Fall Fashion Without Replacing Your Whole Wardrobe
As fall deepens, Philadelphia-area stores are full of autumn clothing. This season’s fashion message is not to replace your whole wardrobe. One new color, one new texture is enough, the industry says.
Color leads with jewel tones. Burgundy, mulberry and plum set the tone, with mandarin orange as the accent. The weight among neutrals is shifting from brown to grey. Brown is still everywhere in stores, but a new grey piece will last longer, according to the season’s assessments.
Denim stands at an interesting fork. Store displays are full of wide-leg jeans, but market data points to a slim comeback. Trend forecasting firm Trendalytics reports that market adoption of ankle-length slim straight jeans is up 176%, and searches for slim flares are up 73% from a year ago. Searches for statement back pockets have exploded 3,429%. An embroidered or button-adorned back pocket is this year’s small denim rebellion.
Texture is where the season is won. Outerwear with strong, touchable texture stands out: shearling, fur and fringe, and velvet is back. Light, warm fleece jackets at the center of everyday dressing follow the same current.
Silhouettes split two ways. Tuxedo-style tailoring takes the refined side, and oversized volume takes the relaxed side. Either way, accessories finish the look. One brooch, one short-handled top-handle bag is this fall’s punctuation.
Patterns bring plaid and checks back strongly. Stripes go vertical, wide and moody rather than horizontal and fine. Wide vertical stripes on knit sweaters and tailored trousers suit shorter days and heavier layers.
From a wallet’s point of view, this season is forgiving. There is no need to replace everything. Adding one burgundy-family color or one shearling or velvet texture to clothes you already own is the cheapest update. Bigger money is better spent on things that will last, a well-made grey sweater or a plum coat. Trendy skinny jeans or a full suit can stay as they are.
In the end, fall shopping comes down to one question. Ask whether something you buy new will still be wearable next fall. One or two pieces that pass that test are enough to catch this season’s trends.