Fashion For Fall

Wondering which styles will make the top 10 list for autumn? Interestingly enough, vintage trends such as velvet and peplum seem to dominate 2011's fall runways - so do weird things like polka dots and graphic design! (Who gets to decide what's "in" anyway??!? I often wonder...) Sometimes it's interesting to see how intertwined are society and fashion. So if you're planning on going shopping anytime soon ladies, here are a few things to keep your eyes open for... 

 1. BIG Number One.... Back to the 18th Century - LACE                           

Lace reminds me of a lot of things.... ancient wedding dresses, old-fashioned frilly baby caps, grandmothers crocheting, petticoats... but it has never called New York's catwalk to mind - until 2011. Lace is definitely in - hence its place of honor on my list! Lace cardigans, lace skirts, lace tights, long lace undershirts, lace-covered shoes, black lace, pink lace, gray lace, tan lace, white lace.... I've even seen jewelry covered in lace. It really isn't a bad idea, and when compared to all the other bizarre fabrics on the runways, it certainly seems like the fashionists and fashionistas might be onto something, and, what's more, have displayed good taste for once. So keep a close lookout for lace!

2. Back to the 80's - LEATHER

                In contrast to old-fashioned feminine lace, leather-everything also made a significant appearance on autumn's runways. Lace vs. leather... an interesting contrast. I wonder if women's struggle for dominance over men in our society has anything to do with this masculine trend. 

                Everyone could use at least one leather jacket in their closets - at the very minimum, a leather handbag! You don't need to go for this biker leather-beserk look, but one or two leather pieces wouldn't be a bad idea for this fall. Believe it or not, even leather skirts are in... 

3. Back to the Future.... Those Colors?????

Lace and leather are not so radical... but how about mustard yellow and Yves Klein blue? It's then that things start to get a little weird...
           But they may not be as avant-garde as you think. Take mustard yellow, for example. When put together just the right way, it can be an awesome shade... and so fallish! If it's a good color on you, go with a trendy cardigan in that color. (Hey, if Miss-40s on the left there can look that good in one, why can't I??) If not, a pair of trendy heels! And if it you are a non-mustard and a non-heel person, try mustard flats.
           And for the ultra mustardaphobes, (and yes, I did just make that word up,) go with a mustard scarf peeping out from under your jacket. The point is, something mustard must (haha, get it??) find its way into your wardrobe for fall. (Plus, it sort of matches all those pretty leaves!)

      So must jade green. Now that is a color that pretty much looks good on everybody. Try a maxi sweater in this color, (maxi sweaters are also in) or a choker dress (so are these) for fancy occasions. And then there's the jade-green scarf. That always works.
 

Last rad color - (and probably my fav) - Yves Klein blue! And you always have to say it or write it with an exclamation mark! Because it's just that kind of color!
           Yves Klein was a modern French artist who liked to paint with this shade of blue for some reason. Shoes in the Yves Klein shade ROCK. They really do. But you should wear this blue paired with minimal shades, such as a black skirt, (with those shoes,) or a tan outfit, if you opt for Yves Klein jewelry/accessories. Yves Klein blue provides a perfect pop of color for a dull day (and for a dull look.)
           Then of course, there's always the Yves Klein blue scarf... (for the YvesKleinblueaphobes.)

4. PATTERNS Till You Puke (Not Really)

Patterns have always dominated the runway... but it's the type of patterns that make the era unique. This season's top two: polka dots (yuk!) and black-on-white blocking (yay!)

        Okay, I guess polka dots can be cute... in small doses, though,  please. Frilly polka dotted shirts are good, especially under trendy fall cardigans/jackets. (Think denim or lace.) Polka dotted hair accessories, such as headbands, are cute. So are those scarves. (Obviously.)

Black blocking white (or vice versa)... Now we're talking. This is the classiest of classy looks ever invented. Black is in perpetual style, as is white, and when you put them together... it looks good on pretty much anyone pretty much anywhere. It's formal, ultrakool, mature, and very modern. Always.

So try this look - it's not too hard. All you need is a white piece of clothing, and a piece of black clothing. Try a black cardigan over a white blouse, with black boots and white lace tights. Or a white flowing skirt with black turtleneck and black pumps. Or a dress with Cruella DeVille style color blocking and a lacy white cardigan... the choices are endless. And if you need a bloop of color, there's always that mustard... or Yves Klein blue!... or jade green, all in accessories such as jewelry, hats, head scarves, neck scarves, and handbags. Black-on-white is just too awesome not to do at least once this autumn.

5. A Fantastic and Fabulous Fall Fashion - FEDORAS

A fedora automatically screams out, "Trendy!" It can't help it, it's part of the fedora's nature. It adds class and fashion to any outfit. If you're feeling drab, slap on a fedora and you'll be transformed from ordinary drab to rockstar. Sound almost too good to be true?

Gray, black, beige and tan are the safe colors that go with anything. If you need a splash of color, try a fedora in lilac purple, navy blue, or soft pink. You really can't go wrong with this fantastic hat. Trust me.

  And finally....                  
              6. The Awesomest Trend of the Millennium - LONG SKIRTS

It honestly doesn't get any better than this. Modesty is in style, can you believe it?!? This year, hemlines have gone south to mid-calf and floor-sweeping looks. Pull out every swinging flowing skirt you own - and keep your eyes open, because they might be more available than previously. The length is perfect because it can easily be paired with boots, flats, or heels. Maxi skirts are especially in.

In cold weather you want to pair these skirts with duster coats, trendy scarves, leather boots, cardigans/turtlenecks/maxi sweater or leather jackets, and perhaps a fedora. With warmer weather, a light blouse with a lace cardigan would look good paired with flats - or high heeled, close-toed, pumps. Like black-on-white, long skirts are timeless...but take advantage of them while they're walking the runways in the high-class fashion world and wear them to death!
           So this might not have been the deepest post in the world, but fashion is one of my passions - and even though I may not own a scrap of Yves Klein blue clothing, it's fun and interesting for me to stay updated on what society's trends are with regard to dress.
           Time to go shopping!!!!!!