Hit or miss fall fashion trends

It’s September and yes, seasonal change is in the air. An obligatory look at the best of fall fashion trends brings us to ponder the colors, prints and silhouettes of the season. 

The best of means saying no these fall trends: no to slip dresses (keep your lingerie where it belongs please, under your clothing), unstructured tailoring (togas were bad enough on the Greeks), animal prints (how many times can they come back?), satin ballet flats (great, if you’re a ballerina), oversized bags (What? Is there a body in there?), or anything purple.

Also not recommended are: two-tone shoes, shrunken jackets, chunky jewelry, oversized trench coats, sequins for everyday and head-to-toe suede.

Trends that are hits include prints like paisley, plaid and bold checks, vintage-inspired pieces, the peplum silhouette, hourglass tailoring, florals, skirt suits, skin-hugging maxi dresses, and anything burgundy or red.

For a vintage-inspired jacket, I like Proenza Scholer’s Martina Jacket in Raspberry with point collar, bell-shaped sleeve cuffs and ruffled hem.  Another beauty by the same designer is Sukki Jacket in Black with three button closure and rounded neckline.

The return of the peplum silhouette, a flared, gathered or ruffled fabric cinched at the waist, is a pretty, feminine trend this fall. Cos makes a Black Knitted Peplum Top that is the perfect foundation for almost anything. Veronica Beard’s Nickelby Stretch Cotton Peplum Top in a low-key floral print of black, camel and sage with V-neck and hidden back zip closure goes from day to night when paired with a straight black or sage midi skirt.

Bold checks and plaid are back this season. Veronica Beard’s Lois Sleeveless Tailored Plaid Vest with round neckline, hip flap pockets and cutaway hemline with matching trouser is suit dressing at its best. If you dream of checks everywhere, then Wales Bonner’s Multi-Color Ritual Plaid Button Down Shirt with its soft drape in Jade, Ochre and Oyster gives fall colors a new note. Kenneth Cole’s Dark Navy Multi Ruched Plaid Midi Dress takes plaid up a notch: sleeveless with jewel neck and side ruching. Ralph Lauren’s Paisley Short Sleeve Shirt with point collar and buttoned placard is a casual look that can easily be worn into early fall with it soft hues of grey and gold on cream.

Hourglass tailoring like Tia Dorraine’s Hourglass Cotton Blazer Jacket in Beige, with its narrowing at the waist, emphasizes natural curves. Another upscale office look is Hourglass Blazer by Mugler in Taupe, a sleek, long sleeve jacket with flap pockets, point collar and cinched waist.

If you thought florals couldn’t make the transition to fall, take a look at Kosmarov’s Floral Dress with Lace Sleeves in Night Rose in charmeuse and chiffon with a pleated lace sleeve that goes from office to date night with style. This semi-fitted Kimme Floral Frill Neck Crepe Midi Dress in Pink Dotty Floral with flounce V-neck collar, softened empire waist and short angel sleeves brings the garden party indoors this fall.

How about this retro Skirt Suit in Dusty Rose by Tia Dorraine? The jacket is double-breasted, with structured shoulder and cinched waist in stretch crepe.  This suit evokes 50s Hollywood glamour when paired with its figure-hugging, high-waist midi skirt promising all the polish of screen sirens of that era.

If it’s a skin-hugging maxi dress you’re shopping for, make it Ralph Lauren’s Pointelle Sleeveless Maxi Dress in Birch Beige with the silhouette and texture of fall. This jewel neck, sleeveless straight line knit with deep side slit has a slip lining for comfort and coverage.

A hip-hugging maxi gown with corset detail is House of CB’s Kira Corset Bodice Satin Gown in Blush. A sleeveless square neck gown with waist detail and side zipper is so pretty it looks like a confection.

Finally, if you want to get noticed at the next wedding reception you attend this fall, I’d suggest this retro-styled Estrella Gown in Burgundy by BWLDR. Its fixed ruching creates a beautiful drape on this understated evening gown.

As they say, go big or go red. It’s possible with Prada’s Stiletto Court Shoes, in Rosso, with side bow detail, strappy side panels and sculpted heel. If you’re wondering why everyone is looking down, you’ll know why.

While we are on the subject of shoes, I’ll make an exception when it comes to animal prints exclusively for Jett D’Orsay Low Pump in Taupe Python Print. Too gorgeous to dismiss.

If you follow trends blindly, be prepared to look like a clown, like some of the fashionistas on the red carpet. Remember, it’s not stylish just because it’s a trend, it’s stylish because it looks good on you.

Need styling advice? Email our fashion editor at Velvet Journal, info@velvetjournal.com. You’ll be entered to win a complimentary one-hour styling session, if you do.