Oh, yes. Fashion Friday is back.
For real.
I know there were some who thought it wouldn’t happen. There were rumors that I had given up on Fashion Friday.
Actually, I don’t know that anyone cared enough to discuss it, but it makes me feel better to think that maybe they did, so we’ll go with that theory.
Now that Caroline is back in school, I have spent a lot of hours shopping.
It’s all in the name of research.
Here is what I’ve discovered. If I had saved everything in my closet between 1986 and 1989, I could pull it out, wear it tomorrow and totally be in style.
Plaid shirts with ruffles down the front? Check. Ankle booties? Check. Gray jeans with tapered legs? Check.
I’m not going to lie, I’m frightened.
In fact, when A.J. got home from Africa, she informed me that top-siders are back in style. And I was all like, “NO WAY!” (because apparently my linguistic skills have also regressed back to 1988.)
She told me that everyone is wearing them and that they are so comfortable.
Yes, I know they are comfortable because I used to wear them frequently with my denim prairie skirt.
The truth is that I actually need a comfortable, flat shoe in my life, but the top-sider isn’t going to happen. I just don’t have the time to roll up the ends of those laces anymore while I make an awesome mix tape.
The point is that the fall trends have a lot of 80’s influence, so proceed with caution and remember less is more. I realize that fashion lesson sailed right over the heads of the cast of “Dynasty”, but it’s not too late for you.
Top Fall Trends
1. Berry Colors
This would explain all the purple I’m seeing in stores everywhere. I have to be honest, I’m not a fan of purple. In fact, I don’t know that I’ve ever owned a piece of purple clothing other than a pair of purple socks I wore in second grade because I wanted to be like Donny Osmond.
It just makes me feel like a grape. But that’s just my own personal issue.
The good news is that you don’t have to go with purple. You can look for fuschia, magenta, or burgundy.
Here are a few great pieces that will help you add these colors to your wardrobe.
2. Plaid
I told someone that being in Nordstrom the other day was like experiencing time travel. But without Michael J. Fox or a DeLorean.
I have never seen so much plaid.
It made me think about an outfit I had during my junior year that was a red plaid skirt with a red plaid shirt (Seriously? Was I Scottish in 1987?) but it was reversible and had houndstooth print on the other side. I can’t even describe how cool I was.
Especially when I wore it with my little Esprit booties that looked like they had wool socks coming out the top. Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.
Anyway, plaid is making a fierce comeback. I knew I should have saved that outfit.
Curse you, closet cleanout of 1991.
Here are a few cute things that will add some plaid to your closet.
Esprit booties are optional.
3. Floral/Abstract Prints
Although I do enjoy a floral print in moderation, just the term “floral print” makes me think of Mrs. Roper from “Three’s Company”.
There again, it’s probably just me.
Prints are very in this season. Look for them in jewel-tone colors or rich oranges and browns.
These are some really pretty floral prints.
Just remember, don’t overdo it or you might look like Mrs. Roper.
4. Romantic Blouses
Think satin, lace and ruffles. Not necessarily all at the same time.
Here are a few feminine, romantic blouses. You can dress them down with a pair of jeans or dress them up with a pencil skirt or a great pair of pants.
And I realize that this isn’t a blouse, but it is romantic and feminine and I ADORE it with every fiber of my being. This one, too.
If Anthropologie needs anyone to test either of these out, I am happy to volunteer my services. However, I’m afraid the only people interested in me trying anything out are the people who sell breakfast cereal.
And who cares about that?
5. A great pair of jeans
I’ll be honest. This isn’t on any actual trend list for the fall and I’ll tell you why. The fashion experts assume that if you care about fashion AT ALL, you will already own a great pair of jeans.
And I realize that I tend to harp on this A LOT.
But jeans are important, Ladies. (And you three gentlemen) Do not underestimate the power of a great pair of jeans. They will change your life.
Now is the time to find a pair of jeans that you will love and cherish. Don’t wait to lose five pounds, don’t wait until there’s a big sale, GO.
GO NOW.
You don’t need to spend a bunch of money, just find a pair that fit really well and are in style. They can be boot leg, straight leg (God bless you for your bravery) or trouser jeans. Once you have a really good pair of jeans, it makes everything in your closet look better. I guarantee it.
I’ll be back next week with the other five trends for fall. In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you if you’ve found some great fall items that you can’t live without.
Oh, and I’m heading to Las Vegas this weekend to blog about Deeper Still on LifeWay Allaccess because what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. You can catch up with me there throughout the weekend.
Y’all have a great Friday!