fall 2015’s forward trends
As far as the fashion industry is concerned, fall is here. Indeed, despite what your car says the outside temperature is on your way to work in the morning, it is time to consider what you’ll be wearing in the coming months. The major trends have been determined for a while but now they are in front of you, the consumer. You must decide what is worth your hard earned money. You must choose what will best reflect you based on what you already own and what you feel you want or need. Have you prepared yourself for this opportunity?
I can safely say at this stage of my life, I’ve explored fashion and its various trends to the point of nausea…and yet I still have this unending curiosity for what will unfold each season. The question I ask is: What trends feel most like me? Knowing your style, and more importantly your lifestyle, is the key to adding the right items to your wardrobe each season.
But why care? Why care about what each season’s new trends are anyway? Imagine the start of a new season as an opportunity to do one or all of the following:
– Purchase pieces that will accent what you already own.
– Add to basics in new colors that work for you.
– Invest in a trend that resonates with your style.
Some seasonal trends may seem too far outside of your comfort zone–I’m recalling the “jegging” of 2008 when I was a buyer for Hysteria. I was admittedly a non-believer that women would embrace this trend. We all know how this denim tale unfolded but it was not exactly easy to coerce my clients to get behind the trend initially. Change is never easy and what we resist in the beginning can change over time.
This season will introduce us to a new group of opportunities to explore. A savvy consumer will examine the new trends and determine if they are beneficial to her own style. Some of these decisions will be easy…like colors and dress lengths. Other elements can be tricky if you’re not versed in translating style to your own practical execution.
Fall 2015’s Foreward Trends:
Geek Chic
Geek Chick can look like you dressed yourself on a dare with pieces exclusively from the local Goodwill. However, with a few slight amendments, this look can be a very practical way to layer fabrics, textures and prints. The trick is to keep it polished with a maryjane heel and keep your colors to a minimum. This trend’s roots are primarily classic elements. I love Margot Tenenbaum as interpreted by Gucci this fall.
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Artfully Eccentric
This is a favorite of mine that comes quite naturally. This trend can be toned down by keeping within some boundaries of color or scale. The beauty of this trend is that you probably already own pieces that would look great together–it only takes giving yourself permission to wear them together. Style should be fun and not give you anxiety. Putting a look such as this together can seem a bit unnerving if you are a rule follower–knowing yourself will determine if this is somewhere you should dabble. Think Phoebe Buffay from Friends.
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80s Icon Dressing
Anyone close to my age will be reminded of Madonna and her love of underwear as the base of her style as outerwear. Maybe this will always be outside of your comfort zone but there are some elegant examples of sheer fabrics and layering with a lace camisole rather than the bra.
World of Interiors
Bold prints in chintzes and brocades can be over-powering if they are next to your face but I love the idea of using this trend in the form of a cocktail pant for holiday. It’s almost as easy as a dress except you will pair with a jewel tone blouse or cashmere sweater and kitten heels.
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Patchwork
This is 70s all the way. If your roots have always lead you toward suede, Ali McGraw and fisherman sweaters, finding a way to dabble in patchwork could be your trend this fall. Maybe not the “joots” from Tom Ford (as seen here), but a bag, belt, denim or coat (if you dare). I’m reminded of one of my first girl crushes…Lori Partridge (actress Susan Dey) from The Partridge Family. Replicating her style seems very in tune with what we are seeing in the way of patchwork suede skirts and floppy hats. Below is Olivia Palmero…channeling the look of the “Dey”!
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This past week I was helping a client assess her fall wardrobe and I immediately advised her not to feel that she should add a wide leg pant to her wardrobe. It didn’t fit into who she is or the other items she already owns. Having a clear understanding of who you are is most advantageous when negotiating the season’s trends.
With a new school year under way, I’m going to give Stylebook readers an assignment as they approach their fall wardrobe this season. Dressing is about necessity but style is about communication. Communicating is knowing what you want to say. I have come across many women who want help establishing their wardrobe. There is not one formula that works for every client but there is a fundamental starting point to a stylist-client relationship where the stylist must get a sense of who their client is.
Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to define yourself. Who are you and are you dressing in a manner that reflects this identity? By taking on these two questions, you can start to dissect the fall fashion trends for 2015 and determine what pieces come naturally to who you are. In other words, will you define the trends or will the trends define you?
That’s all for now class and here’s hoping you have a great year!
(I’ll be available after class for any questions…alicia@tullebox.net)
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[…] share some of the looks that I’m most excited about and hope to incorporate in my own wardrobe. Last week I talked about how having a great understanding of self is the key to style. My closet has a wide variety of items that I’ve accumulated over the past 30+ years. It holds a […]