Fall is my favorite time of the year, and it’s not just because of the weather. I love fall clothes. Maybe beyond what’s healthy. But there are worse vices, aren’t there?
This year’s crop of fall trends has a few hits, a few misses and a few that just, well, defy explanation. But that’s my opinion. See what you think.
The Good
Photo: Gap
Blazers – The easiest way to take the chill off and spruce up a favorite denim skirt at the same time. There’s just something so polished about a well-fitting blazer; it pulls together your look in one easy step. Pull on a pair of opaque tights and a pair of boots or booties and you’re good to go. And you’ll look fabulous doing it.
Photo: Victoria's Secret
High-waisted pants – The 40s are hands-down my favorite fashion decade, and this trend is a modern take on that classic style. What’s not to love? Pair them with a tailored, body-skimming top to get the full effect. One note: beware of pleats and front embellishments that may emphasize a belly pooch. Look for plain, flat fronts if your tummy has that rounded, feminine look.
Photo: Hats in the Belfry
Fedoras – This one makes me swoon. I love hats. I think it’s a shame we don’t wear them much anymore. Let’s fix that, shall we? This season the elegant fedora jumps on the menswear trend bandwagon. Not only are hats striking, they’re unusual enough these days to get you lots of appreciative looks. Add a fedora to frame your face when you put on menswear-inspired pieces like trousers and a vest. Trés chic!
The Bad
Photo: Gap
Ruffles – These are bad not because they’re unattractive, they’re just hard for the average woman to wear—unless she’s flat-chested and weighs 90 pounds. They add volume and bulk, two things I can do without. And generally I find them to be overdone, which takes a piece from feminine to just fussy. And so not me.
Photo: Piperlime
Shooties – It’s not a boot, it’s not a bootie, it’s a shootie. Take your favorite pair of boots and cut them off just below the ankle. That’s a shootie. They’re being shown with skinny jeans as well as denim skirts, but I’m not sure they won’t cut you right off at the ankle. The jury’s still out for me on this one.
The Ugly
Photo: Piperlime
Fringe – A pair of moccasins is one thing; looking like a refuge from Woodstock is another thing entirely. The idea is to keep it soft, pairing shoes with fringe with a pair of skinny-leg jeans and a cardigan. Still, I’ll pass.
Photo: Banana Republic
Bow Shirts – Remember these from the 80s? I do, and I didn’t like them then. I still don’t like them. They look to me like they’re trying to hard. Mix ‘em up with menswear-inspired pieces to add a dash of femininity. Hmm… wouldn’t a nice necklace to just as well?
As with all trends, the key is to take what you love and leave what you don’t. Which are your hits and misses?
Finn is looking for a sugar daddy so she can change out her wardrobe every season. Applications are being accepted on her blog. She swears her husband won't mind.
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I agree 100% on the fringe and the bow shirts! I think high-waisted pants would look terrible on me though! BUT, I think I may just try on a pair next time I go shopping. You've piqued my curiosity!
@Jenny – Try on a couple of pair with different fronts and designs. There's bound to be something that will work for you.
While I agree that high-waisted pants look chic, I am bemoaning their return. I just don't have the figure to wear them (even when I'm not massively pregnant, like I am right now!).
As someone who is thick-waisted and narrow-hipped, I have thoroughly enjoyed buying low-waisted pants that fit perfectly right off the rack during the last decade. I guess if I want to wear fashionable pants in the future, I'm going to have to buy 2 sizes up and find a good tailor.
I am SO with you on the fringe! Looks like a bad Pocahontis (sp?) costume. I've found high waisted pants make me (especially my hips) look smaller, but I'm so cheap I'll probably just stay with my Levi's…that way I'm ok when they get all dirty & greasy at work.
Fashionista, I'm not – I don't even HAVE a girl card.
i think those short boots thingies might be cute and comfy. not that i will be wearing skinny jeans, but i think i could rock them with my regular jeans…
@Susanna – I get what you're saying, but never fear: the lower rises are still in!
@Tug – Oh, I bet you do. You just have the free membership.
@Hello – See, that's why I'm on the fence! I like them, I just can't see wearing them with anything but pants or jeans.