Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week Recap…For Mainers
By: Keriann Russell, Project Manager/Fashion Insider, MainelyMara.com
Let’s be honest, it’s hard to focus on anything but Spring (come soon, please!), especially with new warm weather collections popping up in all of our favorite boutiques in the Old Port. The last thing we want to think about is layering on heavy knits again. But then New York Fashion Week rolls around for a short week in February and the excitement that ripples through the Big Apple manages to reach us here in Portland - and our winter blues go out the window (for the time being, at least!).
Just like the thousands who stormed NYC’s Lincoln Center for the Fall 2011 runway shows a couple weeks ago, we too are inspired and interested in the trends we’ll be seeing come Fall. We’ve sifted through the shows and here are 5 of the most chic and wearable trends from NYFW.
Pretty in Plaid
Good news for us Mainers – keep your plaids! Plaids are always a Fall and Winter staple, but this season designers found inspiration in brighter, bolder and dressier plaids than the cozy flannels we’ve seen so much of lately. The prints may be better described as graphic tartans (think Scotland) with more of a 60’s-era flare. So next time you’re out vintage shopping at Find or Encore (or even browsing your favorite Etsy shop), keep your eyes peeled for some preppy, plaid basics.
Traditional Tartans seen on the Rag & Bone Runway
Maxi Skirts
Long, calf-length hemlines were seen on every runway at Fashion Week. In graphic mixed prints, skinny pleats and fresh metallics, these lady-like pieces are an easy (and flattering) go-to item for every fashionista. Pair a flowy skirt (or dress) with a preppy jacket and you’ll have one of the most popular looks of Fall.
Feminine Hemlines at the Marc by Marc Jacobs Show
Lavish Furs
Fur is going to be huge for Fall (yes, even more so than it has been this year!). Fur trim was a hit on the runways – designers used it on collars, gloves, sleeves, shoes, hats and skirts. At the Oscar de la Renta show, fur was incorporated into nearly every look. I can just hear Rachael Zoe now…she is going “BA-NAN-AS” over this trend.
Sophisticated Furs took over the Runway at Oscar de la Renta
Blue Crush
Burnt orange and other earthy colors were seen all over the runways, but it was a deep, rich blue that stood out most among the season’s top colors. From bold trousers and tailored jackets to flirty jumpsuits, sapphire blue is THE color to start stocking your closets with come September.
Blue Statement Piece at the 3.1 Phillip Lim Show
Tribal Trend
Modern tribal prints are anything but boring and are a Fall trend that promises to take center stage. Many collections mixed several different prints, but when adapting this look in your own wardrobe, it may be easier to stick to just one tribal print. (Note: Tribal influences will be a major theme for Spring accessories – buy them now and wear them for BOTH seasons!)
The Proenza Schouler Runway was inspired by Native American Culture
Other trends to watch out for include polka dots, luxurious lace and velvet, sleeveless jackets, sleek leather, heeled oxfords and detailed tights – all of which will make for a fabulously fashionable Fall season. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves…I’ll settle for some 70 degree weather and flip flops first.
