In honor of the official first day of fall, which is tomorrow, despite the fact that it’s felt like fall around here for several weeks already, I thought we might discuss fall fashion trends. Some celebrate the changing of the seasons by participating in some sort of festive seasonal tradition such as pumpkin picking or making applesauce; I go shopping.
I’ve been saving emails from my favorite clothing stores, because they have all had their turn with the Must-Have-Fall-Fashion-Trends alerts. This list is by no means exhaustive, because I’m too lazy to do any real research, but according to a few of my most trusted sources Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, JCrew, and Nordstrom, here are your most popular Fall 2010 Fashion Trends, and my superfluous commentary.
1. Boyfriend Blazer
Yeah, no. I don’t do blazers, and I certainly don’t do manly looking blazers, no matter how badly they want to convince you that they were designed with a woman’s body in mind. But if blazers are your thang, you might like this trend. Along with the Boyfriend Blazer goes the Schoolboy Blazer. And again, I must say, nosankyou.
Note to the fashion forward: if you like the blazer, I’ve seen them often paired with leggings and also statement jewelry, to give them a more feminine look.
2. Sheath Dress
Now we’re talking. For several years, it’s been next to impossible for me to find a dress that I feel good in. I finally figured out it’s because sheath dresses had gone out of vogue. Well. It must be my year, because according to Nordstrom, sheath dresses are making a come back. In fact, I’ve already bought two. And I’m in heaven… Irving Berlin, anyone?
Here are some more sheath dresses for your viewing enjoyment.
3. Long Cardigan
I didn’t think I was going to like this style, but I picked up a long charcoal gray cardigan at the Gap Outlet a couple weeks ago, and I’m loving it. I also picked up a plum colored scarf in a jersey material that I love to pair with the sweater. In fact, you can see me wearing exactly that in my photos with Jillian Michaels last week.
4. Pencil Skirt
Here’s another trend that I’m delighted to see return. I think pencil skirts are universally flattering, and they just so happen to be about the only style of skirt that looks good on moi. So I say, long live the pencil skirt!
5. Leggings
Evidently leggings are back with a vengeance this year. It’s a look I admire on others but I’m either too old or too hippy (not to be confused with hippie) to wear them, myself. It’s one of those trends that takes me back to Gordon College circa 1992. I just don’t think I can do it again. I could POSSIBLY see myself pairing them with ballet flats and a cute sweater dress IF I found JUST the right one. But right now, they are not exactly at the top of my To Buy list for fall.
Yes, I have a To Buy list for fall. Don’t you?
6. Long chains
If you want a quick, inexpensive way to update your wardrobe, get a long chain necklace and put it over, well, just about ANYthing. This is another look that I’m not crazy about on myself, but every time I see someone else wearing one, I think it looks so stylish and fun. It brightens up any boring ol’ outfit in a jiffy. Notice how they use the chains in the photo of the boyfriend blazer to give it a more feminine touch.
7. Ruffles
You’d have to be living under a rock not to know that ruffles are all the rage. This is not a look that I can pull off, personally, but I do appreciate it on those who can.
8. Plum
The hot color this fall is plum, and I’m riding this train as long as it’s running. I absolutely love plum.
9. Trench Coat
Another classic that has been hugely popular in the last couple of years, and it’s back again. This is on my To Buy list this fall. In fact, the red one in the photo above would do JUST fine. And wouldn’t you know it, Christmas is just 3 months away. I’m a size 8. *cough*
10. Skinny Jeans
This list just wouldn’t be complete without a piece of denim, and skinny jeans have done exactly what we all predicted they would never do — they’ve made a nice, comfy home for themselves as a mainstream fashion trend, and it’s not even 1986 anymore. Go figure. If you, like me, just do not feel comfortable in skinny jeans, a good way to get in on this trend is to go for a nice straight-leg jean. It’s a subtle difference, but the straight cut is a lot more forgiving. It’s also nice to tuck into boots.
11. Tall Boots
Speaking of boots. Tall boots are back again, and they are taller than ever. I can appreciate the look, but right now it seems a little over-the-top for this suburban housewife. I’ll wait and see if they go mainstream or not before I decide if I want to give them a try.
12. Handbag
And last, but never ever least, the handbag. I read that the most popular trend in the handbag this season is the oversized clutch, but since that is so ridiculously impractical for a mom on the go, I will add that large satchels and hobos are still very stylish, and color is still the way to go. I LOVE to pop an outfit with a colorful handbag. This fall the color is yellow — the color for ME, that is. It was on a whim that I purchased my new fall bag, and I just so happened to fall in love with a mustard-yellow one. But now that I’m carrying it, I notice ladies with large yellow handbags everywhere I go.
And there you have it, my top 12 list for fall fashion trends. What are your favorites? Got any to add?
ooo- I’m all about the pencil skirt and sheath dresses! And I love purple, so plum being in is excellent.
The rest I could do without. I mean, really, whomever decided leggings and skinny jeans were a good thing should be taken out back and shot. bleh.
I want that yellow handbag. Right there. End of discussion.
I say go for the boots. I have a couple of pairs of tall boots – they are great with the pencil skirts and sheath dresses. I bought a plum shirt on a whim a few weeks ago and am enjoying it. It looks great with a gold necklace. Yellow gold is another think which I think is making a comeback for fall/winter.
Purple and ruffles and pencil skirts and sheath dresses, oh my! I’m loving the trends right now.
I think you are right on with your list. The only thing I would add that I’ve seen a lot is the ankle boot. Or whatever. It’s not right at your ankle but maybe a inch or two up. Something I’m not a big fan of but I see it in every catalog I pick up.
I am anti skinny jean and pro ruffle. And pro large and very large handbag.
I think I can handle the pencil skirt, but I haven’t had an occasion to be skirt-y in years, but that means I can drag mine back out from 2000 and run with it, right??
Love the boots and the red! I am also a fan of purples and greens … the deep jewel tones.
Nell
PS
I love your new look here.
Hmmm.. I agree with you about the blazer. Not for me. And the ruffles. Very cute for itty bitty women.
If I had to choose, I would be wearing the long-sleeved plum shirt and the jeans. With flip-flops, of course.
Sigh, heavy sigh.
I do not like to shop.
I’m NOT a size 8. I don’t remember being a size 8!!
So many of these styles are for women about 20 years younger than I am. Leggings? Tall boots? Skinny jeans? One must consider one’s health, and not causing traffic accidents.
But I did enjoy reading. It’s good to be informed!
I, too, adore the sheath dress. With the correct undergarments, of course.
Those boots remind me of “Laugh In.”
Long chains & big bosoms do not mix well. Sigh.
Thanks for letting me know what is “in” – that should help when I go shopping! I actually love jackets/blazers and hope to get a great long chain as well as a new handbag.
i just bought a shirt dress.
now i need to get the guts to wear it with my skinny jeans!!
Totally love the “boyfriend jacket” and tall boots!
So many things to love! I want to try a sheath dress. I have wanted to try leggings the past couple years they have been out but so far have not been able to pull it off on my tall frame. My sister looks adorable in leggings though. I think it is about the top.
Great post! Love those sheath dresses you got. I’m with you on the ruffled blouse. Wish I could wear it but it looks absolutely ridiculous on me.
So, what are you planning to wear to Disney World. Since we’re going around the same time (but sadly not the same week!) maybe you could help me decide what to pack. What kind of bag, too? Please and thank you.
UGH! It’s a good thing I’m not very fashion-conscious, because some of these trends weren’t great for my figure 50 pounds ago (much less now after a baby!). 5’1″, pencil skirts, skinny jeans, and sheath dresses don’t often get along!
Skinny jeans, ruffles and tall boots??? Is it spring yet?
Thanks for reminding me how far out of touch with the fashion world I am. I kept waiting on the Yoga pant to show up. I could get to know that handbag a little better for sure, though. =)
I’m actually wearing my new skinny leg jeans right now with my “boyfriend jacket” (a blazer I’ve had forever, which I rescued from the back of my closet). The legs are so skinny that they are cutting off the circulation in my lower legs, which may need to be amputated if I don’t get out of these jeans and back into my sweat pants soon….
I’m LOVING the plum color! I need to get myself a good pencil skirt and a nice handbag… but that would mean convincing myself to spend money on myself, and that’s a lost cause! LOL
I LOVE that leggings are coming back – I just wish my short little body was ready for them!
I totally forgot ruffles when I did my fashion post. But I’m with you on the plum thing. All the shades of purple/cranberry that are in right now are gorgeous!
That boyfriend jacket thing? Never was flattering and the world hasn’t changed THAT much. Are they going to show them with leg warmers and cans of hairspray??
I LOVE that red trench coat.
I also love pencil skirts and plum and cardigans.
I do not, however, like skinny jeans. I much prefer trousers, flare leg, or boot cut. And I’m with you on the ruffles – pretty, but…not on me.
I’ll have to try a sheath dress. I can NEVER find dresses that look right one me. They’re always too tight on the top and too loose on the bottom. Maybe the sheath dress style will work for me?
I love the long cardigan, pencil skirts, and hobo bag suggestions. And, really?, Jillian Michaels? I shall search your archives.
STILL with the skinny jeans? Can’t we call it a day on those yet?
Pencil skirts are yummy on everyone and I do love me a trench. I haven’t done a long cardigan because I know I’d have to get one that was JUST right in order for it not to make my bottom look giganticus.
Nice ideas, ma’am.