Tory Burch Mercedes Trench

Fashioning Fall

Without being too reserved, some of our favorite designers seem to be
telling us that prim is in this fall. Shades of gray, tweeds, chunky knits, and stove-pipe pants remind us of the familiarity of autumn, while metallics, studs, patent-leather, and accessories like hats, stilettos, and thick tights add an edgy, glamorous twist. Alexander McQueen’s collections honor a color that has been more irresistible than ever this year: cobalt blue. Much of McQueen’s dark menswear is detailed with cobalt blue piping, belts, shirts and caps atop long, black leather boots and leather pants. His women’s collection is splashed with even more cobalt in the form of thick tights, short dresses and intricately patterned dresses. Mod and futuristic as many of the headpieces and short dresses are in his fall collection, McQueen stays true to the opulence and romance of his traditional creations, with deep purples, dramatic eyes, and dark, domineering capes.

Metallic and patent-leather have finally found a way to work together more tastefully than ever before this season, with the dark, glossy fabric and luster that is displayed in trench coats, stilettos, bags and even dresses. The highlight of Tory Burch’s Mercedes’ collection this year is a double-breasted, metallic navy trench coat with enamel buttons and epaulettes at the shoulders, demonstrating that shiny can actually be so chic. Julien MacDonald is another designer who plays with this sparkling concept; his thick metallic tights, dark and glimmering fabrics and patent-leather heels are something out of a nighttime fantasy. Burberry plays to a similar sentiment with studded detailing in accessories like handbags, trenches, scarves and umbrellas, mostly in black. The check studded rowan handbag, however, appears demure from a distance and deliciously rebellious up close with its housecheck pattern underneath its stud detailing and leather straps. Hollywould is another name dominating studs this season, with black gunmetal-studded and cognac brown gold-studded cuffs, bracelets, waist belts and hipster belts.

For the more earthy fashionista, over-sized pants and comfort-based thick sweaters almost reclaim the fall, with designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Bruce and Michael Kors keeping things a little more muted. Kors’ slouchy stovepipe pants are reminiscent of powerful menswear, while Bruce’s turtleneck knit sweater is a little more feminine, despite its modest color and fabric. Kors also incorporates fur collars into his fall outerwear, staying true to a more classic and practical approach to fall weather. Overall it seems like there are more than a few good reasons to welcome the fall season this year; whether in glamorous metallics or professional stovepipes, wearing gems or studs like these is how
to do it.
- Georgia Bistolaridis