Top Ten Trends for Fall 2012

Fall 2012 offers so many choices to update your wardrobe. Here are some ideas to inspire you!


1. Something in Green

Tired of red and black? Green is a welcome alternative to add a punch of freshness to outfits, as well as to accessories.

2. Cropped printed pants

Some designers featured head to toe pants suits in bold graphic prints for a big fashion statement. As an alternative, opt for printed pants with a simple top with some volume to off set the skinny cropped look of the pants.

3. Statement handbag

This trend appears each season, emphasizing the importance of a great handbag. Top handled totes come in textures and wonderful hues. Clutches are always chic, especially in a color or embellished.

4. Coat with volume

Coats for the fall fell away from the body. Some recalled menswear in their over sized cocoon shapes. Others had a Victorian appeal. Strong lines, structure and volume were shared qualities for the silhouette.

5. Brocade

Opulence is on display with luxe fabrications in brocade for jackets, skirts and dresses.

6. The Peplum Dress

The popularity of the peplum is proving enduring from season to season. Perhaps it's because it gives the appearance of a waspish waist for a flattering effect.

7. Smoking Slipper Shoes

Borrowing from menswear, the smoking slipper shoes are a versatile choice for fall. Paired with leggings, jeans, and slacks, they can update a casual outfit. With a tuxedo jacket or suit, they can finish an elegant evening look.

8. Anything in Leather

The motorcycle jacket has become a classic, but leather in all guises is the big news for fall. Look for leggings, blouses, dresses, skirts, and entire ensembles in leather. To subdue the rocker look, combine with denim or lace. An alternative to leather leggings is coated denim that looks like leather with easier care.

9. Baroque embellishment

There was nothing understated in the Renaissance richness of brocade fabrics and baroque embellishments on classic silhouettes. Perhaps designers were influenced by Downton Abbey and Anna Karenina.

10. Asian Motif

The year of the dragon was an obvious influence, as designers gazed to the east for inspiration for Asian motifs.

 

Runway looks will be re-interpreted for reality but serve as inspiration for you to create your own signature style. Have fun with the mix!

Top Ten Trends for Spring 2012

I had difficulty paring the list of trends down to a mere ten this spring, as there are so many trends, but here are my top picks for the season.

1. Bold Floral Prints

These are not shrinking violate prints, but are big, bold florals on sheaths, tops, and pants, and even head to toe for quite a statement.

2. Little White Dress

As seen on the Red Carpet at this year's Oscars, white was the color for some of the most winning gowns. So give black a rest and embrace white for a fresh spring look.

3. Structured colored handbag or clutch

A color in a structured handbag or clutch can add just the right amount of punctuation to an outfit.

4. Sandals with Wedge Heels

The wedge heel gives stability, height, and chic to a summer sandal.

5. Pleated skirt

Accordion and knife pleated skirts soften the silhouette and add volume without bulk for a feminine appeal.

6. Peplum

The flare of the peplum, if proportioned correctly, gives the appearance of a wasp waist, with a retro nod to a 1950's style. But it can also give an architectural look of modernity if kept minimal.

7. Patterned and colored pants

The colored jean is a carryover from last spring, and this season we see the ubiquity of patterned jeans as well as pants.

8. Something in Tangerine

Tangerine or orange is the color of the season, and if you are shy about doing it head to toe, look for an accent of color in a detail or a pattern, or go bright with an accessory. Yellows and the full spectrum of blues are other choices. Brights seek a natural complement in navy and other neutrals.

9. Global Prints

Earthtones, batik prints, geometrics and patterns display an ethnic edge in many of the global prints this season.

10. Dangly earrings

Big, dangly earrings are staging a comeback this season. Embellished with diamonds, crystals, beads, horns, chains and tassels, these are bold, look-at-me pieces.

As with any season, you need not embrace all the trends, but I hope you enjoy incorporating a few into your wardrobe and have some fun with fashion.