Trends. My life is based around trends. I am fortunate (because I work for a designer), that I get hundreds of samples each season. My friends love it because I can pass along what I think is the best of the best…since you are all my friends – here are my thoughts on the trends for Fall/Winter 08.
My Top 5 Trend Picks For Fall 2008
1. Something Purple
Purple is the hot color this fall. A sweater, a shoe, a handbag…anything purple! I am seeing everything from a raisin, to dusty lavender. The darker the purple, the easier it is to wear.
2. A ¾ Sleeved Coat
There are some adorable coats out there this season. The new cut is something floaty with a ¾ sleeve – anything with interesting details like a bubble hem. Another trend that falls into this category is the wrap coat, or shawl coat. Very wearable on any body shape, and adds a sense of sophistication to a simple t-shirt and jeans.
3. Girlie Details – a shirt with ruffle, or a top with a bow. This look is very old-Hollywood, and very ladylike. If feminine details aren’t your thing, then look for tuxedo details (rather than ruffled), or a ruffle at the cuff rather than by your face.
4. Shoe Boot – the shoe boot is hot this season. I’ve seen everything from peep toe to something that looks more like a sandal than a boot. Don’t confuse the shoe boot with an ankle boot – they are very different animals.
5. The new silhouette – this season we’re being introduced to a new silhouette…a slim bottom and a voluminous top. This can be done with tights, a legging, or a stove pipe jean. The key is to make sure the top is in proportion to the bottom. If you are hippy, you will love the slim pant with a long jacket. If you are petite, be sure that your top doesn’t overwhelm your bottom…keep the length no longer than your high-hip. Another take on this silhouette is the pencil skirt and swing coat. This combination is more wearable than the slim pant; and (IMHO) can be pulled into many other looks.
Trends generally go in 20 year cycles. So, yes – we’re seeing things that we remember seeing 20 and 40 years ago. Those silhouettes come back around, but they are done in a more modern way. A good rule of thumb is to get in on a trend at the beginning not the end. Today, look for those things that are new. If you love the look – get it now, you will be able to wear it for a while. If you’re not sure – leave it at the store.
Coat by Nordstrom
Kathy Friend is a wardrobe coach and fashion stylist. For more of Kathy's opinion, visit her blog, or to check out her service, visit www.KathyFriend.com.
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You've definitely capture the top 5 trends. I've been seeing these in all the store and catalogs. Already got some purple tops and accessories and I'm considering the shoe boot so my wardrobe will be a little up to date.
But the rest of those trends won't be seeing the inside of my closet. I still have nightmares about the big bow and ruffle shirts I wore in the 80s. A 3/4 sleeve coat? not practical for New England. I'd get maybe one month of use out of that.
And every time I try the big on top, small on bottom silhouette it looks like I'm shopping the maternity dept. I guess us it is a look that hourglass figures just can't pull off. Would probably be great for an inverted triangle though. What do you say?
Hi Twith Honey –
I live in northern Indiana (think Chicago), and it gets COLD here. The 3/4 sleeve jacket is perfect for this time of the year. Personally, I tend to get hot (might be my age, who knows) so the 3/4 sleeve will save me from taking my coat on and of 1,000 times a day.
As for your question – if you have an hourglass figure, you are made for this season's new silhouette! You just need to do this look in a slightly different way – do the slim pant with a long (below your lower hip) jacket, try a chain belt or tassel belt with that voluminous top to cinch in your waist, how about a pencil skirt with a cape/wrap style jacket? The options are truly endless. I am a curvy hourglass, and LOVE the new cuts. I have more options this season than I have had in any season I can remember.
Conversely, the inverted triangle’s goal is to not bring more volume to her top ½. So, she would need to be extra careful about the voluminous top.
I hope this helps – if there are any other questions or clarifications you would like, please let me know!!
-Kathy
Can you please clarify the difference between the shoe boot and the ankle boot, and how to work each of them?
Also, I just got on the skinny jeans train, but I am both pair-shaped and long-waisted, so I'm having trouble incorporating them into the rotation. Thoughts?
Hi Anna!
OK, first – the shoe boot and ankle boot. The ankle boot hits above your ankle bone, and the shor boot hits at your ankle – or below. Does that help? If not, please let me know and I can post some links to visual examples.
Skinny jeans with a pear shape. Are you on the tall side? If so, then try a longer jacket or sweater coat over your pants. Leave the jacket / pants open to show your figure…but the jacket / coat will be long enough to cover your bum. Just be careful that whatever you put on the top doens't being attention to where you hold your weight…but rather, the top skims over and hides trouble spots.
I just recorded a spot for our local news station about this…when it airs, I'll post the link via Twitter…follow me on Twitter (or my blog) and you'll see the link!
Have a great day!
-Kathy