Falling Out

   

By: Ayana Bryant-Weekes 

        This year, Fall brought with it rule breaking weather patterns, from 70-degree temperature highs to record shattering rain showers. As frustrating as unexpected weather can be, it can also inspire a similar unpredictability in your Fall wardobe. Here are some easy, yet daring Fall Fashion trends to try this season. 

        One aspect of fall that everyone loves is COLOR! The Fall14 collections of Chloe, Gucci, Carven Wes Gordon, Oscar de la Renta, and J.Crew gave us exciting blues, greens and oranges as well as surprising pastels to work with.

         Orange is a hot color for this season. I know some say orange isn’t for everyone but I beg to differ; there are different shades for every skin tone. Find the shade that’s right for you and rock it out!

For a modern take on the Blue color trend, you can wear your favorite shade of blue from top to bottom, or go the color-blocking route with shades of light periwinkle to deep sapphire.

         The Fall Pastel color trend is my personal favorite. The lighthearted shades of spring (mint greens, pastel pinks, baby blues) take the dreariness out of traditional fall colors. The deeper shades of this pastel pallet add brilliance to your fall wardrobe. Work in coats, slim pants, or midi-skirts in with these lovely hues.

The Oversized Wrap Coat trend for Fall14 combines comfort and glamor. This trend is modest but brings back an air of sophistication in one garment. You can throw this piece on over layers, or modernize it with slim-cut trousers and a turtleneck (also an awesome fall trend). The runways of Delpozo, Altuzarra, Mark Fast, Marc Jacobs, and Giorgio Armani show us exactly how to pull off this fabulous fall look.

 

If the wrap coat trend isn’t quite your cup of tea, try on a more refined version – The Cape.  I love this trend because it’s all about that personal touch. Make it an evening look by wearing the cape over a dress, or with jeans and riding boots for a stylish weekend fit. This winter staple was spotted in the collections of Public School, Kate Spade New York, Tracy Reese, Etro, Roberto Cavalli, Burberry Prorsum, Tommy Hilfiger, Barbara Bui, and Alexis Mabille.

There are bags that show your style, and then there are bags that send a literal message. Seen at Karen Walker, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Kate Spade, and other shows, Statement Totes and Clutches  let you to make a statement without saying a word. For fall, several designers embraced upbeat bags with a twist. From the Frosted Flakes mascot Tony the Tiger at Anya Hindmarch, to the Chinese takeout containers at Kate Spade, and—of course—the McDonald’s theme Jeremy Scott showed at Moschino. Apart from the variety of imaginative and trendy bags for fall, the bag trend also features outstanding designs, forms and motifs. Among them are the treasure chests of Dolce & Gabbana, the piano-inspired bag of Betsey Johnson, and the unique Frankie Morello book clutches.

                                                         

         I know I’m not the only one with a collection of comfy t-shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants in my closet from an old boyfriend. That’s why I love this Menswear trend! Though menswear fabrics are used, the cut is tapered and more full on top for a woman’s hips, which are a major focal point this fall. You can even try dress shorts, which are a surprisingly acceptable alternative when worn with opaque tights. Make it work for warmer months with a paler color palette and lighter fabrics. Tommy Hilfiger, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Hermes, Elizabeth and James, and Giorgio Armani all gave femininity a masculine touch for this season. 

                                    

Speaking of Men’s Wear…

Here are a few unexpected Fall trends for men!

Turtlenecks. Lately it seems anything goes when it comes to reviving 90’s fashion. This retro-classic trend has been gaining ground for a couple of years in men’s fashion circles, and this year was no exception thanks to brands like AMI, Bally, DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Gucci and Topman Design. This trend makes most guys nervous about looking too feminine, however, it’s all about the way you wear it. Turtlenecks have to be comfortable and underline your masculinity and strong silhouette (that's why if you don't think that your body fits turtlenecks, then it's better to avoid wearing them). Pair a tailored, lightweight turtleneck with a blazer or bomber jacket (or on its own), or layer a thick-knit turtleneck under a long double-breasted overcoat, to switch it up a bit. For those who like a bolder look, white roll necks are white-hot this season as well. 

The Sports Chic/ Urban Sport trend is one of my favorite menswear trends. In the Fall14 collections of Hermes and Botegga Vanetta, luxury meets sportswear in a subtle way; elemnets of loungewear are incorporated into tailoring and fabric choice. The Wearability and functionality, mixed with true design elements is what sets this trend apart from “regular” sweats. The runways of J.Crew, Sibling, Todd Snyder, Givenchy, James long, Vivienne Westwood and Band of Outsiders showed a sporty but polished look with nice sneakers or boots, a fitted-shirt, topping the look with a casual blazer or jacket. Presented in double-faced wool cashmere, suede or leather, loungewear is elevated to something much more luxurious.
                                        

Heading to a Black Tie event? Shake things up and wear BROWN. Worn as a standout jacket or as a full tux with coordinating trimmings, Marks & Spencer, Best of British, Gieves & Hawkes, and Richard James translated the classic Black Tie ensemble into a handsome fall palette.