FashionEtc.com April 26th, 2024

Shopping the Fall 2011 Trends

Let’s be honest. The last thing you need (or want!) to be buying right now is yet another sundress. It may be too soon, weather-wise, for those shearlings and tall boots, but there’s nothing more satisfying than getting ahead on your shopping for Fall—so we’ve picked out the best of the season, broken down by the trends. Happy shopping!

Snakeskin

Your cold-weather skin of choice may be leather, but there’s no doubt that the fashion world has gotten seriously charmed by snakeskin. The best way to wear it? Try the classics—like a traditional moto jacket by Missoni. Or slip on just a hint of skin with a black faux bootie. Go seriously sexy in a second skin (see what we did there?) By Malene Birger jersey dress or Giambattista Valli pencil skirt. Not ready for so much reptile? Chloe’s Paraty bag in green python is a perfect way to add a dose of this trend into your Fall wardrobe.

Tuxedo

We’re going to go ahead and assume that a basic black blazer is already an MVP in your wardrobe, but when it comes to fall’s tuxedo trend, there are so many more choices. An ivory Stella McCartney dinner jacket with layered black lapels is completely black-tie worthy, while Rag & Bone’s cropped jacket with leather lapels would be just as at home over jeans. Need a little color in your life? Topshop’s burgundy take is plenty evening worthy. Play up the Victor/Victoria vibe of it all with super-feminine accents, like Jason Wu’s lacy blouse (complete with a bow tie!) or satin pumps from Lanvin.

Dots

In what might be the most spirited trend we’ve seen in grown-up clothes in a while, polka dots were everywhere on fall runways—so if they’re not in your closet, it’s time to stock up. Marc Jacobs was the biggest champion of the trend, but if you want your look to skew a bit older than tween, his black-on-navy wool jacket will do the trick. More playful is Asos’ floaty dotted dress or Diane von Furstenberg’s gray and black skirt with a slash of scarlet. For the less bold, there’s plenty of accessories: Wolford’s dotted tights are a punched up take on that classic Swiss dot, Kelly Wearstler’s brass cuff has a slightly industrial vibe, and who wouldn’t be just a little cheerier seeing Comme des Garcon’s polka-dotted wallet peeking out of their purse?

S&M

Handcuffs, harnesses, and a generous dose of latex: High fashion got down and dirty for fall, with designers taking more inspiration from what goes on behind bedroom doors than what walks down the street. If you don’t want to look like a member of the world’s oldest profession, though, we suggest taking care to not to head-to-toe this one; a peekaboo dress by Marc Jacobs might work better with ladylike accents, while Givenchy’s patent leather cage booties beg for a below-the-knee hemline. Easier still is sporting a strap-happy Alexander Wang bag, or a Burberry trench that gives a cheeky wink at the trend with a super glossy patent skirt. Of course, if you want to release your inner dominatrix, be our guest: A Kiki de Montparnasse garter tank and Bliss Lau’s leather and chain harness will get tongues wagging.

Ethnic Prints

Sorry, minimalists: An all-white ensemble may be just right in the summer months, but for Fall, it’s all about the tribal print. Worldly is key here; Proenza Schouler's take on the trend meant a Southwest-inspired fall collection, while Thakoon went a different direction with looks inspired by Masai warriors. For the purposes of your closet, any colorful print goes, whether a patchwork Chloe poncho or a fringed Anna Sui scarf dress. Not a print person? Not to worry. This is one trend that translates perfectly into accessories, whether it’s feathered Isabel Marant earrings, or, the ultimate, a polished crystal necklace. Consider it a new take on the spiked look.

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