Fall is here (well at least in fashion.) With pre- fall merchandise hitting stores daily and trend reports starting to roll in, ugg boots what needs to be stored, bought and considered for your changing of season wardrobe has started. Going back to look at the trends which hit the runways in February and March, while exploring the best of the retail world, your cheat sheet to the top ten styles, buys and looks is now divulged. Whether you don one look or all ten you will right in step with Fall 2009.
Since this piece is a bit lengthy (there is so much to talk about!!!!) it will be a two part series. It’s important to note that these are not in any kind of chronological order. And please always remember with fashion its best to incorporate trends to fit who you are, your style and comfort level. Nothing is less fashionable than a forced out of place trend just because it’s in style! Motto: Rock it your way or keep walking.
Top 10 for Fall 2009:
1. Leather – If you buy one thing this fall make it leather. Truly anything really will do, but leather biker jackets are this falls biggest trend. They are tough and to be worn either in cahoots with the full motorcycle/tough girl look (ripped jeans, boots, metal ornamentation) or in opposition with feminine dresses and a prominent ankle boot. Either way you’ll look hot.
Ways to Wear:
The quintessence biker jacket: they will be everywhere but get yours sooner than later as the good ones will be gone before September.
Leather Leggings/Pants: not to be confused with the latex/liquid looking leggings that came out late Fall 2008, the new leather legging is heavier, more refined and richer looking. Also these will be a lot easier to incorporate into everyday wear while also being more flattering and forgiving to the body.
Leather Shorts: A fun look for night but for those fashion adventures, artsy risk takers and Chloe Sevigny.
Where to Buy:
Vince has both the jacket and pants: available at Nordstrom & Saks Fifth Avenue
D&G has a great jacket; available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus
Forever 21 and Express also have cute faux biker jacket
All at Fashion Show
2. Fur- That’s right it really is not looking good for PETA this fall. As fur takes a center stage in fall’s trend line-up, the easiest and most chic way to wear it is in vest form. There was a touch of this last January, but it takes a more mainstream presence this fall. Seen up and down the runways, fur will add texture and an additional layer to any outfit, taking it from nice to show stopping. With lots of great faux versions, there is no excuse not to buy it. Look at BB Dakota, Gryphon, ADAM and even Ebay.com for the best looking faux furs.
Ways to Wear:
Vest or cropped jacket: pair all three with either skinny jeans tucked into boots, over a silk blouse and a pant, flannel or over a day dress with tights. Tights with this look are imperative, as with it out you will look like you are half dressed and the fur piece will look like it just doesn’t belong. Stick with your basic colors for this look; black, chocolate brown, amber red ( it will look like fox) or a mix of champagne, beige and brown.
Where to Buy:
Saks Fifth Avenue so far is the only place to have them. They have versions from Rebecca Taylor, La Rok and Vince
3. Over the Knee Boots- One of the quickest and simplest ways to jumpstart your fall look, the over the knee boot will be a new and fun addition to your boot collection. Easy to wear with jeans or dresses, the OTK (this is how you will see it advertised) exudes a coolness and downtown sass that can only come from certain pieces, these being one of them.
Ways to Wear:
Either heeled or flat, but if opting for the heeled version, try a soft suede or matte leather to avoid any “pretty woman” misidentification moments. Flat OTK boots have the option of going with your shorter skirts, dresses and shorts (very indie music festival), while a heeled OTK is best to go with jeans and dresses while wearing tights. If tights just aren’t your thing, make sure the skirt/dress is not a mini or considered short while rocking the heeled OTK, looks and stares will be headed your way that you just may not want to receive.
Where to Buy:
Nowhere in Vegas yet, but was informed they should be hitting at shoe departments ASAP. Shopbop.com so far has the best selection.
4. Military or Band Leader Inspired Jacket/Coat: Long or short, coat or blazer style, doesn’t matter just get one. This double breasted outwear piece is statement making at its best, stylishly dramatic yet sophisticated classy. Stick with black or a navy, make sure it’s structured, and has major hardware. Extra fashion kudos to you if you get one with either tails or an exaggerated shoulder, but think pointed not bulky.
Ways to Wear:
With anything and everything. Wear it with the same pieces you are already wearing a blazer with.ugg boots h the leather leggings, jeans and tank, cigarette pants with super high heels… I could go on because honestly the possibilities are endless.
Where to Buy:
Intermix inside the Forum will be getting a great range of these from Gryphon in about two weeks. Check out intermixonline.com to see what the store will be getting.
5. Something Printed: This could be either a dress or skirt or really why not both. The Key: flowy and drapped, nothing too structured, aka softer fabrics. Make the print either a foliage or animal print (better if a more abstract version). You can find this now and wear it, then take into fall through layers. Should be a bit on the shorter side for both, not so much a mini but a few inches above the knee.
Ways to Wear:
This is the cornerstone item and the get the most mileage for your dollar piece. Belt it, layer over and possibly under, ankle boots, OTK boots, under a fur vest, platform heels, pile on necklaces, military jacket, boyfriend blazer, bare or covered leg. Because this piece will be so versatile you can wear it three different ways in a week and pretty much get away with it, just don’t tell anyone.