Fall runway shows are a curious thing. On the one hand, we all wait to see which looks will inspire our fashion choices for the upcoming season. On the other, certain runway or magazine trends are too over-the-top or impractical to be adopted. (Thigh-high slits, anyone?)
Scaling down fashion’s larger-than-life trends and combining them with what’s already in your closet requires a delicate balancing act that can often be quite tricky. Luckily for you, we’ve picked out this season’s most wearable clothing and accessory trends to transform runway to reality. Read on to learn the top fair trade fashion trends for fall and start styling yourself with confidence!
1. Classic patterns
It’s time to push those graphic tees and digitized prints to the back of your closet: fall 2013 is all about classic patterns! Think pinstripes, plaid, herringbone, and especially houndstooth as fashion goes back to its sophisticated basics this season.
2. Oversized outerwear
It’s the silhouette of the season. Add a little drama to your wardrobe basics with an oversized coat, cape, or poncho — and stay warm while you’re at it! Just be sure to keep the rest of your outfit fitted and clean to avoid a “swimming in fabric” feel.
3. Winter white
Storing your white clothing after Labor Day has officially become a practice of the twentieth century. Save your lightweight summer whites for later, but expect to see lots of chunky, heavy winter whites as the weather continues to cool down. Bonus points for rocking a monochrome white ensemble, a look that’s easy to assemble on any budget!
4. Beanies
This fall the beanie is back, and back with class! No longer just for bad hair days or casual occasions, beanies are popping up all over the runways and the streets to add an element of cool to any outfit. Our advice? Pair yours with a more structured silhouette in the rest of your outfit for a polished yet edgy head-to-toe look.
5. Embellishments
Shimmer, beading, metal accents, brocade, fringe . . . the fall 2013 runways went overboard on embellishments to create some truly dazzling looks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of textures and details to create a look that suits your personality and your mood!
6. Colorful accessories
Colorful accessories probably take the prize for “most fun trend” of fall 2013. Whether it’s a bright scarf or neck warmer, vibrant gloves, or an eye-catching beanie (see trend number 4), a pop of color against fall’s more subdued hues is a quick and easy way to add some interest to your casual wardrobe basics.
7. Green
Pantone called emerald as the 2013 color of the year months ago, and fashionistas have been green with envy ever since. While emerald remains hugely popular, especially paired with other jewel tones like amethyst and garnet, the full range of green hues dominated the runways for fall. Get ready to branch out into rich, autumn-ready shades like fern, asparagus, khaki, and hunter green.
8. Folk-inspired pieces
It almost seems too perfect for us globally-minded fashion-hunters, doesn’t it? But believe it or not, folk-inspired fabrics and patterns from exotic locales made a strong showing on the runways this season, incorporated into everything from dresses to jackets to socks. Choose your destination, whether it’s rural Norway or Hill Tribe Thailand, but keep the folk print as an accent or restrict it to a single garment to keep the outfit looking sophisticated and put-together.
Your best fall yet
Sure, certain trends speak louder than others, but this season the modern woman has so many fair trade fashion options when it comes to styling herself fabulously. Whether you’re looking for a brand-new closet for your 9-to-5 or just updating your wardrobe basics, looking great has never been easier.
Will you be wearing fall’s top fashion trends? Are there any that we missed? Tell us about it in the comments!