The Connector
The Connector
Illustration by Morgen Billingslea.
Illustration by Morgen Billingslea.

Though cooler temperatures arrived late to Atlanta this year, fall fashion has been in full swing since August. This season, fashion on and off the runway suggests pairing classic styles and feminine prints with a tomboy-chic edge. Lawren McCord, first-year M.F.A writing student, said, “This fall is about tossing away your old, fuzzy, romantic and embellished sweaters. Take influence from raw street wear. It’s fierce, sexy and demanding. Turn-up your fall and winter looks with tough leather, masculine plaids and prints.” Here are four of fall’s biggest fashion trends to revitalize your wardrobe as the temperatures finally dip below 70.

Emerald green, cobalt blue and winter white
If three colors were at the forefront of New York Fashion Week, these were the ones. Emerald green was named the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year, influencing its recent spike in popularity. Deep jewel tones like emerald and cobalt blue are universally flattering and easy to style, while winter white from head-to-toe makes a cool, clean statement. “I think cobalt will be the color of the season. It feels fresh and crisp for fall to me,” said Stephanie Arnemann, second-year M.F.A fashion student.

Leather detail
The edgy moto jacket trend that gained momentum last year is going full-speed ahead. From genuine leather jackets to faux or vegan options, stores from Bloomingdales to Old Navy are stocking moto jackets with angled zippers and buckle details. For those who shy away from the too-tough perception of a black leather jacket, try a cognac, burgundy or charcoal grey option. Though moto jackets are the easiest and most versatile way to add leather to your wardrobe, leather can be spotted used as a detail on T-shirts, skirts and outerwear this season. Try pairing a modern leather item with a floral dress to strike the right balance between feminine and edgy.

Fall Fashion 2
Illustration by Morgan Billingslea.

Leopard print
This classic animal print is a trend that isn’t fading anytime soon. Leopard returns year after year, meaning you probably already have it in your closet. If not, you’ll see it everywhere: from bags to shoes, skirts to cardigans. Pair leopard print with a bright jewel tone for an eye-catching ensemble or pattern mix with a floral or graphic print. “I think leopard is by far the most classic trend happening right now,” said Arnemann. “It seems to have almost become a neutral, as good as black in some respects.”

Military
Similar to leather, the key to working the military trend into your wardrobe is pairing utilitarian, olive green pieces with feminine items like dresses, sequined tank tops or peplums. The most ubiquitous military item for sale is the army jacket, which gives any outfit a bit of edge, but military vests are an option as well. The neutrality of olive allows utilitarian pieces many opportunities to mix-and-match, instantly toughening up a ladylike look.