Cozy and Colorful
Warm up with fall’s most popular fashion trends
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A few years ago, ponchos were all the rage in the fashion world.
If you still have yours, you’re in luck, as capes and ponchos are just one of the biggest fashion trends this fall.
“The cape will add a little drama, but it doesn’t have to be overly dramatic,” says Aimee Lippencott, Nordstrom’s fashion manager for the Eastern region. “They’re knee length or shorter. They range from full to fluid and tailored with seaming to create shape and control volume. It might have sleeves or a belt that increases wearability without losing fashion.”
Capes and ponchos are a great alternative to a coat. But if you want the real deal, you have plenty of options in outerwear this season, including floor-length maxi coats.
“Outerwear was the star of the runways for fall 2011,” says Colleen Sherin, senior fashion director for Saks Fifth Avenue. “Look for graphic patterns, fur and fur trims, including faux fur options.”
Going retro
Another top trend this season is a ’70s look that draws inspiration from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s to create a “retro feminine” look. Think wide-leg pants, bow-front blouses and A-line skirts, Lippencott says.
Other pieces to create the ’70s look include a fur vest –– fur in general is big this season, something in a tawny brown leather or a midi-length skirt, which falls below the knee.
Three looks in one
If you’re looking for versatility this season, consider a pantsuit. The newest versions are tuxedo-inspired or cut in a ’70s silhouette with a fitted jacket and slightly flared trousers, Sherin says.
“With a pantsuit, you can create three different looks,” she explains. “Wear the pieces together for a coordinated suit; pair the trousers with a great blouse; or wear the jacket with jeans or cords for a more casual look.”
Clean and simple
A third main trend for fall is pieces with simple lines. After seeing lots of over-the-top embellishment, expect to find pieces with a “clean” look, like jackets with a concealed closure, a slim-fit narrow pant and sculptural metal jewelry.
Knit wit
It just wouldn’t be fall without sweaters, and this year, you’ll find many choices.
“Knitwear was a key trend on the runways for fall,” Sherin says. “Knits are so highly textured this season that we’re calling them 3-D knits. Look for chunky cables, ribs, popcorn stitches and fringe.”
Lippencott adds that Fair Isle prints also are popular.
High and low
Two of the hottest styles of shoes this fall, the high-heeled loafer and lace-up oxford, take cues from menswear. Look for styles with stacked heels for a ’70s vibe and in colors from black to warm brown to deep red.
“I like that they’re heavier and they ‘weight’ that fall look,” Lippencott says.
Flat boots continue to be popular. They work especially well when paired with skinny pants for an equestrian look, Lippencott notes. But wedge heels and boots are everywhere too, Sherin says.
It’s in the bag
Both Lippencott and Sherin say the satchel is fall’s must-have handbag.
“It offers plenty of room with more structure and sophistication than a tote,” Sherin says.
Lippencott likes bags in colors like cobalt blue and Kelly green to add an extra pop of color. Satchel bags with handles may have extra buckles or an additional longer strap for added visual interest.
Pleasing to the Palette
Lippencott gives her three top color picks for fall:
> Red, mainly in a head-to-toe look. “It’s a bold color story,” she says, which includes bright oranges to deep scarlets. Make it look fresh by mixing with chocolate or charcoal.
> Black, especially in a mix of textures like leather and suede.
> A “peacock palette” of cobalt blue, teal and purple mixed together.
Sherin adds that deep shades of hunter green also are popular.
Additional Trends
> Menswear with a feminine twist
> Colored denim
> Lace
> Leopard print
