Fall Fashion Trends
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Five Retro Trends for Your Workplace Wardrobe
Fall Fashion Week may be over, but a bountiful harvest of trends remains. Autumn 2006 resurrects some of the more easily overdone trends of the 1980s, providing a second chance for those of us who didn’t get it right the first time around. But before you cram your closet full of this season’s hottest, take a good look in the mirror. Not every trend will work for your specific body or work environment, and the office-with its various dress codes, casual Fridays, and industry-specific fashion rules-isn’t the ideal setting for you to take big risks with your wardrobe.
Consider the following five trends that, when adopted with care, could keep you professional and fashionable through the long months ahead:
PLAID
Plaid is back with a vengeance. No longer exclusive to schoolgirls and Scottish dancers, traditional plaid pieces have been re-imagined into bold coats and sassy shoulder bags. And you’re not limited to the usual color suspects either; today’s palette of plaid will match every eyeshadow imaginable. Appealing choice for a wide range of industries.
Faux pas alert:
The line between plaid with panache and plaid overload is a fine one. Plaid offenders can easily resemble mismatched sofa sets. Err on the side of “less is best”: punch up a monochromatic outfit with one well-chosen plaid item.
We like:
Milly’s pink and black tweed dress coat
BCBG Max Azria’s mahogany plaid wool 3-button blazer
Cole Haan’s black wool plaid tweed coat
TWIG LEGS
With many designers obsessed with layering this season, it’s little wonder that skinny pants and leggings pop up in numerous collections. Skinny pants and leggings lengthen limbs without being suggestive (Ã la miniskirt). Bonus: when the winter winds begin whipping around your legs, leggings and skinny pants serve a practical purpose. Looks best when paired with high-heeled, calf-hugging boots.
Faux pas alert:
Watch that ass. Derrieres should always be covered by long tops, skirts or sweater-dresses. When browsing for leggings and skinny pants, think dark and opaque, and stay away from anything reminiscent of a Jane Fonda aerobic video. A difficult sell for workplaces with strict dress codes.
We like:
A.B.S.’s charcoal wool-blend twill pinstripe ‘Skinny’ pants
Design History’s brown opaque cotton leggings
ROOMY KNITS
Pair your skinny pants and leggings with this season’s delectable indulgence: over-sized sweaters. Whether thrown over a starched white shirt or worn with a belt, the over-sized sweater (and its equally-popular sibling, the sweater-dress) is available in a vast range of rich colours and textures. A fashionable alternative to wraps and shawls.
Faux pas alert:
Don’t get lost in the cashmere. Embracing this trend means you risk looking like you’ve wrapped yourself up in a blanket. A bulky sweater could be a poor choice for formal workplaces (however cosy you might be), as would be a Jennifer Beals-inspired off-the-shoulder number.
We like:
Theory’s ivory wool blend ‘Alana’ blanket wrap sweater
Inhabit’s ivory boatneck puff body cashmere sweater
Autumn Cashmere’s tan featherweight cashmere kimono fringe sweater
YA-YA’s camel and ivory wide neck kimono sleeve sweater
BUBBLE SKIRTS
A summer trend that’s demonstrating cross-seasonal appeal, today’s bubble skirt is a far cry from its 1980s predecessor. The bubble skirt works best when paired with one of the season’s other hot trends (opaque leggings) and is now available in refined fabrics suitable for the workplace. This season’s ideal bubble skirt is dark, hits just above the knee, and is paired with a blouse or a body-hugging cashmere sweater with three-quarter-length sleeves.
Faux pas alert:
Beware awkward silhouettes. Bubble skirts can very easily translate to bubble butts, so avoid if you’re concerned that you’re already packing a little extra on your hips and thighs.
We like:
Diane Von Furstenberg’s black satin pleated bubble skirt
Walter’s natural sparkle pleated bubble skirt
MILITARY
Everything’s coming up army. From the shades of camouflage, to the high collars and severe lines of Napoleonic uniforms, to brass buttons and faux medals, military-flavored garb is (once again) arming career women with wardrobe-driven confidence.
Faux pas alert:
Think “inspired by,” not “costume”. You’ve crossed the line when you can’t tell the difference between your military-inspired garb and an actual uniform. And with many nations caught up in military conflicts, an unfortunate wardrobe choice could invite strong reactions or antagonism in the workplace.
We like:
Lotta Stensson’s black wool blend sailor pants
Michael Kors’ camouflage canvas ‘Ixtapa’ pumps
Prada’s army green structured belted trenchcoat