While it doesn’t feel like it just yet, because of the warm weather, the first day of fall is coming in just two-and-a-half weeks, on Sept. 23.
Many stores are switching over their merchandise to fall items and re-dressing their mannequins from shorts and tank tops to jeans and sweaters.
If you’re looking to add some new pieces to your wardrobe, here are 5 things to know about the latest fall fashion trends for women.
Fall colors
Earthy, warm tones are trending for fall, especially cranberry and Merlot colors.
Michelle Washington, the adjunct instructor of the fashion department for The Art Institute of Washington, said the color this season is “Marsala.”
“It’s a really rich, winey, red-brown… it’s robust, it’s warm,” she said. “It goes well with any accent pairing for the fall.”
Neutrals are a fall staple, but Marsala adds a fresh pop of color to any wardrobe.
“There’s lots of red, scarlet, cinnamon, red wine, raisin… burnt oranges,” said Eileen Karp, the chair of the fashion design department for the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. “There’s also a cooler color range with blues and ink blues and cobalt blues and olives and pines.”
Fringe
Bags, shoes, clothing, necklaces and other garments have been popping up with a hint of fringe on them.
“There’s a lot of fringe going on some of the bags,” Karp said.
A lot of fringe is showing up on suede ankle boots, bags, and to accent sweaters or tops.
’70s vibe
A little bit of a ’70s touch will show up in some fall fashion this year, Washington said.
For one, denim fashion has more of a flare than a skinny fit, though not quite a full bell-bottom.
“(We) came from the skinny to now adding a full body to the leg,” she said.
Comfortable loafers with a ’70s vibe are also trending, along with chunky, ’70s-style accessories with a wooden aspect to them.
Scarves
While scarves are meant to keep us warm, lately they’ve been serving as an outfit accessory.
This fall, keep an eye out for big, bulky, and colorful scarves used to complement an outfit or even as its focal point.
“Scarves are still a big thing, both summer and winter I sell a lot of them,” said Dottie Perry, the owner of Chic Boutique on Center Street in Southington. “It’s about fashion and winter warmth at the same time.”
Cozy, plaid scarves are what Washington said she’s been seeing in the fashion industry.
She also mentioned that faux fur is coming back, whether it’s in a scarf or with hints of it on boots or sweaters.
Comfort is key
Big, comfortable sweaters or cable-knit sweaters are trending, because after all being cozy in your everyday fashion is key.
“I think that there’s a real sense of comfort to the clothing that is out there now and available in the stores,” Karp said. “I think women… will find something that they enjoy wearing and things that will spark their wardrobe.”
The chunkier the sweater, the better,Washington said.
“It’s luscious; it’s like taking dough and braiding it, a lumpy look of cable-knit sweater,” Washington said. “It’s definitely about the classics.”
Leggings also continue to be popular, said Perry, who said she sells a lot of pairs in her store every fall.
They’re comfortable and often worn with long, tunic tops and boots, she added.
“I’m looking forward to the change and in a sense I’m not looking forward to winter,” said Perry, laughing. “Now that school started, I think I’m looking forward to changing things around and putting out some new items. It’s always nice when you get new things and you can change your windows and change your clothing around.”
