Fall Fashion: Trends for the Real World

Believe it or not, those high fashion trends from the runways of New York, Milan, Paris and London, are not as out of grasp as one may think. Here are some ways to interpret the trends for Fall 2013 into your everyday, without breaking the bank…

PINK

Fall’s usual colour palette – earth tones and burgundy – are a given trend each year, always setting the tone for the season. This year however, gray and navy showed up in a big way, in monochromatic outfits at Dolce&Gabbana, Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, and others. The most noteworthy shade that made a big statement this year though, was pink. From rose to fuchsia and the palest of shades, pink is the NEW colour for Fall. On the runway, the colour adorned skirt suits, long jackets and accessories. In the real world, invest in a warm, cozy knit, or a fitted blazer for work. Match the shade with your Fall neutrals, and your look will be truly on-trend and ultra feminine.

RUNWAY: Mulberry, DKNY, Cédric Charlier, Prada

REAL WAY:

J. Crew Octagon Necklace, $120
J. Crew Coated Stone Earrings, $66
Loft Skinny Pant, $64
Mango Chunky Knit Jumper, $34
Zara Blazer, $99

CAMO

The infamous camouflage print, which often flip flops between fashionable and tacky, made a big comeback on the Fall runways this year. The high fashion version came to fruition in fur pieces and long jackets, but the wearable take brings the print to life in more discrete separates. For a print like this one that you may tire of, opt for a transition piece like a pencil skirt, or an army jacket that can be accessorized for your mood.

RUNWAY: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Christopher Kane, Michael Kors, Rebecca Minkoff

REAL WAY:

Vince Camuto Camo Cuffed Jeans, $99
Topshop Gold Studded Camo Jacket, $106
Joe Fresh Camo Print Dress, $39
Topshop Camo Print Pencil Skirt, $66

OVERSIZED

Amidst the cinched waists and the pastel colours this Fall runway brought us, there were masculine undertones particularly evident in the oversized coats sprinkled throughout various collections. Often made extreme and unwearable via enlarged shoulder accents and geometric cuts, these interpretations were undoubtedly wearable, and therefore easy to translate…

RUNWAY: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Stella McCartney, Céline, Carven

REAL WAY:

Mango Light Grey Oversize Coat, $119
Topshop Boyfriend Coat, $106
Joe Fresh Cocoon Coat, $169
H&M Coat, $149

CABLE

The cable knit – reminiscent of Irish wool and your grandfather’s favourite sweater – made a comeback on the runways this year. The modern take on the cable comes with its pairings, try a pair of slouchy trousers, or a sweater cut more loosely and more modern than the typical Ralph Lauren tennis version. Proving that a go-to Fall piece like this one is not yet exhausted, but truly classic.

RUNWAY: Rachel Zoe, Monique Lhuillier, Moschino, The Row

REAL WAY:

French Connection Cable Classic Jumper, $59
Zara Square Cut Cable Knit Sweater, $99
H&M Cable Knit Jumper, $34
Zara Long Cable Stitch Sweater, $54

THE PENCIL SKIRT

While the pencil skirt may not be a trend per say, market and fashion editors galore have announced “The RETURN of the skirt” this season. On the runway, the pencil skirt took form in rubber at Burberry, with stripes of mixed texture at Badgley Mischka, as a skirt suit in the season’s new palette at Dsquared2, and in a bold shade at Oscar de la Renta. For the real world, changes make way in the form of pattern and texture, gone are the days of the simple black pencil. Now is the time for stripes, wool snakeskin, figure-hugging leather, and shades to brighten those cool weather days.

RUNWAY: Burberry Prorsum, Badgley Mischka, DSquared2, Oscar de la Renta

REAL WAY:

Mango Snakeskin Pattern Wool-Blended Skirt, $59
Zara Striped Sheath Skirt, $59
Joe Fresh Ponte Pencil Skirt, $29
Zara Straight Leather Midi Skirt, $139

Which trend will you try?