Now’s the time to test your style. There are volumes of material to go over, so study up and you’ll earn an easy A in fall fashion.

By Maureen Mancini Amaturo

Now’s the time to test your style. There are volumes of material to go over, so study up and you’ll earn an easy A in fall fashion.

 

Textbook
Plaid Pants + Oxfords = Classic
Knee socks + Mary Jane Platforms + Blazer = Classic
White Oxford Shirt + A-Line Checkered Skirt = Classic

 

Novel  
Print Bomber Jacket + Solid Skirt = Fun  
Blazer + Bold Color + Mini Skirt = Fun  
White Oxford Shirt + Buttoned up to the Neck + Chunky Necklace = Fun

 

History
Vintage florals, 40s bomber jackets, 60s mod, 1970s-80s peplums and puffy shoulders, 90s (Already? Yes), turtlenecks, grunge/punk influences, and plaids. And then there’s the military footnote that will be everywhere from shoes to school supplies in the form of uber-cool camo. Take note: camo will go way beyond green and beige.    

 

Geometry
Watch for diamond-shape argyle. Though it’s a standard preppy classic, this pattern is taking on new personality by appearing in bright, unexpected colors.

Prints and patterns are big for fall. Abstract prints, ikat (yarn tie-dyed before woven into fabric,) plaids, stripes, dots, checks, and squares. Not just on primary pieces, but on scarves, shoes, and bags, too. (Check out Valentino fall/winter 2014.)

 

Music
Fall’s fresh accessories have a music connection. Put away the pre-shrunk Bruno Mars fedora, and grab a retro wide-brim hat à la Bianca Jagger or Yoko Ono. Add round-frame John Lennon glasses or sunglasses. Extra credit if they’re a color other than brown or black.

The music-feel comes through in the fabrics, too, like leather and distressed denim. And in embellishments — studs, zippers, and buckles. Destroyed denim skinny jeans paired with a flowing top and ankle boots create a perfect school look.

 

Science                                                                                                                             
Designs reflecting nature and the outdoors are running wild this season, especially on graphic T-shirts, hoodies, and sweaters. Be on the hunt for faux fur capes and moccasins. And galaxy-themed images share the stage.

 

Lit
Fairy tales continue to inspire design in dresses, skirts, and airy fabrics (even though it’s fall). Lots of enchanted and ethereal woods reflected in embroidery, florals, and sheer maxi dresses and skirts. Ruffled collars and cuffs add a poetic touch to blouses. (Check out Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Monique Lhuillier, and Stella McCartney.)

Gothic is novel again. Layers of velvet and embroidery, deep rich oxblood colors, and black. Mix velvet with sheer fabrics.

Be-jeweled and be the protagonist on the fall fashion scene. Whether on headbands, necklines, ankle straps, or purses, Bling is the thing.

Gym
Not talking the yoga pants or everyday Lululemon that have become street staples. Gym-inspired fashion takes the form of quilted, boxy jackets, and mini-dresses (see Miu Miu and Fendi). While we’re on the subject, quilting is big news.

Some key pieces that reflect the vibe are quilted bomber jackets, printed/embellished sweatshirts, boxy sweaters, turtlenecks, ankle boots, bright trims and accessories.

 

Art
Novelty prints, like graphic novels, cartoon characters, and comic lettering, continue for fall 2014. Bright, loud, amusing, colorful. Look at it this way: your sweater, pants, dress, or top is the wall. The print is the graffiti. Comic-inspired accessories are really big.   

Fall fashion’s color wheel goes the full spectrum. Neon is still everywhere. But not so fast, make a new tab in your binder for fall pastels, too. On boots, sneakers, sweaters, tights, and jackets.

There’s a big Modern Art influence in dresses and outerwear evident in the minimalist, futuristic, monochromatic, geometric shapes. Watch for the Cubist influence in all those rectangles and boxy squares in Helmut Lang’s Fall 2014 collection. And the optical illusion prints at Balmain, Bottega Veneta, and Dries Van Noten.