Call me crazy, but I was one of those kids chomping at the bit to go back to school because it meant shopping, school supplies and socializing. Now that fall has come at last, it's time to check out what's in store for our closets. The hot decades this season? Think '40s and '80s—shoulders and booties and studs, oh my!
'40s Suiting
We saw the sharp shoulders trend in spring jackets and it hasn't worn out its welcome yet. Ladylike, 40s-inspired suits were seen in Vogue's September issue (so you know it's going to be big). The strength is in the cut—your shoulder should hit right where the top seam meets the sleeve. Too tight and you risk looking like a linebacker. Too loose and you're just missing the point.
Peek-a-Boudoir
You'll need something to wear underneath your '40s jacket and the runways are offering up lingerie-inspired looks. Look for blouses and dresses cut away from the hip in whisper-thin materials and pale hues with accents like lace and dainty details. It may seem at odds with cooler weather, but trust, you'll feel delicate and feminine even while its snowing (Ack! The S word!).
'80s Everything
I admit it: This past summer, I found myself wearing outfits that I could've easily worn during recess, circa 1985. Leggings, oversize T-shirts, neon-trimmed sneakers, Keds, jean shorts—seriously, I'm a grown woman! But the '80s prevails and for Fall it's about denim (ripped, bleached, even—uh-oh—acid-wash) and carefree club wear (Azzedine Alaïa-inspired minis—layer them with leggings and a jacket for day).
Studs 'n' Chains
No, it's not the name of a homoerotic biker bar (though wouldn't it be a great one?). There's a definite motorcycle chic vibe happening for fall with all the studded, enchained and be-zippered garments and accessories available. Go subtle with stud earrings or a zippered heel or go wild with metal-laden leather.
Wedge Ankle Boots
Since the bootie trend started a few seasons back, designers have been trying new ways of making it fresh. Say "hi" to the wedge ankle bootie. More comfortable than a heel, cute with skirts and skinny pants alike, the wedge bootie (sounds like a disco dance, doesn't it?) comes in a variety of styles. There's rugged, buckled ones for the tough set, colourful ones for the '80s babies, and sleek ones for the über-stylish.
Chunky Knits
You can't have fall without sweaters! This season, knits are chunkier and more substantial, all the better for whiling away hours curled up in front of a fire. Look for classic shades of grey, oatmeal, and cream, thick cables and high-quality materials. Sweater dresses and tunics over leggings and tall flat boots? Call it my Fall/Winter uniform.
Super-Tall Boots
This trend is tricky, but can work if done properly (or will definitely work if you're blessed with thin thighs). I prefer the flat kind, anything both heeled and over the knee is a bit much unless you're a) in costume, or b) a superhero. Pair them with skinny jeans or leggings and keep your top half free-flowing and layered.
Tapered Pants
Pants are hard to shop for, but the new silhouette of wide at the hips, narrowing down to a tapered ankle is flattering for many figures. As always, the strength is in the cut—and you'll have to search for one that suits your body. Camoflague a tummy, create curves on a boyish figure and highlight an hourglass shape with a roomy fit that tapers without narrowing too closely. Pants should hit right at the ankle and look best with heels or ankle booties.
Long-Sleeved Mini
A little bit '80s-inspired, the long-sleeved mini will be seen on women of all ages this season. Comfortable, stylish, sexy, simple—all good things. Designer Alexander Wang kicked it off with his popular T by Alexander Wang long-sleeve dress (it sold out almost immediately). Pair with bright hose and cute booties for fun or tough it up with long chains and motorcycle boots.
Winter Shorts
It's this season's hottest oxymoron. Winter shorts work in heavier materials like tweed and wool worn with opaque dark tights (they must be opaque) and tall flat boots or ankle booties. Throw a blazer over it all and you've got a polished look that's wearable to the office—if you work in a creative environment, that is. Off the job, it's anyone's game.
Written by: Alicia Cox