Now that we’ve finally jumped headfirst into spring, next fall is probably the last thing on your mind. With the ability to finally study outside, walk to class without burying your head in a giant scarf, and wear less than five layers a day, the warm weather has been long overdue, as far as this writer is concerned. But the fashion world, in all of its idiosyncrasies, is always a little ahead of the game. The fall shows came to a close a couple weeks ago and buyers and magazine editors have already started picking their favorite pieces and trends to showcase in the coming months. From New York to London to Milan, and finally to Paris, we found a few major developments that are bound to crop up in stores and on the streets when the temperatures start to turn again. Read on for a look at our favorite trends for Fall 2012.
Oversized Coats
When it comes to outerwear, go for boxy and below the knee. A cocoon silhouette is more flattering than one would think, and a cheeky way to cover up a more, shall we say, feminine, dress. The key looks this year come from Tibi, and quintessential Parisian label Chloé.
Winter White
All white looks inevitably crop up somewhere on the fall runways, but this year nearly every designer featured a homage to winter white. It may seem radical to go against the after-Labor Day law, but wearing white in winter is an unexpected way to go against the dark looks that seem to be everywhere in January and February. Top looks came from Derek Lam (this writer’s personal favorite), Yigal Azrouel, and Alexander Wang.
Eastern Influence
A large number of designers looked east for inspiration this season, whether in print form or in a more directly translated manner. At Proenza Schouler, cheongsam dresses were cropped at the knee with prints that resembled Japanese woodblock prints and screen paintings. At Belgian label Dries van Noten’s show, the influence was less literal, with Asian prints found on a handful of dresses and skirts. One look in particular featured a skirt printed with a face that directly calls to mind Asian printmakers.
Menswear
Menswear-inspired, androgynous looks almost always can be found on at least a few runways of a season, but this fall the influence is almost everywhere. One collection in particular that ventured in this direction was Miu Miu, the traditionally girlier collection designed by Italian superstar Miuccia Prada. With a bevy of printed and brightly-hued pantsuits paired with clunky-chic loafers, Ms. Prada encouraged us all to add a little more of the unexpected in our wardrobes.
Military
A familiar influence on runways for many seasons past, a military influence showed up again in a number of the fall collections. From army-green parkas to lighter weight utility jackets, the structured, standard-issue vibe that military dressing gives off is a great counterpoint to many of the girlier, more feminine trends of the season. Look to designers such as Jason Wu for some inspiration.
Peplums
A carry-over from the spring collections, peplums – as hard as they might be to pull off – made an encore appearance this season on a variety of skirts and dresses. Adding a little intrigue to an otherwise traditional silhouette, peplums are a fun way to give a whimsical edge to your style. Look to labels such as Dolce and Gabbana and Peter Som, which showed some great examples of the style for fall.
Urban Nomad
This fall, it’s all about being inspired by travel. Whether it’s to India, North Africa, or to the southwest deserts of the U.S. that you’re headed to, key looks are based around an edgy city look that works around a more nomadic, indigenous piece. At Rag and Bone, that piece took form in footwear: boots with pointed, kicked-up toes called to mind a kind of Indian slipper, and Altuzara’s coin-trimmed garments turned catwalkers into a crew of urban gypsies. Michael Kors, king of American classic, sent pieces down the runway that evoked the American southwest, with blanket skirts and wooly outerwear.
Nudes and Blush Tones
Amid all the luxury and wacky prints, a few designers sent more tame, tempered looks down the runway. As we usually rely on darker hues for our cold weather wardrobes, seeing blush pinks and subtle nude shades was a refreshing way to think of winter dressing. Raf Simons’ final collection for Jil Sander was the pinnacle of this trend: ladylike silhouettes and demure hues that are simple and revitalizing. French label Chloé showed beautifully soft looks that it has become notorious for.
Photo Source:
http://www.style.com/