Fall '08 Trends
Fall is officially here, the Vogue book has arrived and all the magazines are touting Fall must haves. Thank goodness many of the "can't be worn after Labor Day" rules have been thrown out the window and the summer wardrobe can be extended into fall with a few simple tricks. Fall is such an exciting season for fashion; new trends, textures and colors abound to keep the senses stimulated and hearts racing as we pounce upon the latest and greatest fashion find. At Self Assured, we have scoured websites, fashion magazines and apparel industry resources to bring you up to the minute trends and fashion tips for the Fall '08 season.
Dresses:
Hooray!! The dress continues as one of the most popular silhouettes. It is a wonderfully easy garment to throw on in the morning (or evening). The dress is a quick, stylish solution that doesn't require matching top to bottom. This season you will find an option for every occasion.
For day, the maxi dress of the 70's continues whether it it is a caftan style with sleeves, a strapless or tank top style you throw a cardigan over.
My personal fav is the silhouette derived from Balenciaga's spring collection. It's a semi fitted short dress with sleeves, often done in a floral print that nods to mod. I also love the 50's reminiscent sheath with a more voluminous skirt a la Michael Kors.
The most prevalent style is the loose, flowy printed dress that falls just above the knee. Throw a long cardigan over it and finish the look with a skinny belt and you've got this season's most wanted trend.
For evening, grecian goddess is the way to go. Seen on celebs everywhere these fluid, one-shouldered or tunic style dresses are the most stylish choice for a night on the town.
Blouses:
There are so many options as to what to wear for a top it's dizzying. One thing is clear, layering is huge! Vests abound in many different styles and fabrications. If you can only buy one piece make it a vest. It is the easiest way to update your look and there are so many different styles from chunky knits to tailored versions that complete a three piece suit.
Drapey, silky long sleeve blouses are a refreshing alternative to the structure we've seen so much of. Alternatives among this style include those with high necks similar to a turtleneck or a mandarin collar with a tie neck. Either way it is a feminine, sexy blouse.
The tunic is still being shown as a great weekend blouse though for fall it is a bit more fitted than the summer style. Also look for kimono sleeve tops as well as basic shapes such as a sheath with interesting cuts and folds.
Sweaters:
Cardigans are a major player on the fall fashion scene. The oversize grandpa cardigan that falls at about hip length worn open and topped with a skinny belt is a modern way to wear this classic cardigan.
Oversize chunky knit sweaters are a great stand alone piece once the weather cools off. Classically paired with denim or layering a cozy sweater over a flouncy slip dress is a nice way to update this rustic piece.
Jackets:
The tuxedo jacket, known by fashionista's as Le Smoking, was made famous first by Marlene Dietrich then perfected by designer Yves St. Laurent. Wear this great jacket over a dress for a glamorous look or paired with jeans for a sexy, downtown feel. FYI, the best fit is when the lapels end right at the waist.
Pants:
Finally!! After seasons of hardly a pant around this comfortable classic is making a comeback. Lean, cropped or slightly voluminous there are many offerings to round out your wardrobe.
The newest version is the tailored though voluminous menswear style. We can thank style icons such as Katherine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich for influencing designers in this department.
I particularly love the tuxedo waist, billowing pant paired with a soft feminine blouse. It is the epitome of an inadvertently sexy woman.
The slim fit skinny tucked into boots is also impossibly stylish but of course much harder to wear.
Another take on the pant that is almost comical was introduced by John Galliano at Dior; think I dream of Jeannie, harem style pants. When given further consideration the full thigh and fitted ankle silhouette could actually be very sexy at a resort or on a cruise. Hmmmm...I'll be keeping this one on the back burner for now. It falls into the I'm not ready for this yet category.
Skirts:
This season hemlines can't make up their mind, they are up and down just like the stock market and oil prices. Lucky for us there is a style and length for every body type.
The belle skirt is the newest kid on the block which is great because it's an easy silhouette to wear.
Other strong styles are the pencil skirt as well as fuller skirts such as the pouf and tulip that fall at mid knee and give any look a subtle femininity.
The full length skirt is making a subtle reappearance after it was worn to death a few years ago. There are two variations, either the long flouncy peasant skirt or a new more streamlined, long and straight version that is quite appealing.
Print:
Floral patterns continue for fall, from tiny calico patterns to exploded, engineered prints. This fabric embellishment creates a whimsical, romantic effect and can be very useful in creating emphasis or detracting attention from various parts of the body.
Fun new fashion word of the season: Intarsia. I had no idea what this meant so I will assume that most other people don't either. Intarsia is a patterned design within a knit fabric and lends itself to one of a kind sweaters. I suppose this is fall/ winter's updated ikat print from summer.
Painterly strokes continue for a wonderfully abstract print that was first seen at Dolce & Gabbana. More affordable version can be found at Express and Trina Turk.
Fabrics:
Lace, lace and more lace was served up by Miuccia Prada creating the demand for this sensual fabric. I personally think an entire garment in lace is a bit overpowering however it looks great as detail. The addition of lace can act to attract attention to or away from certain areas of the body.