herringbone, and tailored silhouettes, the menswear influence with lots of chic. Well-suited for fall’s chill.
Eccentric
Wild, unexpected combinations of color, patterns, and pieces. You can have it all (and wear it all at the same time.) Bold accessories. My favorite trend.
Military
Gold buttons, trims, lots of navy blue, pea coats, Breton stripes.
Hands in Hiding
Extra-long sleeves that keep going past your fingertips. Not the most practical for eating or texting, but the upside is how long, lean, and elegant they make your arms look. Choose gloves in audacious colors.
Like speed dating, it’s hard to cover all there is to know in a short time. Meanwhile, add the following trends to your list, and maybe we can hook up with them when fall begins in earnest:
• 60s Mod dresses – straight and boxy silhouettes;
• 70s denim, including flared-bottom and high-waisted jeans, worn with crop tops that have a little longer length than usual to be campus-appropriate;
• Plaid, especially red plaid;
• Statement earrings – small accessory, big reward;
• The oversized tote, which is taking over for the backpack and the average shopping bag.
