Every year around this time, I grow tired of my summer clothes and the way my bare thighs to stick to my leather car seat. Thankfully, just as I’m dreaming of cozy sweaters and tall boots, warm fires and chilly nights, designers introduce their fall collections, magazine editors plaster the goods across glossy spreads, and models and actors start to wear them.
If you’re like me and you’re dreaming of cool weather fashions, here’s a sneak peek at what’s hot for the coming season. These are the top trends that came down the runway for fall—and the ones that are showing up on your favorite stylish A-lister. Adopt these looks if they suit you, or mix and match the trends you like—the ones that fit your body and your personality. Get a leg up on shopping now, and, come fall, you’ll look super chic—just like your favorite star.
Styles
Ruffled blouses: In stark contrast to the menswear-inspired suits designers are showcasing for fall (more later), the ruffled blouses they’re pushing are sweetly and seductively feminine. This season’s styles are delicate, gauzy and soft, with lots of ruffles, lace, full sleeves and demure buttons. Before you turn your nose up, however, you can make these delicate blouses edgier by layering them under the season’s stylish cropped jacket. (The layered look is in for clothes this fall, trust me: You will look so hip.) Or, do as Kate Bosworth does, save the world from sugar shock by pairing an ultra-feminine top with jeans. Which leads us to our next fall trend…
Skinny jeans: I understand that fashion fluctuates, and that it’s time to retire the bootleg, but I don’t like the skinny-jeans trend. The low-rise, flared-leg jeans of yesterday are much more flattering than the super-sleek, skinny, slouchy-ankle (called “the skinny stack" according to People magazine) jeans of this season. Stars and celebrity stylists apparently disagree. Celebs like Jessica Alba, Kate Moss, Ashlee Simpson and Carmen Electra are already sporting super-skinny jeans, typically with heels or occasionally flats (for the more long-legged). Let’s hope this trend passes quickly, but in the meantime, if you dare, opt for heels and a top that hits at the hip to add length and balance to your super skinny jeans.
Leggings: Leggings looked stupid in the 80s and they can look just as unflattering now if you don’t wear them right. Get the look down, though, and modern leggings are fresh; thankfully they’re not paired under jackets with giant shoulder pads, baggy tunics, bad perms and oversize matching plastic earrings. (Men especially hated this look. I don’t really remember men commenting much about women’s fashion, so this trend must have been especially ugly. But I digress.) If you want to wear leggings, make like stylish celebs Jessica Alba and Sienna Miller (who always look cute) and pair black, mid-calf-length leggings with ballet flats and an oversize, belted tunic or minidress. (Key word: belted.) Don’t wear brightly colored or ribbed leggings, and steer clear of shiny ones unless you’re going running. As well, don’t throw a super slouchy tunic on top or you’ll just look sloppy. And, for Pete’s sake, unless you’re Mischa Barton-skinny, don’t wear leggings with a cropped top. Leggings underneath a cute little dress or belted tunic or sweater is the way to go with this trend.
Military Jackets/Menswear: Okay, finally a fall trend I can totally support. There is nothing sexier than a gorgeous woman in a masculine suit (remember Kate Hepburn? Madonna in her Vogue video)? Stars like Charlize Theron and Penelope Cruz look stunning in menswear-inspired suits. It’s the contrast of striking femininity against tough masculinity. To wear this trend well, keep your hair loose and your makeup soft, and be sure to add bold jewelry. My favorite suits for this season are black or gray pinstriped pantsuits, preferably with flat-front trousers and a jacket with a deep V-neck. As for military jackets, I like them in blues with gold accents, paired with jeans and the season’s hot new ankle boots, or even flats.
Flounced Skirts and Modern Minidresses: Show off great legs (think Halle Barry and Sarah Jessica Parker) in this fall’s short skirts and dresses, along with those super hip aforementioned ankle boots. Just keep the rest of your look sleek and toned down. To feel like an adult and not a tot or, eek, a woman of questionable morals, pair minis with opaque, dark tights and flats or boots. And for goodness’ sake, do not wear a revealing top. As for flouncy, balloon skirts, you can get a little bit more creative with your top, depending on the skirt length and style. As a rule, pair a more detailed, ballooned, feminine skirt with a less dramatic top and vice versa. Wear these with heels. One note: Steer clear of this season’s jumpers, unless you want to look like a Swiss milkmaid or a Catholic schoolgirl.
Colors
Somber hues: As you’ve guessed, somber hues like gray, black and brown are in this fall. Along with muted colors, embellishments are at a minimum, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a great piece of jewelry, like a pearl brooch or an oversize cocktail ring, to the mix. Or punch up the somber mood of fall fashions with faux animal skin shoes or a bag, or anything oversized and gold, like a big gold chain necklace or hammered cuff.
Red: According to Vogue, red is the new black. (Check out the mag’s September spread with Christy Turlington.) How to wear it? A stunning allover piece, like a red dress in a warm hue, or a red tunic, is gorgeous. If that’s too much, red patent leather boots or strappy leather sandals add a splash of red without going overboard. Head to toe red or red accessories still sound too bold? Try bright red lipstick, bright red nail polish, or a little clutch in, you guessed it, red. One note of caution: I wouldn’t recommend the red military jacket unless you’re calling the hunt.
Jewelry
Clothes are somber this season, but there is an upside: jewelry isn’t. Now’s the time to bring out (or buy) bold metallics and yellow gold. Hammered gold oversize earrings (like chandeliers, hoops, and dangles) are in this season, as are hammered gold cuff bracelets and wide gemstone cuffs in a bright hue like carnelian or aventurine. Black is also back in a big way. Try a black pearl necklace or a strand of demure white pearls tied with a black ribbon (there’s that sexy contrast again). Or a black beaded bracelet or black pearl dangle earrings. And forget the long, layered necklace look for now. It’s all about one statement-making piece. Try tying your pearl necklace in a loose knot before putting it on, or, to really make it fresh, thread a cocktail ring, class ring or bold brooch on your pearl necklace. Remember, with bold jewelry, you are making a statement, so keep other jewelry to a minimum. This season’s fashions are the perfect backdrop to statement-making pieces.
When choosing fall fashions, remember, wear what works for you, not what works for your favorite celebrity. Now go get creative!
A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.
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