This season’s inspiration ranges from height of contrast, over-the-knee boots, simple, casual luxury, slouchy pants to emerald green and bringing back the old.
One of the best upcoming trends this season may surprise you. Some would call it anti-color blocking. Others would say simple and classic. Point is, achromatic hues can be so much more chic when worn together.
Daytime Outfit: A loose-fitting peplum can be flattering on certain body types. This specific style has a relaxed vibe, perfect for a day of running errands. Or a simple white tank peplum with light-wash skinnies will get the job done as well.
Daytime outfit: skinny black jeans and a white blouse tank top. To keep yourself warm, throw on a leather jacket or a black and white knit cardigan.
Nighttime outfit: Pair some heels with any laid-back look. It will take your style to the next level. Look into head-turning styles like peep-toed booties, bootie wedges, over the knee boots, etc.
Layering is key when it comes to fall fashion for multiple reasons. One is that it’s affordable. Two is that it’s realistic. We’re college students and we can’t afford to continually buy new clothing items. I encourage you to find new ways to layer and to use your basic clothing items in your closet. Trust me, it will save you so much money. When shopping, invest more money in items that you see yourself wearing at least 10 times. I try to envision 10 different outfits. If 10 is too much, aim for seven.
Don’t forget to leave your house with a super-cute hat. According to New York Fall Fashion Week, designers like Kate Spade and Tracy Reese made sure to set the knit beanie trend. When in doubt, put a beanie on it! There are other types of hats you can wear this season, too. Fedoras, floppy knits and even baseball caps are at your disposal.
Daytime outfit: knit sweater with a pleated skirt. Top it off with a floppy knit hat and over-the-knee boots with stockings.
Nighttime outfit: Swap out the floppy knit for a beanie and the knit sweater for a cargo or leather jacket for an edgier look once the sun sets. Keep the over-the-knee boots; they’re pretty versatile.
Daytime outfit: Pair the leopard print with cuffed boyfriend jeans. Stay with the basics. Feelin’ a little sassy? Finish the outfit off with some fringe ankle booties or hidden wedge booties.
Still have that obnoxious leopard print item in your closet? Don’t throw it away just yet. In fact, pull it out. It’s about time that oldie becomes a goodie again. One of fall 2013’s hottest trends is already in your closet. What a great way to save your money by recycling, right? Play with different colors of leopard this season. Classic brown and black will always be in style, so have a bit of fun and choose a pink or red version instead. Go crazy. But don’t get too excited and overdo it. A little leopard can go a long way, so stick to one piece featuring the cat print.
Daytime outfit: Pair the leopard print with cuffed boyfriend jeans. Stay with the basics. Feelin’ a little sassy? Finish the outfit off with some fringe ankle booties or hidden wedge booties.
Nighttime outfit: Convert that daytime outfit by pairing leopard print with a pair of dark wash skinnies and throw on those one-strap heels. Or reverse. Wear a leopard print skirt on bottom with a simple black tank up top. This can work for both day and evening wear.
Add emerald green to your closet, and I’m not just saying that because of where I work. According to Pantone’s show at New York Fall Fashion Week, it’s a top color for 2013. Don’t ignore how cute emerald green can look when paired with jewel tones, such as garnet, amethyst and sapphire. It’s a great pop of color for this season and can be paired with any outfit and style. Look for different ways to incorporate the shade into your wardrobe. A structured bag or high heels in this vibrant hue is like an exclamation point at the end of your ensemble.
Nighttime outfit: Swap out the floppy knit for a beanie and the knit sweater for a cargo or leather jacket for an edgier look once the sun sets. Keep the over over-the-knee boots; they’re pretty versatile.
Another way to save your money is by re-using your white clothes from spring and summer (if appropriate). Take a chance on winter white. When the temperatures are low, we all have a tendency to reach for dark colors, but why not grab a winter white piece instead? Don’t think you can wear winter white only for a night out. A classy coat fits in at the office and denim works for the weekend. Save your flouncy pieces for spring. Choose weather appropriate staples such as chunky knits, jeans and jackets that make sense in autumn.
Don’t bail on the peplum just yet! It’s the trend that won’t die, so hop on the bandwagon if you haven’t already! Find the right peplum for you. Where it is placed on a dress, shirt or skirt can determine just how good you look. Don’t underestimate how flattering a peplum can be. It can be super helpful and can define your waist or add curves to a boyish figure.
Daytime outfit: A loose-fitting peplum can be flattering on certain body types. This specific style has a relaxed vibe, perfect for a day of running errands. Or a simple white tank peplum with light-wash skinnies will get the job done as well.
Nighttime outfit: Wear the same peplum you wore earlier! Instead of casual skinnies, pair with a mini skirt or leather pants to spice things up.
Take advice from designers BCBG MAXAZRIA and add interest to your fall outfit choices by piling on a few extra pieces. Mix textures with your pants, skirts and tops. A sheer dress over leather pants allows you to layer without looking bulky. Don’t go crazy with colors or patterns when layering though. An outfit with many components should look as streamlined as possible.
Watch the screen captured time lapse of illustrator, Kenneth Osborn, creating digital drawings below.
Illustrations by: Kenneth Osborn
Video by: Will Cuddy