With the final week of Fall 2010 fashion shows over, I thought I'd address some of the trends we can expect, and which I am so excited to try in the Fall...
Statement Color - Red
No matter what show you were at (if you're very lucky), watching online or reviewing on style.com, almost every one incorporated red into their collection. From beautiful gowns at Altuzarra, Alexander McQueen, Valentino and Carolina Herrera to luxe coats at Oscar de la Renta and Givenchy. Red is the official statement color for Fall/Winter and will definitely bring a pop of color to those cold days.
The Fall collections also brought us velvet pants, dresses, jackets and accessories. Many designers mixed the red and velvet trends in lavish dresses - perfect for holiday parties, red carpet events or just wanting to stand out. I'm on the fence about trying out the velvet trend. My favorite use of it was at Erin Fetherston with her cream colored velvet skinny pants. Gucci also provided some tasteful velvet usage that looked rich and sophisticated.
Furs
Faux or real, furs were all over the runways for Fall and not always in a predictable way. Fur boots, skirts and head to toe fur [Chanel] provided inventive ways to look stylish and keep warm. Burberry and Balmain created beautiful, plush fur coats and Michael Kors brought fur pieces to accent very wearable outfits.
Minis + Long Sleeves
Another trend I'm on the fence about is the mini dress combined with long sleeves; however, I found that this look was reoccurring in many of the collections. Some just a strapless or shift mini over a long sleeve shirt and others a mini paired with cropped long sleeves [Preen]. An interesting look and something definitely worth testing out - but I'm not sure how this will translate off the runway.
Winter Whites
Anyone who says you can't wear white after Labor Day is either 65+ years of age or crazy. Winter is prime time to brighten up your days with all shades of white. The runways provided beautiful dresses, skirts, coats, pants and everything else white. I had to stop and remind myself a few times that I was viewing Fall collections and not Spring. My favorites were the Valentino l/s mini dress with a tiered skirt and the Celine lace dress. Erin Fetherston also brought in a white flowy chiffon dress as well as beautiful prints on white.
Ruffles
Finally we have ruffles - ruffles on virtually every runway in New York, London, Milan and Paris. Christian Dior's use of ruffles was flowy and dream-like, while Valentino used ruffles in a very modern and crisp way. Mulberry created a ruffled mini-skirt that had the appearance of fur. I love ruffles - they add instant femininity
and will absolutely be in my closet for Fall and before that.
