Wearable Fall Trends by Cara Chace

Fall is my favorite time of year for fashion. The clothes are luxurious, rich, and cozy. You can perfect your layering skills and find that signature piece that is uniquely yours. Every season, designers send looks down the runway, and trends emerge across the shows to guide us into what is “on trend.” While some of these looks can be worn as-is, most of them are not ready-to-wear or are more artistic than wearable.

Apparel Therapy is about how to make looks work for you and your lifestyle. Here is a rundown of the most wearable trends for Fall 2012 and how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe.

Black Leather: The runway look was head-to-toe black leather. You can wear this trend by just trying one piece (but black leather shoes don’t count). Try leggings/pants, a jacket, a dress or skirt, or even a leather shell. There are many quality faux-leather options out there too, so you can be on trend and keep to your principles if you are against animal skins.

Ladylike: The ladylike look is perfectly coiffed and super feminine. The key for this look is either a dress or skirt and heels. Think lace and well-tailored pieces. You don’t have to go so far as a Chanel-inspired skirt suit, but a beautiful pencil skirt with a lace blouse and heels would be perfect.

All White: Head to toe white can be a very intimidating look to pull off. Some people just can’t do this look (women with sticky-fingered children), but if you do have the opportunity the look can be beautiful and chic. The key is to mix different shades (white and winter white) and to mix textures (like cotton, cashmere, and cable-knit). Mixing tones and textures keeps the look interesting and polished.

Outdoors: Fall is all about texture, and the outdoors look combines cable-knit, tweed, flannel, you name it. You want to be careful to not add too much bulk by layering texture, so choosing one or two is the way to go. Try a cable-knit sweater with tweed pants, or a plaid shirt layered under a textured sweater with skinny jeans.

Military: This look is about the coats. Looks for coats that have bright shiny buttons, large lapels, and are cut well for you or can be tailored. While one of the looks this season was “oversized”, I would highly recommend keeping this coat tailored and sharp. While traditionally this look is about muted colors (navy, hunter green), feel free to choose whatever color you like to suit your personality.

Opulent Brocade: Huge jewels, embellishments, embroidery, and brocade is a huge look this season. I recommend going with one piece that you absolutely LOVE to pull off this look. A coat or a dress will work, and this is a great trend to find that signature piece that is uniquely “you”.

Trends can still be tricky, even if you just try bits and pieces. If you need a trained eye and a helping hand, Apparel Therapy is available for fashion consulting and wardrobe management.

Cara Chace is the Founder of Apparel Therapy Online, a fashion consulting and wardrobe management service.  ATO has been helping clients since 2006, and was formed on the basis that style is for everyone, no matter your size, location, or budget.  Imagine having a stylist in your closet every morning – this is what ATO offers with its unique wardrobe management software.

cara@appareltherapyonline.com

503.862.8286