Fall Fashion: If it feels good, wear it
02 Sep 2018
MIX & MATCH - HAVE FUN
By Jules Marie This fall, a little feel-good fashion is just the antidote to a topsy-turvy world. In clothing, the personal can be political and a sense of individualism is definitely ringing out on the runways. From the fashion shows of Paris, Milan, New York and Vegas to the streets of Boulder County, one thing is clear—what’s important this year is not just what you wear, but how it feeds your spirit.
Everything Old Is New Again
Change is in the air, but a yearning for simpler times can be seen in flashback fashion. “The nineties styles are prominent right now; they’re nostalgic and fun,” says Colbert. Designers like Hilfiger have revived their greatest fashions, with a return to trench coats, grunge and jumpsuits. Even palazzo pants and capes are making the cut this year. Pants are boasting wide legs or bell-bottoms, and can be found in fabulous materials like seersucker. This season’s runway models are sporting bubble skirts, jelly shoes, My Little Pony logos, high-fashion tracksuits, overalls and head-to-toe plaids. What’s coming back around the bend again? Neon, animal prints (say YES to tiger), exaggerated fringe, excess layers, foils, plastics, diaphanous fabrics, skirt suits, leather, faux fur, novelty knits, western wear. Not everything nostalgic is getting the nod: out are chokers and off-the-shoulder tops.
Be Bold and Beautiful
When you step into the streets, you want to look bold and beautiful; the colors this year reflect that strong sensibility. Pantone’s popular 2018 Fashion Color Trend Report boasts a bevy of autumnal and twilight hues. Look for black and white swimwear accented by primary colors and Pantone’s rich plumage of colors. Your choice of bling also reflects a bold outlook. “Yellow gold is still making a strong comeback this year. Your earring selection should include geometric shapes in button styles and/or dangle styles,” says Graig Anspach, of Anspach’s Jewelery. “Stacking rings and bracelets continue to be a strong choice this year. Just have fun!” Organic combinations of colored gemstones are still in vogue, adds Anspach.
Manning Up
Working-Class Blues
With a nod to working-class roots, dark denim ruled the runways this year, including classic jeans, denim trucker jackets and loose-and-casual ripped denim jackets. You don’t need to work on a farm to pull off this look. “Every great outfit starts with the perfect pair of jeans!” says Melanie Melton, owner/buyer at Chelsea. Fashion also meets function when it comes to bags. The top-handle bag trend is updated with a cross-body strap, which makes it stylish and convenient, notes Laurel Tate, co-owner of Two Sole Sisters. “Another accessory trend is wearing scarves as belts or headbands, or tying them on your handbag as an accessory,” she says.Precious Metals
Maybe there is an underlying anxiety that cybercoins are going to replace the real thing, because the shine of metal is everywhere this year. Runway shows in Milan, Paris and New York showcased metallic fabrics in gold, silver and bronze to build fashion-forward outfits, including skirts, dresses and even down coats.
Walking the Walk
Footwear that can get you there, be it to a meeting or a march, makes its own statement. Pound the pavement with on-trend choices like colorful Jeffrey Campbell booties, vegan Birkenstocks, studded shoes or a wedge that looks fetching in mustard or peach.
