Fall 2010 Stay in Style

Tailored Femininity

By Jennifer Kortman and Lezli Bradley

            With summer almost a warm distant memory, we look ahead to fall 2010 and the inspired new fashions that come with it. With fiscal responsibility on everyone’s mind, this issue we will explore the must haves with our “What’s Hot for Fall” feature making it easy to get your wardrobe right on trend without having to start from scratch. In the same vein,  this season we have also added a new section called “Keep it” where we let you in on some tricks for transitioning from summer to fall by keeping key items for layering. We will also talk about what is on trend for shoes and accessories to add some value to your basics. As always we will definitely fill you in on denim trends as well. We are so excited for what’s to come so let’s dive right in and let the fabulousness of fall fashion begin. 

What’s Hot for Fall

            The feeling of fall 2010 is sophisticated femininity. With colors like olive green and golden yellow mixing with pale grey, dusty rose and plum, it is easy to see the trends coming to life. We are seeing tailored military and safari influences as well as touches of leather and lace. The season’s must haves pull from all of these larger themes, and can be mixed and matched to make the look your own. The first and newest trend for fall is the short. We are seeing short shorts and longer styles worn for day and night paired with flowy floral tops and worn with tights and boots or booties. We have seen them in wool and twill as well as ponte and leather. Don’t be afraid to try this look, it will instantly update a wardrobe and it is easier to wear than a skirt.  

            The next big trend this fall is cargo pockets. This look is everywhere this season.  From pants to shorts and skirts to jackets, this will be one of the biggest trends of the year. It is easy to get this look even if you don’t like cargo pants, try adding a fitted jacket with cargo pockets for a more feminine take on a masculine inspired look. To add even more femininity to this look, pair it with one of this seasons billowy floral tops or a lace tank or try a pair of silk cargo pants for a sexy nighttime look that is right on trend.

            Keeping with the masculine inspired trends, our next hot item for fall is anything safari influenced. We are seeing deep camel and olive green being important colors so safari fits right in. There are a ton of great pieces in this theme, including amazing belted jackets and blazers. Also keeping with the safari look, we are seeing touches of camouflage that can work into a wardrobe like a great basic. Mix these earth tones with bright pops of color to keep them fresh, and you won’t feel too masculine.

            Another hot trend for fall 2010 is color blocking. We saw it on the runways of Zac Posen and DKNY last season, and now it has hit the streets in a big way. This year’s color blocking is much different than in the past. It is more subtle, more asymmetrical and more modern. It is actually being called “color splicing” because of its pattern like look. We are seeing this trend show up everywhere, but we like it best on sweaters and dresses. It’s an easy way to add a pop of color to this season’s subdued palette.

            The last hot item for fall is leather. We have definitely been seeing touches of this look for a few seasons now, but this season it really takes off. Skinny leather pants are a must have for day or night and leather shorts are making a comeback as well.  While this trend can be pricey, designers are making a lower price option by adding ponte or cotton to the back of pants for a look that’s just as cool for a more price conscious consumer.  Also sticking around are leather jackets. Again, last year we saw touches of this in the market but this season the lightweight leather jacket is a must have. Short and fitted, in neutrals like cream or black are great to add as a staple for cooler weather.

Keep it

              While we are all excited to go fall shopping and to wear all the newness that the season has to offer, it’s nice to not have to start at square one every year. Let this section help to make the transition from season to season a bit easier, and maybe make it a little easier on your wallet as well. 

            The first suggestion that we all use is to keep your tees and tanks around all year.  They are great layering pieces for sweaters, cardigans and the belted blazers and jackets that you will definitely want this season. If you have too many tops to take into fall with you, pick colors that mimic the fall 2010 palette like olive green, dusty pink or plum to layer with all of this season's great neutrals. 

            Another recyclable wardrobe item is dresses. With the way designers mix fabrics year round, it is easy to add a cardigan and leggings or even skinny jeans to a dress for a completely fresh and adorable way to wear your existing wardrobe. If pairing pants with a dress is not for you try adding tights and boots for a more sophisticated look. 

            Lastly flowy sleeveless tops look great year round layered with a cardigan. You can throw on a cotton tank underneath for insulation if need be and put a cardigan over it for a great way to add to your fall wardrobe without really adding anything.  Try investing in a few basic cardigans in neutrals or fun colors for fall and all of these looks are easy to pull off.

Denim

The newness in denim comes by way of cargo pockets. This season the must have is the skinny cargo jean. This is exactly like the cargo pants that we spoke about earlier but in denim. This is an easy look to pull off but definitely try on a few pairs to find the style that looks best on you, as some cargo styles add unwanted bulk in all the wrong places.

            Also still hot for fall are the skinny ankle styles that we have been wearing for a few seasons now. Wear them in early fall with flats and later tucked into boots. 

            We are also seeing touches of wide almost bell bottom jeans making their way into the mix this season as well. They are being worn with wedge heels and fitted tops and are flattering on just about everyone. Try getting a super dark pair for nighttime with a high wedge heel for a sexy and modern look.

Shoes

            Shoes are still fun this season, with grommets and studs still being cool embellishments. We are seeing a lot of clogs and wedges in leather and suede as well.  Also sticking around this season are tall boots. We are seeing all heel heights with a rounded toe still reigning. Try a suede boot this season if you feel like adding some newness to your boot collection. For nighttime, high boots are still the standard, but adding to the mix are wedge heels that bring with them a ton of comfort. As always, classic pumps in all heel heights are sticking around for day or night and look great with any of the styles that are hot for fall.

Accessories

            While accessories are definitely a way to add newness to your look without buying a new wardrobe, this season they can stand on their own.  Jewelry looks amazing this fall with muted tones of dusty pink and grey mixing with layers of delicate chains and stackable bracelets in all different materials. Our favorite bracelets of the season are made of waxed leather cord and textured beads that when layered, look at once cool and sophisticated. Add them to even a conservative look to add a chic-ness that is definitely noticeable. 

            Also fun for fall, are bags and belts. Bags are all over the map with bright colors laser cut-outs and appliqués being important. Less expensive styles are also important because it is a great way to be on trend without spending a fortune. These less expensive styles have never looked better and they are a guilt free addition to any wardrobe. Belts are making a comeback this season with a bang. We have seen a lot of colored belts like red or purple to add punches of bright color to otherwise subdued looks.  Again these are easy additions that add a ton of style to any wardrobe. Don’t worry about matching your bag to your belt to your shoes….gone are the days of such rigid fashion rules. Accessories this season are all about fun and should be added to your wardrobe accordingly!

            This season is looking like it is going to be a fantastic one for fashion lovers everywhere. Definitely look at what you have to carry over and figure out what styles work for you this season. As always there is a lot of newness, but with a little help from us you should be able to find your fall style before the first leaf falls. When we meet again we will be getting ready for the hustle and bustle that only the holiday season can bring. We will talk about party clothes, outerwear as well as all that sparkles. Until then though, have a great fall and remember as always, to stay in style.