Now that League Lines (the magazine published by the Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties) is out I can share with you guys the article I wrote for it!
Fall/Winter Trends
There's no question that the recession has left an unforgettable mark on fashion. It's forced women to change their shopping habits and in turn forced designers and retailers to react. Whether you’re shopping discount stores, only investing in a few luxury pieces or buying less expensive brands all around your shopping habits have changed. Nevertheless as always the weather will change and ladies will be ready for a change of wardrobe. Temperatures may still be in the 90s here in the south, but Fall clothes have arrived. Seen on the runways this year was a touch of conservative glamour, urban/military wear, bold color combinations, a touch of the fifties and menswear. Pick a trend or two and start shopping!
Tipping the hat to Mad Men the styles of the Fifties are making a comeback., with hourglass silhouettes, curve-hugging dresses and below-the-knee pencil skirts. Faux Fur has also re-emerged on the scene for fall/winter. Lucky for us it’s cheaper and much more in vogue than real fur. Eccentric colors are all the rave with models wearing them head to toe on the runway. It looks like "matchy-matchy" is in style again. Also in style, Menswear-inspired suiting and outerwear are key looks and the best way to carry the minimalist trend forward. This is a great look for the office; think cropped trousers, tailored jackets and vests with button down shirts. If you’re feeling frisky and want to brighten the room at this years office party don’t forget your gold. Gold lame frocks are big this year with a touch of shimmer and decadence. I’ve heard when the economy falls so do the hemlines and that seems to ring true this season. Say so long to your micro-minis and sky-high heels. Designers have gone long for both day and night, turning out modest yet remarkable skirts that skim the upper shins or hit at the ankles. These new looks pair well with kitten heels and flat-soled boots. Still if you want to skip the minimalist approach you’ll have no problem finding a mix of sequins, shearling, cashmere, and denim, and have fun with layering them. You won't go cold this winter when wearing these different textures together in layers.
You’re also likely to see lots of great Eco-options in Fall Fashion including Fair trade made items, organic, vegan and ethically sourced materials. Many collections showcase the same trends above yet incorporate ethically sourced 100% pure wool; vegetable tanned leather and eco fabrics. Organic fashion tends to be priced a bit higher than regular fashion lines because the cost of organic, eco and raw materials are more expensive. However as consumers become more aware of the impact of certain industries on the environment, they want to make better choices. Again this season there are so many fantastic fashion trends to choose from whether you decide to purchase organic or not.
