Strong silhouettes, tough luxe and a return to ‘80s opulence have all hit the runways at break-neck speed; but the question remains: which ones are worthy of your wardrobe? Here we dissect the best -- and worst -- of the season.
With summer drawing to a close, fashion’s favourite season is finally within sight. So although we’re bidding adieu to our floral frocks, summer sandals and denim cut-offs, we can rejoice in the return of leather boots, outerwear and accessories galore. This year designers have promised a fall season of fabulous fashion inspiration and sophisticated style, but not all runway looks (no matter how genius) are meant for the real world. To help you decipher fashion inspiration from fashion fantasy, here’s our guide to the fall trends you want… and the ones you don’t.
Trends You Want
Head and shoulders
Christophe Decarnin led the charge last spring with his now iconic peaked-shoulder military jacket for Balmain (which was openly coveted by anyone with access to a fashion magazine) and many a hawk-eyed designer have followed suit making strong shoulders the absolute must have look for fall. This season, Decarnin reiterated the exaggerated silhouette that has become his signature in tuxedo jackets and leather bikers while Francesco Scognamiglio drew attention to the shoulders with oversized feminine ruffles. (Pictured above: Balmain and Francesco Scognamiglio)
The bold and the beautiful
This season designers are taking a stance against the doom and gloom of 2009 with optimistic splashes of bright, bold colour to punch of your wardrobe (and outlook) for fall. Marc Jacobs brought a palette of mostly greys, charcoals and blacks to life with neon hits of electric yellow, blue, pink and purple. Even Jonathan Saunders, a designer known for his affinity for fluorescent hues, turned it up with an energetic collection of vivid colours and zaney patterns. (Pictured above: Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Saunders)
Old school
The ‘80s trend continues to rage for fall, but this time around designers have taken a slightly more sophisticated approach to the decade’s iconic look. Designers like Twenty8Twelve, Isabel Marant and Charlotte Ronson have translated the youthful, angst-ridden style of the ‘80s for a more grown-up clientele with slimmer silhouettes, toned down embellishments and a chic black colour palette, leaving us with a new, fashion-forward iteration of the ‘80s, with just a hint of Pretty of Pink. (Pictured above: Twenty8Twelve and Charlotte Ronson)
More trends you want (cinched waists and scarves) on the next page ...
