When fashion designers hear fall and winter, they tend to gravitate towards suede, snakeskin, and dark warm hues. And yes, these are great, but do we have to dress like we’re leaves on a tree? Thankfully, this year’s New York Fashion Week said no. The verdict: fall and winter can be just as playful as spring and summer.
1. Plastic
Who says only April showers bring slick raincoats? From couture crocs to crinkly dresses, we’re all going to be wearing some form of plastic. Maybe Safiya Nygaard was onto something when she wore the clear plastic mom jeans? But at least you won’t have to worry about spilling on your clothes…
2. Feathers
Be prepared to flounce around in ostrich feathers! This year’s runway has seen many variations on a textile favorite: simple shift dresses with feathered hems and even garments covered entirely in a shock of feathers, whether they be black, white, or hot pink. Really, it’s up to you. Play the trend subtly or dive right into a feathered paradise.
3. Simple Florals (and other bright prints)
Finally fall can mean more than polka dots (though that is another favorite this season)! Many designers made the runway bloom in a variety of bright and girly-hued geometric florals, and in doing so, they went all out. Just take a look at Kate Spade, who featured a number of head-to-toe prints. Be bold!
Move over brown and burnt orange, purple is our new favorite color for fall! It’s no surprise that Pantone’s color of the year had its turn during fashion week, but it’s more demure sibling is also coming in haute. You have your choice: subtle or sultry…or perhaps both. Take a look at my favorite (recreatable) use of lavender from Kate Spade.
Some might call this a return to Bohemia. Anna Wintour says it’s a refocusing on the west coast. I say someone watched a lot of John Hughes movies. Waists are dropped and less defined, shoulders are still “strong,” and there are a number of prairie style necklines that border on turtleneck. Not to mention the many ruffles and ruching. Love it or hate it, it’s a trend that Molly Ringwald and many others will be rocking.