Some things about fall are a given: menswear prints, more structured styles, jewel tones, leathers and sweater knits.
Fall '02 expands on these perennial faves with new trends promising to add oodles of drama and sex appeal to your wardrobe.
Whether you want to continue a folklorish/hippie look or sharpen up your corporate style, stand-alone pieces like sharp jackets, coats and boots will tempt you to freshen up your look.
Major trends
- Back in black
This season's black clothes are anything but basic black. Trendsetting designers like Tom Ford for Gucci showed aggressively sexy collections with ribbons, shine, rouching, slit sleeves and wrap ties. Jet jewelry, smokey eyes and touchable hair set off the look. Designers of note: Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, Véronique Branquinho.
- Jacket required
Forget matchy-matchy. The newest way to wear a jacket is to pick a style in a complimentary or contrasting color from the rest of the outfit. Look for military touches, close-fitting cuts, shrunken blazers, bombers, distressed denim and leather, corduroy. Designers with jacket appeal: Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Helmut Lang, Armani.
- Day into Night
Satin, lace and velvet all turn up for glamorous daytime wear. From black lace tops to velvet sandals, this look is perfect for upping your glamour quotient. Pair these luxe fabrics with denim, suede and tweeds for an interesting daytime mix. Designers to shop: Calvin Klein, Dolce and Gabbana, Donna Karan.
- World Beat
This broad trend encompasses everything from gypsy chic to Scandinavian looks. Try these visually exciting looks: embroidery, ethnic colorations and patterns, earthy fabric mixes and distinctive layering. Designers who work this look: Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Anna Sui.
- Denim
Ubiquitous denim turns up in everything from couture to knockabout styles. A huge variety of jeans -- bootcut, vintage washed, leather lace-ups -- are the perfect foil for romantic tops, chunky sweaters and fitted jackets. Designers who showed inspiring denim: Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Luella.
- Sporty style
From high-style workout gear to spiffy parkas, athletic trends have a new sophisticated look that can carry them far beyond the gym. Yoga pants, track suits and sneakers are some of the most obvious pieces, but designers referenced just about every sport imaginable, from skiing to baseball. Designers: Michael Kors, Miu Miu.
- Big extras
Accessories this season definitely make a statement. Extra-long scarves, oversized handbags and boots are all bold add-ons for just about every look. Winners: hardware on shorter boots, slouchy hobo bags, dramatic necklaces.
Editor Picks
Style.com's Top 10 includes retro dresses, romantic blouses and the smart coat. Harper's
Bazaar gives a nod to the slim, knee-length skirt, fur vest and bomber jacket. Women's
Wear Daily's notable trends include fuzzy/loopy knits and metallics.
Reality Check
Smart fashion-lovers don't just blindly follow the trends: they find out what works and
incorporate it into their existing wardrobes. By adding a new boot here, a soft top there,
you can add a touch of newness to your wardrobe without going overboard.
Here, six items that can each work with your existing wardrobe:
- Fitted jacket
- Longer skirt
- Slouchy hobo bag
- Lace-up boots
- Romantic blouse
- Slimmer pants
Questionable trends
While they add panache to the runway, not all new ideas can be a winner. Here are
some of the more difficult-to-wear trends of the season:
- Tight pencil skirts
- Cigarette pants
- Pointy-toe high heels
- Gold lamé
