Fall Fashion 101

Fall is always one of the most exciting times of the year for fashion enthusiasts. It brings up memories of back to school shopping, the prospect of a fresh start, and showing off your new gear on the first day of class. Maybe it’s the impending weather change that gets us all worked up about the accouterments of the season. Whatever the case, we’re definitely excited about the crop of trends on the horizon. Read on for a crash course we like to call Fall Fashion 101.

Load up on accessories
Accessories are playing a starring role in the story of fall fashion and we couldn’t be happier. Adding a festive trinket or the ubiquitous scarf can easily transform a look without breaking the bank while infusing a sense of personal identity to any overall trend. Look forward to piling on chunky jewelry, sharp as a tack booties with heavy hardware, refined head gear, and intricate lace tights like the ones we spotted on the runways of Chanel.

Play with pattern and texture
Fall florals give a cheerful outlook to the season’s fashion fare, while more traditional tartan plaids and herringbone patterns get a makeover with unconventional shapes, ruffles, and bold colors. We predict that buffalo checks will be a staple of our weekender wardrobe-oversized with a belt or 70’s style fitted of course! Whether you decide to sport subtle touches of print or go for it a full on pattern definitely work something graphic into your wardrobe mix. If pattern isn’t exactly your thing consider texture to be your new best friend. Romantic lace-see Prada, cozy furs, and fancy feathers are perfect counterparts to time honored tweeds, twills, and wool.

Color your world
A full spectrum of jewel tones, nuances of 80’s neon, and the welcomed return of black all make for a richly diverse fall color palette. Royal purples and plums continue their reign as the color of the moment showing up everywhere from nail polish to bowler bags. Feel free to mix and match hues to your heart’s content. We’re particularly inspired by Proenza Schouler’s showing of color-ific platforms with equally vibrant non-matching tights and dresses.

Express yourself
There aren’t many areas in life where it’s acceptable to have multiple personalities, but fashion is certainly one of them! As a matter of fact we encourage you to expand your fashion repertoire and fully explore every option the new season has to offer. Trends and time periods collide to provide a plethora of styles for fashion chameleons to revel in. Be a style star by putting your own unique spin on these forward thinking themes:

Lady luxe:Body conscious, yet classic silhouettes like pencil skirts are the focus of this retro minded trend. Channel a bit of Jackie O.’s classic style in grandma’s estate jewelry, a Chanel blazer, and don’t forget the hat!

Vamp it up: We can probably thank Rihanna for keeping this good-girl-gone-bad trend in the spotlight. Roam the urban jungle in leather and leggings and keep your baddest stilettos or ankle boots on standby. Go heavy on metal hardware like studs and zippers and always bet on black.

Haute Hippie: Boho babe’s are back in undone glamour accented with fringe and an amalgamation of world traveler inspired paisley and artsy floral prints. Voluminous tunics and free flowing shapes are reigned in with belts to keep the look relaxed, not sloppy. We can’t wait to rock our longer dresses with midcalf boots.

College prep:Fashion meets the Ivy League this fall so mind your p’s and q’s for a charm school influenced overhaul. Upgrade from your favorite hoody to American classics like fitted preppy blazers or oversized collegiate cool sweaters.

Boys Club: As womankind continues to crack glass ceilings, it seems fitting that they are also wearing the pants this season, yes? We highly recommend power dressing in separates such as tailored or slouchy slacks and RSVP’ing for style in tuxedo and spencer jackets. Make them appropriate for any occasion by adding girly-girl blouse that you probably already own.