If you think fashion is all over the place these days, just wait until you see what’s in store for fall. The decade surfing continues, with 1970s, ’80s and ’90s details competing for attention. Pants are both skinny and flared, long or cropped, loose or stretchy. Shiny metallics are in, yet minimalist monochrome is everywhere. The Far East is an inspiration, yet so are the Victorians. Confused yet? We say, don’t think too hard about it. Just go with the flow. Or with the cropped. You know what we mean.
Here, we break it down for you with the top 10 fashion trends of the season.
1. Long Coats. Last season’s statement coat trend continues into fall with eye-catching outerwear with lower hemlines than we’ve seen in a while. Some come ankle length, while others literally graze the ground you walk on. Either way, it’s a dramatic effect that requires some height (petite ladies, dig out those platform boots) and frequent dry cleaning. See main photo, above.
Interior Motives: Burberry, Erderm, Mary Katrantzou, Simone Rocha, Tory Burch and Marques Almeida.
2. Interior-Design Looks. Some of the season’s most striking fabrics and prints could easily be seen on your living room sofa (or curtains, or throw pillows…). Dresses, separates, coats and accessories have taken their cue from the world of interior design, from brocade pumps and handbags to Moroccan-rug-inspired prints. Now your cat has a new reason to crawl into your lap for a snooze.
The Royal Treatment: Alexander McQueen, Alberta Ferreti, Altuzarra, Erdem and Oscar de la Renta.
3. Neo-Victorian: From sophisticated black lace to elegant high-neck ruffled collars, Victorian-inspired duds make a regal statement this fall. Whether you outfit yourself in a floor-sweeping lace dress or a pristine roll-neck blouse, you’ll command attention in looks fit for a modern queen.
Minimalist Moment: Jil Sander, Narciso Rodriguez, Hugo Boss, Cristiano Buranis, Marc Jacobs and Philip Lam.
4. ’90s minimalism. Remember slip dresses, A-line minis, grunge layering and tailored basics in neutral colors? If you do, then you already know how to rock sexy simplicity. If you don’t, you can enjoy discovering this “new” look. Just remember: plaid is perfect, monochrome is awesome, and accessorizing with a sophisticated choker or skinny scarf earns bonus points.
Material Girls: J.W. Anderson, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Saint Laurent and Miu Miu.
5. ’80s Maximism. Material Girlish details are everywhere this fall, from tight leather skirts, longer blazers and slouchy sweaters to bomber jackets, belted sweater dresses, one-shoulder styles and mutton sleeves. Look for bold colors, geometric prints, glitzy sequins and, of course, big shoulder pads—all accessorized, like, to the max.
Dragon Ladies: Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Donna Karan, Diane Von Furstenburg, J. Mendel and Tom Ford.
6. Eastern Influences. Crimson lace, gold fabric…and lots and lots of dragons came down the runways, especially on evening wear. This is an exotic, sultry look guaranteed to breathe some fire into your fall wardrobe.
Piecing It Together: Chloe, Etro, Tom Ford, Burberry and Acne Studios.
7. Patchwork. 1970s influences have been strong for the last few seasons, and this fall is no exception. This time around, flared denim, lace-up tops, suede and neck-tie blouses are everywhere, but probably the most significant look from the era is bold, lively patchwork.
Suiting Up: Bottega Veneta, Stella McCartney, Sonia Rykiel, Chloe, Versace and Derek Lam.
8. Pantsuits. Tailored, menswear-inspired suits are huge for autumn. Whether you choose a flared or cropped pant, this is a chic yet stylish outfit that says you mean business.
Velvet Underground: Christopher Kane, Giorgio Armani, Sonia Rykiel, Lanvin, Dries Van Noten and Emilio Pucci.
9. Velvet. This touchy-feely fabric is offered in a pretty array of colors and styles this season, from wide legged trousers to mini dresses, wrap skirts and even capes.
Shiny, Happy People: Christopher Kane, Bottega Veneta, Giambattista Valli, Loewe, Christian Dior and Tod’s.
10. Shine. Lurex and other shiny fabrics are having a moment, whether they’re being seen on skinny knife-pleat skirts or sequined dresses. A little shine has always gone a long way in the evening, but the news is, it’s now perfectly acceptable to glisten by day.
