7 Essential Wardrobe Trends for Fall
Even though we’re having a killer Indian Summer right now, and the thought of putting on a scarf and jacket seems unbearable, I still can’t help but get enthusiastic about what’s trending right now!
From eggplant to emerald, plaid to prints and thigh-highs to booties, there are so many trends worth trying.
To navigate the season, I enlisted the help of Dana Harmon, fashion guru and owner of chic boutique Bardot.
Bardot is the trend-setting store that carries indy brands that are hard to find and pieces from main-stream brands that aren’t in department stores. After leaving the store, you’ll never see someone else wearing the same thing as you.
With Bill, Dana’s adorable rescue pup and official store mascot in tow, we saunter around the store gathering the best of the best for fall 2013!
Here it is – gleaned from my fashion field trip are 7 easy to wear haute trends you will love!
1. Winter White:
An all white ensemble is an elegant monochromatic look that can easily transition into the winter season. “The whole no white after Labor Day rule is dead” Dana says, “an all white look is simple, ethereal and unexpected.”
Leather is big too and if you think black is too harsh, try it in white. Below, Dana pairs a casual knit sweater with a white leather skirt, offering a great day to night look to boot!
Pictured: Sweater: Vince; Skirt: Tibi
2. Menswear Inspired:
Pulling off a menswear inspired look without looking to masculine can be a little daunting. “You can go wrong if the piece is too big” Dana mentions, “it’s all about fit and tailoring.”
Make sure the pieces fit, if not head to a good tailor to custom fit the piece to your shape. Mix menswear with the plaid trend, below you will see that Dana selected a gray plaid pant by A.L.C. (A.L.C. is by Andrea Lieberman, former celebrity stylist to Jennifer Lopez and Gwen Stefani) with a white tank and fitted black blazer. She finished off the look with loafers – also huge this fall.
Pictured: Blazer: Reese and Riley; Tank: Vince; Pants: A.L.C.
3. Booties:
“Booties are the most versatile shoe out in this marketplace this season and we’re wearing them in a variety of colors” Dana informs me. You can wear them with skinny jeans, dresses, skirts – long or short and even with shorts.
“I love Alli Marie booties,” Dana says. Although Alli Marie debuting her first season this year, footwear is in her blood. Her family started Red Wing boots and her line is made in the same facility. Rest assure Alli Marie boots are made extremely well.
Pictured: Booties: Alli Marie
4. Animal Print:
From bags and flats to dresses and sweaters, animal print is everywhere this season! “You can make animal print chic by letting it be the standout piece in your look” Dana mentions, “like with this look here” as she motions to the look she put together.
The animal print sweater is the standout piece. Not to mention the color – emerald is definitely having a moment this season. In fact, it’s the color of the year!
PICTURED: Sweater: A.L.C.; Leggings: Amanda Uprichard
5. Layered Boho Jewelry:
I had the opportunity to meet with the designer of Ceek Jewelry, Esther Kim to get the low down on the jewelry scene! “Layered statement pieces made of crystal and natural materials are hot right now.” Esther said. Think gold plated leaves on necklaces, stacked metal rings, and colorful crystal pieces that can stand-alone.
To create a casual yet on trend look, pair jeans and a t-shirt with layered jewelry. “To keep it effortless,” Esther tells me “don’t layer rings, bracelets and necklaces all together, focus on one area to avoid looking overdone.”
PICTURED: Bracelets, Rings, Necklace: Ceek
6. Soft Pant:
Time to ditch your denim! This season it’s all about soft pants for the daytime or at night. I was skeptical – I’m 5’1” and thought to myself – shorty’s can’t pull this look off!
“It’s more wearable than people think!” Dana explains to me “you have to just try them on!” A trick for short girls is to try a pair that has a long line along the side which will elongates. Don’t forget to keep it very minimal on top, “the key is to wear a very simple top – think black or white T’s or tanks” Dana instructs.
Pictured: Soft Pant: Amanda Uprichard; Tank: Nation LTD; Clutch: Cleobella
7. Natural tone Clutches:
If you’re going to purchase a new bag this season, make it a clutch! The look this season is detailing whether it’s beading, geometric or floral patterns, the detail will elevate your look.
“We love natural tone clutches,” Dana said, “you can easily transition from day to night with a clutch in hand.”
Pictured: Brown and turquoise: 12 Street by Cynthia Vincent; All others: Cleobella
What fall trend will you wear this season?