It may be with varying degrees of voracity, but it's safe to say that all women love fashion. Fashion Week in New York is a great window into trends that are coming for next season, which can be relevant to everyone. With the current economy, women are spending less on clothing and the retail forecast is predicting a slowdown for all of 2008. That's why keeping up on fall trends helps the consumer recognize items you can buy now and wear well into next fall, maximizing their value.
Knowing fall trends can also help you figure out what to keep in our closet -- maybe updating with a little tailoring -- and what to toss!
Fashion Week is also a great diversion. In a culture obsessed with celebrities and models, Fashion Week coverage is a great distraction, and unlike tabloids, there isn't heavy-handed drama and gossip! There is simply beautiful clothing on beautiful models.
What should we pay attention to?
The most important thing to remember when you're watching runway shows is that what you see is an exaggerated version of what will ultimately be in the stores. Designers produce runway shows for dramatic effect and to create a theme or a story to their collections. You'll never actually see the exact looks from the runway in the mall or on the street -- thankfully!
But there are elements of each designer's runway show that will be translated into what we'll see in the stores next fall. Look for colors, patterns, shapes and fabrics for inspiration, but don't be distracted by the extreme way designers present their collections.
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Givenchy collection
This look is consistently classic and sharp. It evokes the British classic style with a body-conscious construction while maintaining a charming feminine twist. There are many ways to wear this, but the key pieces are the blazer, the shorts and some type of collar.
Get the look for less
Shirt: Striped Kelly three-quarter sleeve shirt, J.Crew, $59.50
Sweater: Grey v-neck sweater, Ben Sherman, $89.00; macys.com Blazer: Lightweight wool peplum blaze Banana Republic, $108.00
Shorts: Slim Grey Bermuda Shorts, To The Max, $78.00; macys.com
Shoes: Mustard Peep Toe Sling Backs, Kenneth Cole Reaction
Belt: Grosgrain Striped Belt, Gap
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Comme de Garcon collection
Brights are all over the place this spring. The runways were filled with ultra neon brights paired with even more bright colors. It is certainly a tough look to pull off, but when you tone it down and pick a palette that works with your skin tone, it can totally work.
Get the look for less
Dress: Ivan Tank Dress, Theory, $275; intermix.com
Belt: Skinny Lizard Belt in Green, Gap, $24.50
Cardigan: Jackie Cardigan in Sour Lemon, J.Crew, $62; jcrew.com
Shoes: Purple Patent Pumps, H&M, $19.99 ";
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Christian Lacroix
This spring, designers are taking inspiration from artists with painterly shapes and brush strokes as well as strong palettes and flowy shapes. This trend evokes a very artistic style and is actually quite wearable.
Get the look for less
Dress: Long silk floral dress, Zara, $169.00
Shoes: “Jobilyn” gladiator sandal, Nine West, $79.00
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Jean Paul Gaultier
This season's spin on safari is earthy and whimsical. It mixes a jewel palette with earth tones and shades of beige. The best way to make this trend work is by incorporating natural accessories like leather belts and wooden and shell beads.
Get the look for less
Shirt: Orange Cotton Tank, Urban Outfitters, $28; Urbanoutfitters.com
Jacket: Rouged Shrunken Blazer, Banana Republic, $148; bananarepublic.com
Pants: Brown Pants, Zara, $59
Shoes: Orange Metallic Peep Toe Pumps, ABS, $129.99; endless.com
Necklace: Long Beaded Necklace, Forever 21, $6.80";
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