Fall’s Top Fashion Trends And Why You Need To Know Them

I know what you’re thinking, “Runway fashions are unrealistic. I couldn’t possibly wear any of these outfits to the office. Sure they’re fun to look at, but it’s just not real life.”

You’re right (sort of)! Designer collections displayed down the runway are styled to be theatrical. Over-the-top trends are entertaining and aim to grab your attention and be memorable. It’s a show.

But wait!

There is much more substance to runway fashions than you might think.

If you live in a visual world, you’re always looking for something refreshing…the eye wants that. Plus, aren’t you more engaged in life when something peaks your interest and it’s new and fresh?! Trends in anything are relevant. They are like a renewal.

This is why designers are so valuable!

First, they inspire you visually with a new style or design or print or color. Then you’re excitement compels you to act. You want to wear something new, something fresh, something outside of your comfort zone. In turn, this enthusiasm and updated style affects your attitude and engagement at work and at play. Designers don’t just help your style evolve – they help you evolve. It’s true!

Have no fear! It’s unlikely you are going to wear runway fashion trends from head-to-toe, so you don’t have to worry about looking costumey in your day-to-day life. Instead you want to look to the runways for inspiration and key trends. You’ll opt to wear them in small doses. Not every trend is going to work for work, but you’ll be surprised at how may you really can wear well.

No doubt trends can be tricky, so I’ve gone ahead and deciphered Fall 2012’s Top Runway Trends for you, above. For more detailed descriptions, see below. Most every piece of clothing, accessory and even beauty products you see in stores this fall will fall under one or more of these key trend themes/categories.

• Equestrian Chic – Think Town and Country fashions with English tweeds and plaids, fair isle and nubby knits, quilted jackets, classic riding boots, plus colors, brown, hunter green and burgundy. (see runway to real way ideas)
• Baroque – Think Fabergé eggs or Shakespeare In Love fashions with extravagant embellishments, lavish tapestry and jacquard prints, elaborate embroidery, intricate beading, lush fabrics, such as silk and velvet, plus ornate jewelry including brooches. (see runway to real way ideas)
• Military Inspired – Think military clothing details, such as embossed buttons, bullion fringe trim, wide belts, shoulder epaulets and sharp tailoring. (see runway to real way ideas)
• Eastern Influence – Think Asian inspired iconography, often abstract and digitally printed on beautiful silk and crepe fabrics. (see runway to real way ideas)
• Dark Romance – Think Mara Rooney’s red carpet fashions while promoting Girl with the Dragon Tattoo with coated patent leather outfits, ankle strap heels, unexpected sheers, moody lace and cutwork, fall floral prints, plus dominant colors, black and oxblood. (see runway to real way ideas)
• Geo Graphic – Think dizzying patterns of digital prints, plus various color-blocking accents, such as side panel pants and color-blocked tops. (see runway to real way ideas)
• Menswear – Think Marlene Dietrich with tailored suits, ties, button-up shirts, cozy knits, loafers and, of course, smoking slippers. (see runway to real way ideas)
• Global Nomad – Think folklore prints, animal motif knits, bohemian accents, faux fur, blanket wrap sweaters, gypsy peasant tops and reptile prints. (see runway to real way ideas)
• Architectural – Think Frank Gehry buildings with curve-conscious, exaggerated silhouettes, such as peplum tops and trumpet skirts, plus voluminous cocoon coats, shift dresses, jewel necklines, dome handbags and cropped jackets. (see runway to real way ideas)

 
Stay tuned…up next, I’ll demystify runway to real way…how you can easily translate these top trends into your everyday fashions, plus tips on making sure your choices visually communicate what you want them to convey, crucial for the office. (UPDATE: See above for direct links to each runway to real way example.)

Are you someone who follows Fashion Week and can’t wait to see the following season’s trends come down the runway? Or would you rather just wait until a new season arrives to find out what’s hot and what’s not?

Image credit, top left to bottom right: All runway images from Style.com. EQUESTRIAN CHIC: Ralph Lauren Monica Feudi/feudiguaineri.com; BAROQUE: Dolce & Gabbana Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com; MILITARY INSPIRED: Salvatore Ferragamo Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com; EASTERN INFLUENCE: Dries Van Noten Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com; GEO GRAPHIC: Miu Miu Monica Feudi/Feudiguaineri.com; DARK ROMANCE: Alberta Ferretti Monica Feudi/Feudiguaineri.com; MENSWEAR: Giorgio Armani Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com; GLOBAL NOMAD: Altuzarra Marcus Tondo/GoRunway.com; ARCHITECTURAL: Christian Dior Monica Feudi/ Feudiguaineri.com.