Fall fashion trends toward metallics, patterns, color-blocking

BY JASON ASHLEY WRIGHT World Scene Writer
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
8/07/12 at 5:11 AM


The Summer Olympic Games will end soon, but fashions coming this fall will take us back to London.

"Patterns!" exclaimed Rita Manzelmann-Browne, the senior buyer for Miss Jackson's at Utica Square. We'll see patterns rather reminiscent of those spied in the '60s on London's Carnaby Street.

Color-blocking continues as a huge fall trend, Browne said, and patterned jeans will be a "huge trend."

You can expect ladylike looks (think dresses and skirts nipped in at the waists, and high, slit hemlines); Navajo-inspired wraps, capes and sweaters; plus houndstooth, lace jacquard, a coated sheen to jackets and metallics, Browne said.

At Saks Fifth Avenue in Utica Square, the key trends are all about eclectic elegance and decadent style, said the store's Amanda Viles.

"Textures are rich, embellishments are opulent, and hues are deep, all delivering luxe looks," she said. "Think brocades, velvet, leathers and menswear fabrics - houndstooth, herringbones and plaids - all styled with feminine flair."

Specific styles you'll see are ladylike sleeved slim dresses, flirty peplums, fluid pants and fitted jackets, Viles said. Of course, it wouldn't be fall without some fur pieces, such as vests, scarves and accent trim.

Teal is the color for the season for both women and men at Macy's, although it's more of an accent for guys.

In keeping with fashion's constant flashbacks, the '70s are quite influential this fall at Macy's, with elongated and full silhouettes, lots of dresses in vibrant colors and sophisticated prints, capes and ponchos, soft blouses and pants, pleated skirts, shirt dresses, cardigans, skinny ribs, and jacquard pullovers.

The department store's other top trends in women's ready-to-wear include soft-neck blouses, draped-front tops, tuxedo- and bib-front shirts, modernist tees, shimmer tops, pleated skirts, slit skirts, slim cropped pants, lace dresses, and menswear suiting. Sweaters include mock turtlenecks, textured and hand-crafted sweaters, ponchos and capes, and sweater coats.

Menswear has an emphasis on sleek design, refined fabrications and fitted silhouettes, with additional accent colors of vintage wine, slate blue, olive green and cardinal red.



From bags to stockings

Here's the rundown from Macy's accessories hot list (with side notes from us):

Handheld bags (give your shoulders a break already)

Clutches (go glam in gold or opt for a wild blue-teal print to go with your little black dress)

Single-sole pumps (nothing against platforms, but these are classics)

Dance shoes (because you never know who might ask you to dance)

Kiltie shoes (shoes with a fringed tongue, usually on moccasins)

Tuxedo shoes (as in patent leather - no weird little bow-tie detail)

Chokers and collars (hello, "Fifty Shades of Grey")

Bracelet watches (when stacking bracelets, these timepieces play better)

Wide-brim fedoras (great for concealing a random bad hair day)

Capes and ponchos (flirty and feminine, plus they're just less bulky coats)

Seamed stockings (very '30s-'40s glam)

Boot leggings (or legging boots - usually, the thigh-high variety)



‘Most wanted’

At Belk, Arlene Goldstein has a "most-wanted" list for fall - for both men and women.

"Projecting confidence and sophistication is simple when you make the right sartorial choices," said Goldstein, the department-store chain's vice president of trend merchandising and fashion direction.

Here are her highlights for men:

Bold stripes Check out unexpected color combos and fresh fabric mixes to add an instant sporty vibe to your look.

Sweater vest This wardrobe essential is approachable, wearable and effortlessly cool. Under a jacket or on its own, it is a fashion investment.

Thermal knit Show your playful side by mixing patterns and textures. This knit has a knack for maximizing your weekend wardrobe options.

Preppy plaids Step out and explore the potential quirkiness of this sensational shirt option. Mix it up to give traditional a twist.

Corduroy pant Cords in a more modern straight fit are the new go-to pants for fall season, Goldstein said.

Luxe sportcoat Strut your style in a jacket that goes easily from day to dinner. Bring it down to earth by balancing the luxurious vibe with items in less exalted fabrics, like denim.

Also: Tailored vests, knit ties (narrow ones, especially) and the casual jacket.

And here are Goldstein's most-wanted items for women:

Bold color Color clashing, color blocking, color banding.

Fitted blazer "The jacket is back and better than ever," Goldstein said. "It is the of-the-moment completer piece to love for seasons to come." It's a classic that looks newest when shaped to perfection to contour your curves.

Ankle pant This fashion basic feels fresh and fashion-forward when you add a silky shirt or a shaped jacket.

Beautiful blouse Sophisticated lady chic at its best, this feminine top never loses its allure.

"Get creative. Pair it with jeans, or partner it perfectly with a slim skirt," Goldstein said.

Pencil skirt Hitting at or around the knee, the pencil is sure to be figure-flattering and one of your all-time favorites.

Sweater Pullover knits in boxy shapes with dolman sleeves, metallic yarns and elegant openwork head the list of winning updates to this wardrobe staple.

Glitzy top Fall is a treasure trove of metallics, beads, sequins and sparkle. Remember, just a taste is all it takes.

Shift dress Simple, sleek and chic, this frock will feel so right. Look for intense colors, leather trims and luxe fabrics.

Original Print Headline: Falling for fresh trends
Jason Ashley Wright
918-581-8483

jason.wright@tulsaworld.com

Associated Images:

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Blazers and patterned denim are important for fall. Below, an outfit includes a blue blazer ($59), top ($32) and pant ($49) by Style & Co. at Macy's. Courtesy photo


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Metallics are on trend for fall. Options include a coppery Ellen Tracy shirt ($89.50) and pants ($79) from Macy's.Cords, plaids and textured coats are men's trends. Below, a Kenneth Cole Reaction blazer ($119.50), shirt ($39.98) and pants ($59.50) are at Macy's. Courtesy photo


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Seamed stockings are a big trend, according to Macy's. Courtesy photo


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Cords, plaids and textured coats are men's trends. Below, a Kenneth Cole Reaction blazer ($119.50), shirt ($39.98) and pants ($59.50) are at Macy's. Courtesy photo


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A Tommy Hilfiger sweater ($110) is paired with a plaid shirt ($69.50) and pants ($59). Courtesy



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