Fall is coming, one of the biggest signs is when Canada Geese begin to warm up their wings. You can see them circling and squawking. They are such a beautiful animal, but that is for another article.
As we transition our wardrobe from summer to fall, we begin to think about new clothes and accessories, like jewelry, that are required to be on trend.
To help you keep up with the fashions for fall and winter 2008/09, the main trends for this season are highlighted below. However, the most stylish people are not usually slaves to the latest fashion trends, but wear what they love. While it’s great to have a few trendy pieces, the best fashion stands the test of time.
Actually, for last season and the season to come, a lot of the new “trends” are sort of a continuation of the previous season’s themes or are retro-inspired. These retro trends make it the perfect buy for your wardrobe.
Go to the back of the closet, you still have something from the 70s and/or 80s, unless of course you weren’t born yet, in which case raid your mother’s closet. Some of you (or your mom) may even have pieces that work wonderfully for the glamorous 1950s pin up look.
This season basically all the eras are back and you’ll look trendy in any retro piece from the decade, just be careful not to overdo it. One or two retro pieces, whether in clothing or handcrafted jewelry, combined with a more contemporary element works very well. Designers commonly use this technique as a way to make retro fashion look contemporary or modern. They add a new twist to retro style whether in design, fabric or accessories.
Find and upcycle/repurpose those beautiful retro pieces from the back of your closet and mix them with new items, it will look perfectly chic.
Listed below are several trending themes that apply to both clothing and handcrafted jewelry. Remember that your accessories, especially handcrafted jewelry, can really put the finishing touches on the outfit. However, don’t forget to look at what you already have and add new parts only where you need them, this will save you money and shopping time and is eco-responsible.
These are some of the Fall/Winter 2008/09 trends:
general
Two general trends are:
Yo. A mix of day and night. This doesn’t mean wearing a ball gown to the office, but mixing a wardrobe item that would traditionally be worn as evening wear with day wear. For example, wear a sequined tank top under a blazer for a bit of daytime sparkle.
ii. Trends that run through both clothing and accessories Most of the trends are affecting all the elements of the outfit that provide greater flexibility. You can choose how far to go with the trend by items and the number of items you select. For example, if you want to be a little more subtle, you can add a piece of handcrafted jewelry that reflects the trend instead of an entire on-trend outfit.
color trends
Handmade clothing and jewelry in purple, pink, deep red, green, and blue are all the rage, as are metallic pieces (discussed in the Metallic trend topic below).
I. Isn’t it romantic?
Traditionally, fall fashion evokes ideas of wool sweaters, this season there is a nice counterweight to keep warm. Romantic fall with flowing fabrics and romantic accessories, Victorian style.
Specific handcrafted jewelry pieces to achieve this romantic look would definitely include chandelier earrings.
II. mystic mumbai
Asian fashion and specifically East Indian fashion is becoming more and more popular. Designer Alexander McQueen’s fall show was a perfect example of this. It is not surprising that he has spent 6 months in India; it makes sense that the inspiration for the collection came from India.
Mumbai Mystique applies to clothing as well as accessories. Again using Alexander McQueen as an example, the fabric colors and finishes reflect East Indian styles as do the beautiful chandelier earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
third Bangle Bazaar
There seems to be no end to the craving for bangles – it hints that it’s a good investment to get you into spring/summer 2009. During New York Fashion Week in early September, there were a lot of big chunky bangles on the runway. for Spring/Summer 2009.
IV. metallic
Gold, brass, silver and pewter oh my! Metallic influences in clothing and accessories. From metallic colored leggings to brass locket necklaces, metallics are a big element of fall/winter fashion trends.
V.Leather
Whether you prefer a rocker-chic look or a more polished classic look, leather is in style this fall.
Leather is appearing in clothing and accessories, from bomber and biker jackets to leather minidresses, bags, scarves, gloves and necklaces.
SAW. Fringes and Feathers
Fringe dresses like 1920s flapper dresses, fringe on boots and bags. Feather accents in clothing and accessories are also prevalent.
VII. Architectural
The shapes of the clothes reflect an architectural influence: interesting draping and cuts in the clothes. Also in this theme, handcrafted architectural jewelry is a popular choice to complete a fall look.
VII. decade-retro
From the 20’s to the 80’s with a focus on 50’s Pin Up, 70’s Hippie and 80’s Preppy, this is a big trend for this season. This is the trend where you can upcycle and reuse pieces that have been hidden in the back of your closet for decades! Fashion is cyclical so if you save your pieces you can always find another season to wear them again.
IX. leg wear
Stockings and knee-high socks reign supreme again. Cable knit, solids, funky patterns, metallic wet look to Gossip Girl diamonds.
x shoes
Shoes are an indispensable part of this season’s fashion trends. If you love shoes, you cannot be happy with this trend.
Here are some shoe trends:
o Kick It Ankle Boots – Lace-up ankle boots – especially Oxford style, ankle boots with cut-outs, extra fabric and pleats
o Boots: fringes, riding boots
o Chunky Platform Heels – Anyone new to the ’70s?
XI. long-term trends
While the above are the latest trends for Fall/Winter 2008/09, there are two trends that are real long-term trends, rather than fads. These two trends are ethnic fashion and socially conscious shopping, such as fair trade jewelry and fashion. That is where society is headed.
Our cities are becoming more multicultural and society loves it! We love food and fashion.
In terms of socially conscious shopping, everything from eco-fashion to fair trade jewelery and clothing is becoming more important. People are asking more questions and worrying about how and where our dollars are being spent.
When shopping for clothes and accessories for fall and winter 2008/09, look through your closet first, then add a few new pieces to your existing items. This will not only give you a current look, but also reflect your own personality, there is no point in looking like everyone else.
