A guide to trends: yesterday, today and ahead.
Fashion magazines have so far given some hints to what’s popular for fall. But with summer still in full swing, it can be difficult to decide what to wear now and what to keep an eye out for when the weather (or at least the calendar) turns in September. However, if you wait to buy your fall purchases when it finally “feels” like fall, the best items – and the good deals – will be gone! The key to enhancing your closet isn’t to buy an entire new wardrobe; it’s adding certain pieces to the clothes and outfits you already own. Follow this preliminary summer-to-fall chart to see which items to keep, which items to purchase and, unfortunately, which to hide in the back of your closet until they become trendy once again.
Dresses
Yesterday: 1950s throwbacks
Today: Babydoll and trapeze dresses – fun and easy for summer, paired with bare legs and a simple cardigan
Ahead: Fall welcomes longer hemlines for both dresses and skirts. Many designers are showing lengths extending to below the knee. The 1920s look is in again, but with a longer look, not necessarily minidresses.
Jeans
Yesterday: Skinny jeans
Today: Anything goes
Ahead: Sleek and simple jeans. For fall, embellishments are cooled down. Unlike the past few years, many jeans have plain pockets, without extra pocket designs, glitter or rhinestones. The fit of the jeans is equally reserved – not exceptionally skinny or wide.
Shoes
Yesterday: Platforms and wedges – wedges are still fashionable to wear during the summer, but it’s past the time to buy any new ones
Today: Marc Jacobs jellies and other fun, summer flats
Ahead: Fall runway models wear flats, but they’re also showing spectator pumps and other more “substantial” heels. This goes along with the more grown-up, lower hemline theme.
Bags
Yesterday: Giant, carry-everything-you-own designer bags
Today: Clutches are perfect to throw into your purse or beach bag during the day and to use by themselves at night
Ahead: Whether big or small, think structured handbags for fall. Avoid shoulder straps; instead carry the bag by its handles. Faux crocodile and snakeskin are popular, and metallics are also ‘in’ for fall.
Keep these pointers in mind when shopping for fall pieces:
Buy immediately if: you can easily afford the item; you haven’t seen anything else like it anywhere; you simiply can’t live without it.
Wait if: you may find something you like better at another store or department; you like the “idea” of the item but you aren’t sure if you’ll wear it; it only fits a certain type of weather or event (example: a raincoat in a city that barely gets rain or a fancy dress without an occasion in mind).
Don’t buy if: the item doesn’t fit right; you like the idea of owning the item but doubt you’ll wear/use it; you really can’t afford it.
