New York fashion week closed in grand style with the 1920s flapper inspired Marc Jacobs collection. The shiny, flowing frocks are described as “cellophane,” due to their sheen and diaphanous nature. The soft pastel palate favors spring over summer.
Busy women wonder, ‘Why should I care what comes down the runway during fashion week? I can’t afford a Channel original.’ Couture designs ultimately influence the designer’s more commercially available ready to wear lines, and these in turn give form to department store offerings.
While the Spring 2012 lines are heavily influenced by 1920s to 1940s fashion, we can expect to see different historical references on display at our favorite stores this Fall. Elie Tahari for example favors ’70s inspired looks with a lot of skirts and knee length boots.
People incorrectly assume ’70s inspired means bell bottoms and polyester. These are modern fashions using the very best new fabrics to marry ’70s lines with contemporary textures and prints. Look for tweed or soft light weight wool skirts and pants, paired with silky tops and fur (or faux fur). Of course, you’ll need a great pair of boots. Jessica Simpson’s Ambery is a good example of a ’70s inspired boot that is widely available.
Asian culture continues to influence fashion as we move into fall, and this trend is expected to persist into 2012, according to Fashionising . The oriental influence is evolving. Whereas past seasons saw outfits made to closely mimic traditional Asian garb, the focus has shifted to integrating one or two elements into otherwise western pieces. You’ll see western style tunics with wide kimono belts that double around the waist and tie in front, or oriental floral prints on basic sheath dresses.
When shopping for your Fall wardrobe, look for stack heel shoes and blouses with bow ties ala 1975. Blazers will be in, but look for unique detailing, embellishments or mixed fabrics. Your jacket should coordinate with the pants or skirt, but not match.
This is also the year to take more chances with color. While the colors are muted, as you would expect for the cooler seasons, the pallet is fuller than in past years. Deep aqua and coral join the more traditional oranges, burgundy, purple and green.
Ultimately, the best fashion is the kind that makes you feel great about yourself. Feel free to skip any of the “trendy” shapes that don’t work for your body or lifestyle. The great thing about modern fashion is that it recognizes the individual nature of beauty, and in so doing offers an unprecedented amount of variety and flexibility. In other words, wear what you want. Remember, self confidence is the best accessory.