Permission Granted
- Jamie Banks
- Sep 27, 2017
- 3 min read
A client recently asked me to help them get their wardrobe ready for fall. They were looking for a few key items to infuse into their existing clothes in order to feel fresh and updated. I accepted my new assignment with gusto until I went looking around. There are definitely key trends in the stores right now, but nothing that made me want to invest.
This exercise reinforced what I believe to be true: you do not have to follow/wear/be-a- slave-to trends or to the calendar. The days when you felt like the dork in Zips when all the cool kids were wearing Nike’s (look it up millennials) are over. Anything really goes and given global warming (it’s really a thing) there is less seasonal dressing and more year-round options.
Given this, I am granting you permission to not spend a ton of money on this year's fall trends. They are additive to your existing staples and therefore you shouldn't spend an exorbitant amounts of money. If an item is going to live in your closet for more than a year or two then invest but if not, look for the same kind of look at a reasonable price point (see Zara, H&M, Storets, Target).
Regardless of the trend, remember it only becomes uniquely yours when you adapt it to your personal style. Remember your style personality? Keep that in mind as you navigate the Banks Statement Approved items below.
THE COMEBACK KID - THE EXAGGERATED SHIRT
The blouse has made a comeback. No longer just a button down for the office, the new crop has been updated with exaggerated details - sleeves, ties, wrap arounds, asymmetry and ruffles. I love an interesting detail, but try and keep it to one or two at the most - any more and the shirt begins to wear you instead of the other way around.
How I would wear it: I would pair this with distressed boyfriend jeans and sneakers (my uniform). I also want to see this under a sweater with the sleeves pushed up so you just see the bell sleeves.
SILVER STREAK - SILVER EVERYTHING
So much metallic beauty everywhere. I think designers are feeling the same world unrest and angst as us so they gave us lots of sparkle. Although both gold and silver are still popular, designers showed more silver down the runway for fall. Remember that metallics are neutrals and go with every color and pattern so don’t be afraid to add them to your closet. If metallics still freak you out, buy them in a shoe - there are lots of options out there but my favorite is (of course) a sneaker.
How I would wear it: See above. In addition to my jeans routine, these would look awesome with a midi skirt and short sleeve sweatshirt or with a suit, cool belt and a graphic tee.
WINTER FLORALS
So. Much. Floral. There is no shortage of florals in the retail landscape. It’s pretty much everywhere and at every price point. Look for darker florals for fall and make sure you remember to pay attention to scale. Larger scale prints are harder to mix with other items and smaller scale prints are easier to mix and match with other prints and patterns.
How I would wear it: You know I'm not a floral girl but...I would make this my own by sizing up so it is less fitted and more slouchy. I would pair it with black booties and a jean jacket or leather jacket for a complete look.
LADY IN RED
Red is the color of the season. Do you think designers wanted us to feel love or power? Regardless, there is a shade of red out there for your coloring. Whether muted or pure, red is a bold choice. If you are a more reserved person, a piece or two will serve you well. If you tend to be more dramatic, look for a head to toe, monochromatic look to make a statement.
How I would wear it: I'd go bold and pair this top with a wide leg pair of red or pink pants or with a metallic pleated skirt with booties.
The bottom line is to have fun this fall - it's not serious - it's just clothes.
Always in Style -
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