Fall and Winter Fashion Trends
Written by Mindy Messenger
The hottest trends for this season are a balance of sweet and sultry ‑ lacy blouses with slick leather pencil skirts, or relaxed blouson tops over polished tuxedo pants. The ladylike cuts inspired by Mad Men have returned, but the '70s have taken center stage, with both bohemian and sophisticated looks emerging as trends.
Super-Charged '70s
This year, designers can't get enough of the sexy '70s. In fact, the decade is so hot that we're seeing two different "micro" trends rolled up into one. The playful, wild bohemian look contrasts beautifully with the polished, buttoned-up style of the sophisticate.
Let's start with the "sophisticate" trend, which is really just a natural continuation of the recent focus on the prim and proper cuts of the '50s and early '60s. Look for drapey dresses that swish with your every movement, high-waist pants balanced by flowing legs and elegant blouses, and shoulder-baring halter tops and dresses that flatter many body shapes. Other key pieces are sheer maxi dresses and skirts, as well as tuxedo-inspired anything.
On the opposite side of the '70s fashion spectrum is the bohemian trend, which relies on a playful mix of prints and textures taken to exaggerated proportions. Expect to see fur and faux fur trim on everything from handbags to sweaters. You'll also see oversized faux-fur vests, allover fringe and a liberal use of patchwork in leather and mixed patterns. This is a harder trend to pull off than the polished sophisticate look, so rather than going head-to-toe boho, focus on one key item and use it as a statement piece for your everyday wardrobe.
Plethora of Pattern
We're seeing a mishmash of florals, animal prints, tartans, Asian (especially bright Indian) prints and even tribal patterns. You will also see plaids and camos crop up, though these have had plenty of airtime during past seasons and aren't nearly as exciting. The current patterns trend taps into the boho style by mixing two or three (or more) patterns together in one outfit. The trick to pulling off this look is to select patterns with a common main color to create unison, or to stick to one color family and play on the past mismatched monochromatic look.
Veering away from the bohemian look, you'll also find polka dots, athletic stripes, and bold geometric graphics. These pieces can work well combined together (using the same color rule above), but you can also use one piece to infuse your current wardrobe staples with of-the-moment flair. For example, adding a small shot of leopard print will jazz up an otherwise neutral or minimalistic outfit.
Ladylike in Lace
Lace returns this season, serving as the perfect foil to the abundance of leather pants, skirts and shirts by toning down the severity. Allover lace camis and shirts also work as a vintage-style textural contrast to the chunky knits, fur and faux-fur vests and sweaters that are oh-so hot. Another returning trend is the peplum silhouette, which fans out from your waist, creating an hourglass shape. This shape is divine for dresses and blouses, but can also be found in skirts.
Fit-and-flare dresses are still going strong, but the hottest styles for this season move into menswear or metallic fabrics. Sweet pintuck detailing is abundant on blouses, dresses and even skirts, and swingy accordion pleats make the scene on dresses, skirts and loose tunic tops.
- © 2012 Microsoft |
- Privacy |
- Legal |
- Advertise |
- Business solutions |
- About our ads |
- Help |
- Tell us what you think