I am not going to stop you from shopping. I’ll leave that to your accountant. Or your husband. Or that responsible shopping friend who always wonders, aloud, if you really need another pair of jeans. (Why yes. Yes, you do).
My job is to show you the new stuff. And not all of it, either. That’s why they call it editing. With an occasional nod to a frugal-fantasy piece like the Zara faux fur coat, below, there are no “things that make you go hmmm” on this list.
(Remember that song? No. Neither do I. Too young. Wink.)
And, because I’m looking out for you, there are so many trends out there that didn’t make the cut.
Like these beauties.
Or this flattering little number.
And I also sidestepped this fashion landmine.
Instead, this post focuses on 7 trends that are affordable, wearable, and versatile. These are easy updates that play well with everything in your closet and add a little oomph to your existing wardrobe. And, I show you 3 options for each trend, from the splurgiest to the biggest steal, so you can find something that suits your style and your budget.
The Chic Choker
This 90s throwback works with the new fall florals, flowy blouses and denim pieces. For the most subtle, and frugal, take, try tying a simple black velvet ribbon around your neck. Or choose one of the pretty, lacy styles shown here.
Who it Flatters: This trend suits nearly everyone, but is especially flattering for a Style Dial 2. If you are a Style Dial 1 or 3, look for chokers with long ties to create that vertical line, or pair yours with a V-neck. And, as always, don’t draw your eye to a part of your body that you don’t love. If you don’t like your neck, skip the choker.
2. The Pretty Pin
The brooch is back, and looks freshest when you pile several small sparklers to a lapel, a scarf, or a hat. They’re the perfect, feminine finishing touch and a counterpoint to all of the soft, fuzzy textures that define fall.
Who it Flatters: Everyone. If you love this trend, wear it with abandon, mixing newer pieces, like the ones shown here, with sentimental favorites.
Kate Spade “Trellis” brooch, $148, Nordstrom
3. The Statement Top
Voluminous, ruffled and bell sleeves have joined dramatic shoulders and off the shoulder styles to make the statement top the standout piece of the season. And in spite of their reputation for drama, they are surprisingly versatile, pairing well with denim, your favorite skinnies, or even worn with a pretty skirt.
Who it Flatters: Tops with dramatic shoulders and strong horizontal lines are so flattering for a Style Dial 2 or a narrow shouldered Style Dial 3, or even a Style Dial 1 when worn with a long necklace, while full, flowy sleeves work for every body type and are an elegant way to conceal less-than-toned arms.
4. The Fab Fur
You don’t need to be a classic fur girl to appreciate the luxury and drama of something furry, fabulous and faux. Fur (real and manmade) is everywhere, and adorning everything, so take your pick from furry handbags to fur-adorned booties, fluffy vests to cuddly coats.
Who it Flatters: Anyone can wear this trend, but save the more outrageous styles for the 20-and-30-somethings. The rest of us can wear statement coats over something simple and sophisticated, or opt instead for a single, plush statement accessory. After about 40 or 50, depending on your personal style, you’ll want to choose a bold color or an a bold style when it comes to fur—and not both. It’s all about balance.
5. The Cool-Girl Crossbody
If you haven’t already invested in a crossbody, now’s the time. This is one trend that isn’t going anywhere, because, as it turns out, women really appreciate having their hands free. Pick a sleek simple shape in a color that harmonizes with your wardrobe (it doesn’t need to be a neutral!) and buy the best quality you can afford. An everyday item like a bag deserves a bit more of your budget.
Who it Flatters: Everyone. This style is so current that, even in it’s most classic iterations, it’s still an update and never looks matronly, unlike many classic bags, so it’s hard to go wrong!
6. The Essential Bomber
The bomber isn’t a trend, really, in that this timeless style makes an appearance season after season, loved for its versatility, practicality and style. This season, however, it emerges in fresh new shapes and colors, and embellished, embroidered and otherwise bedazzled.
Who it Flatters: This jacket is yet another Style Dial 2 friendly pick, but when worn open, or with a V-neck, it suits pretty much everyone. Blush and olive styles are everywhere now, and work as neutrals for most wardrobes, or choose a pretty embroidered style as an accent piece.
7. The Knit Vest
You know I’m all about the completer piece, that proverbial third element that takes a basic 2-piece look and turns it into an outfit. And a vest is one of my favorite completer pieces, because it’s versatile, wearable and not bulky. Shearling vests and fur vests are both still strong choices, but if you’re looking for something simpler and a little more versatile, the knit vest is a great choice.
Who it Flatters: Choose a Style-Dial friendly silhouette and you can’t go wrong with this trend, because there is something for every body type. For a Style Dial 2, look for higher, rounder necklines and interest at the top, while Style Dial 1 and Style Dial 3 women should play up the vertical lines with a v-neck or open style, like the Anthropologie vest, below. (The other two vests shown are streamlined enough to work with any body type. Just follow the rest of your Style Dial rules when it comes to tops, accessories, etc.)
There’s absolutely no reason to reinvent your wardrobe from season to season. A few simple updates, like the ones shown here, can make your own familiar wardrobe feel fresh again. Which of these trends is your favorite?
Nada Manley says
If you have them, wear them! Faux fur is everywhere so I think if you own the real thing, go ahead and use it!
Janice W Fisher says
I have 10 fur coats that I have had in storage because they haven’t been in fashion,,,,can I wear these now?
They include: a charcoal sheared beaver bomber style jacket, a full length white mink ($28,000), a 3/4 black mink, and other styles. I also have a beautiful mink short vest in black and a long mink vest in autumn.