Last month, Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing announced what the fall trends for 2012 will be. His list comprised of nine fashion trends and one beauty trend to look for. Let’s focus on those fashion trends he picked. I have to admit that this time, I agree with each of his picks. Now, it’s time to break down each of Downing’s trends and show how they can be applied for fall.
Fall 2012 Color Trends
Downing picked two colors as the trends for fall. For spring the new neutral was yellow; for fall the new neutral is navy. I feel that is good choice. Navy complements a broad range of colors and is a good substitute for black on occasions when black is the standard choice. Navy looks best paired with pastel shades and white. However, it plays the bold role when paired with bright colors like ruby red or citron yellow. For a casual, yet chic look, try navy jeans with a navy blazer and coral turtleneck.The second color trend Downing pegged for fall is green. Not just the standard Crayola green, but all shades of green. You can stay well blended by wearing mixed greens such as a hunter green pencil skirt with a mint green, cowl-neck blouse.
Menswear Influences
Fall seems to be the season for menswear influences in women’s fashion. Think a tailored-fit for suits, vests, trousers, and jackets. Menswear influences also go hand-in-hand with fall’s jacket trend. Why not jackets for fall? The cooler temperatures call for layering, and a stylish jacket is the way to go. Think a waist-length, fitted jacket over cropped pants.
Leather Pants and Digital Prints
Downing calls this trend “The Leather Leg.” It doesn’t matter the cut or fit. As long as it is leather, the pant can’t be wrong. A carry over trend from spring are prints, specifically digital and optical prints. Look like a rock star in a slim, leather jean with a digital print T-shirt.
Luxe Accessories
Fall accessories take on a luxury and dramatic feel this year.
1. The Luxury Flat – Loafers and slipper-esque flats made from supple leather and suede are the trend for fall. Pair this trend with suits and suiting separates.
2. Statement Handbags – This time your bag will make the statement for fall. Interesting details and size matter. I think the spring clutch may be retired for fall. What better accessory for the leather pant than an oversized, chunky bag?
3. Brooches – This jewelry item is rarely a trend any season. However, the brooch does fit in well with the other trends for fall. Personally, I feel a single brooch adds touch of style to jackets.
These nine fashion trends picked by Neiman Marcus’ Ken Downing are pretty spot-on from what was seen on the fall runways. Sorry, Marc Jacobs, those pilgrim shoes did not make the cut this season. What do you think of Ken’s picks for fall? Which one of these will you try out next season?
More From This Contributor:
Neiman Marcus’ 9 Hot Fashion Trends for Spring 2012
Calvin Klein Steps Into ‘The Matrix’ for Fall
Top 3 from New York Fashion Week Day 1
