Fashion Trending...My Favorite Trends for Fall '14!

Pantone Fashion Color Report - Fall '14 Runway

Obviously there are numerous lists covering fashion trends for Fall each year so let's just say I've selected my very favorite.

Fall is my favorite time of year as it relates to wardrobe.  For those of us that live in the Midwest, it seems like a short window, but we get the cooler weather days, falling leaves and some warmer days as we'd refer to as Indian summer.  I'll take them all! I only wish that we could swap that extra month of Winter and stick it into Fall!  I really love classic trends so swapping out warm weather months to Fall clothing is one of those things I get excited to do.  Endless sweaters, pea coats, tweeds in either pants or jackets are just a few of those classics I love year after year.  But this Fall/Winter season brings some unexpected surprises with so many nods to classic and wearable clothing.

Color Solutions International - Fall '14 FASHION
SNOOPS Runway

Color planning and inspirations range from brights to soft neutrals.  The Pantone Colors lean bright.  I also check the Color Solutions International "SNOOPS"which categories color themes from the runway as following for both men and women Fall/Winter '14:
with radiant orchid being my favorite.

• Brights
• Highlighter Brights
• Jewels
• Industrials
• Neutrals
• Romantics
• Soft

So with a little planning of your older classics and some in with the new, it will be Fall fashion time before you know it. The neutrals are beautiful and I think pulling in a combination of both bright and neutrals will be a refreshing change from my typical Fall colors in my wardrobe.

My Favorite Trends for Fall/Winter 2014:

1. Gray is the New Black

photo through Harper's Bazaar

On the street with Bill Cunningham (NY), "Gray is the new black." http://youtu.be/Fw16uYo0-Hc
For those that don't know, Bill Cunningham is a revered fashion photographer who captures trends from runway shows to the streets of New York City. I love this particular street video on gray because it is everywhere! I don't think I'll ever tire of having black as a go to color in my wardrobe, but it is great to see gray so prevalent particularly in NYC where so many people also turn to black this time of year!  Here are some of his great fashion videos through the New York Times online.

2.  Classic Coats

Elle's Top 75 Best Coats from NY Fashion Week - Fall'14

A beautiful coat is an asset to any Fall wardrobe and frankly, I'd rather invest in one that is classic both in style in color so you may get many years out of it.  Camel coats are always a good choice and neutral tan/camel color will move from season to season.  Elle has a great list of the top 75 coats from NY fashion week with everything from long camel coats to a beautiful wrap coat with brighter colors woven in.  I'd definitely recommend a more neutral color is you don't want to invest in more than one coat.  The key trend for style this season is all about the wrap coat.

2.  More Than Just Sweaters - Wearable, Soft Knits
Another trend from Elle's short list previewed knits being more than just a sweater.  Consider knit 

Derek Lam/Photo through Harper's Bazaar

coats, pants and multiple layers of knits on for one outfit.  I personally love this one not only for the comfort, but it takes knits to a whole new level of style; which is not uncomfortable or stodgy.  I love Derek Lam's cool, minimalist vibe, sometimes the trend actually represents the designer in so many ways.  I love the layering of these pieces, the softness and the easiness of the cut.  This is a trend that just about everyone can take on with minimal investment.  

3.  Sneakers

Don Ashby/FirstView (photo credit)
Huffington Post

Vans Slip On for J. Crew

Sneakers are a popular staple this Fall; from the runway to retail.  Chanel has shown them and also DKNY.  I love this and J. Crew's "borrowed from the boys" look has come full circle.  I hope this trend sticks around so our high-heeled feet can take a rest! Vans for J. Crew offers this sleek slip ons, but they are currently backordered so you can go online and click your size to see the estimate time for availability.  I personally like the minimalist look for sneakers unless I'm heading to the gym!

4.  Mod - the 60s Return 

news.bgfashion.net

nymag.com

Without showing my age ;), mod is back and I love it from cropped dresses and skirts to wildly graphic colors!  Mod not only popped up on the NY runway, but European as well.  Nymag.com featured this now hip look for Fall and not just with the mid/mini skirt, but the over the knee boots as well.  I can see mixing and matching with this trend, but personally wouldn't go with a full-on 60's look. I do love the bright colors that are showing up this season.

www.stylecaster,com

5.  Boots, boots and more boots!
I love that this Fall/Winter brings on boots in every shape, heel height, color; my personal favs for this season are over the knee.  I'd love a shiny black patent tall boot to dress up any outfit.

And boots look great on all women so you really can't go wrong.  My only recommendation if you are planning to make an investment for designer boots, go to a Gilt.com to Ruelala.com where they have been popping up at a discounted price.

6. It's All in the Details
This season brings beautiful dresses, skirts and

Image from fashiongonerogue.com

even coats with very ornate beading, sequins, threading - and married with amazing jewel-tones.  These are definitely investment pieces and very trendy, but like all trends, it will come 'round again so keep these luxuries for the long-haul.  This gorgeous Mary Katrantzou Fall/Winter 2014 piece is just stunning.

And to the left is another Katrantzou number in an evening gown length.  This one is almost too beautiful to take out of the house! It has a slightly bohemian vibe and her work is just so beautiful and intricate.

image from Vogue.com

7. The Suit

Dior image by Dan/Corinna Lecca

This is a great season to update a suit.  And with gray being the new black, I would consider this as well.  High-end, Giorgio Armani presented what I would describe as a more modern suit, but still has the wear of a classic.  The fuller pant with single button jackets are beautiful.  I always love a beautiful suit and this one by Armani has a femininity to it, less structured, softer fabrics.

The Dior suit is beautiful, almost has a sheen to it.  The great thing with each of these suits is being able to wear a wilder accessory be it a handbag or shoes.

8.  Rich Tapestry

Image by Dan/Corinna Lecca

We are seeing a lot of tapestry whether it is in a skirt, blouse, jacket or all three together.  I purchased a gorgeous tapestry coat several years ago through Nordstrom.  At that time I received so many compliments so I will be pulling that beauty again!  It is another one of those trends with so much detail.  I love this Etro ensemble and the rich burgundy is amazing.  I love that this is head to toe, but each piece could be paired into different outfits.

9.  Anything Goes
I am a Michael Kors fan and he followed the Fall trends and orchestrated them beautifully without being too ornate.  This knit sweater, unstructured and loose pant along with it all being monochromatic gray! It's a triple play and I think Kor's aesthetic is easy, but sophisticated. This collection has to be pretty appealing to a variety of women.

Valentino

10. Expecting the Unexpected
The color wheel takes some of the most dramatic offerings I've seen in awhile, such as pink.  I personally love pink with a very soft hue.  This Valentino dress is so feminine and girly to which I'd never expect for Fall! And pairing it with a boot no less!  This is totally monochromatic without feeling "matchy, matchy!"

So many choices, so many different color palettes, so many cuts from clean lines to wild shearling coats!  I really like that so many of these design houses are adding a practicality to fashion so it is more wearable to the average woman.  Like any season, decide which trends you are missing or where you can add without blowing the bank.  If you're going for the wild, shearling coat then cheers to you, but I think my closet might only have one - forever!

Cheers to all and please share your favorite hits and misses!