Although we might be a little too old for the “Back-to-School” fad per se, I’m sure many of us find it important to stay on top of today’s fashion trends and actually pull them off. However, this season’s trends might make wearability seem close to impossible. As if summer’s sky high hemlines, acid trip neons and barely there sheer fabrics weren’t enough, this fall the runways have definitely taken a turn toward the ornate. The silhouettes are structured and well defined, yet the prints and accessories embrace the beauty of contradiction. This fall is all about taking an original and adding an outrageous twist to it. Chunky knits have gone jumbo size, swing coats have extended to robe length and blue jeans will seem like a figment of your imagination. With hues like hunter green, cinnabar and sienna brown accompanied by pure gold, silver and bronze, this season “classic” is out of the question.
LUCK BE A LADY
Learn to take cues from the Queen because Parliament has a large influence in the fashion world this season. The best part, however, is that there’s nothing reformed about it. Loads of mismatched tweeds, unique fur accents and billowy, patterned swing coats filled the runways. In addition, Oscar de La Renta and Marc Jacobs took the traditionally conservative knit shawl and gave it huge attitude…literally. And, it doesn’t stop with the Royal Family; Great inspiration has come from Buckingham Palace itself! Baroque style furnishings that once only adorned royalty or palace walls are now translated into beautiful brocades as seen by Balmain, Marchesa and a host of other designers. Now, as college students, I know that the last thing you’re thinking about is a 17th century fashion statement at 10:20 in the morning, but when you pick the right statement piece, the rest of your ensemble will fall into place. For instance, this pearl embroidered blouse would look perfect with leather leggings and riding boots. Or, flip things around and pair a cashmere sweater with floral print or baroque-style pants.
WHEN IN CHROME
Who would have thought five years ago that our favorite robotic street performers would be ahead of their time? With a special thanks to Blumarine, the robot has become uber-chic. Liquid chrome-like pieces have replaced autumn’s casual denim and leather. Pair them with contrasting neutral colors like black and grey or choose the opaque version of your metallic piece in the same color palette.
BE A GOOD SPORT
Whether you’re the sportsman or the spectator, you’ll look sharp with fall’s polished take on outdoor sportswear. You don’t even have to have an interest in archery, hunting or horse-back riding to pull this trend off, you just have to look like you do. Think “The Hunger Games” meets Project Runway: Perfectly tailored capes, amply cut leather with huge pockets and shearling accents, jodhpurs, trousers and the renowned riding boot.
THE ARMED FORCES
In shades of navy, deep olive and burgundy, military coats will have you standing at attention. Dress them up with a slim pant and strappy heels or dress them down with cargo pants, chunky socks and lace-up ankle boots.
GRUNGED OUT
Amidst the wave of royal influence this season, the good old ‘90s have a say in the fashion scene as well. Grunge has become quite the phenomenon once again and there’s an art to looking fabulously disheveled and carefree. Studs and spikes have graduated from cutoffs to loafers, blouses, jackets, etc. And, to top it all off, the accessories are anything but ordinary. Rock this look the Titania Inglis way by playing with plaid, sheer black and a pop of color or take cues from Givenchy and let pitch-black leather and fierce velvet do the talking.
I think it’s safe to say that the runways have turned into protests of sorts. More and more, designers have embraced the ideas of self-expressions and abstract thinking instead of following the rules. This freedom should inspire all of us to take more risks with how we dress. So, go ahead; experiment a bit. After all, this is the season of “why not?”