By Theresa Suddeth
Sketch by Jaylene Singer
As the weather gets cooler, we start to face the same problems we do every year. Adapting to a new season can be overwhelming especially when the fashion industry throws so many trends and looks at us all at once. When the weather changes all of a sudden, we need quite a few more items than we had in the spring and summer. It’s not as easy as throwing on a chic sundress and heading out the door. Plus, fall and winter require a few more layers. There are so many choices, so many points of view. So how does the style-conscious decide which direction to go?
I’ve noticed season after season, the best way to embrace new trends is to pick a few and incorporate them into the pieces you already have. Fall 2008 is no exception. There’s a fine line between looking stylish and looking like a trend follower, so it’s best to limit one or two new looks and blend them into your outfit so they’re not blatantly obvious.
We’ve all passed by that girl wearing a newsboy cap, leggings, fur boots, a studded belt, a fitted vest and hoop earrings all at once and, shaking our heads, we wonder if she bought everything in the store. The key to being well-dressed is a combination of one’s own personal style and trend moderation from season to season. Now, let’s look at some of the most prominent trends, themes and ideas for fall 2008.
Goth undertones appeared in several fall collections. Black has remained timeless and is a go-to color for designers every season because of its versatility and slimming capabilities, but fall 2008 gives it an edgy twist.
Black lace has appeared on Claudia Schiffer’s hands through elbow-length gloves in Chanel’s ad campaigns. The LBD, or little black dress, has been vamped up, with an added risqué feel to the pretty black lace.
Leather is making its way back, as well, in everything from leather bomber jackets to tight leather pants. Leather is everywhere this season.
Accessories include anything studded, jagged or just plain rough-looking. Going goth does not just restrict itself to clothing. Looking dark in hair and make-up is another aspect. Snow White-like porcelain skin with ruby-red lips, thick eye make-up and black, glossy hair is the typical look, as mastered by Dita von Teese. Several variations can be done and played up for this look, and you can look chic without being mistaken for a Marilyn Manson groupie. British model Daisy Lowe embodies that with her I-didn’t-brush-my-hair-today look and her big kohl-lined doe-eyes to contrast her pale skin.
Despite previous seasons that have favored very girly designs like baby-doll dresses with mini proportions, now is the time to focus on feminine yet grown-up details and silhouettes. Paying homage to ’30s, ’40s and ’50s beauties like Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn, it’s all about keeping it classy, as hemlines have fallen to or below the knees. Silhouettes are more body-conscious in the close tailored fit with pretty, A-line dresses. Blouses with details, such as bows and ruffles paired, high-waisted trousers and pencil skirts, delicate gloves, cardigans and capes can complete this look, as well.
This season, it’s about presenting yourself as a woman with subtle prettiness. As a contrast to the previous messy and goth look, being ladylike means good grooming with such styles as soft fingered waves, a slick bun, straight hair with bounce and volume, and soft natural make-up.
Less is more. Classic shapes and looks are hard to beat. How great is it to throw together a white T-shirt with jeans and a tailored blazer and be the chicest girl in the room. None of the excess is necessary. Minimalism with simple silhouettes and neutral colors prove to work. Nicolas Ghesquière did Balenciaga’s fall 2008 with his brilliant sculptural collection, which included molded black dress, armband sleeves, and slits on the sides of dresses and skirts.
A variation of hats has popped up, and it’s a great way to keep warm, whether they’re dramatic as the Carolina Herrera fedoras topped off with mile-long feathers, or as simple as the colored beanies that can be found at Urban Outfitters. Fedoras are here to stay again this fall and have just made their transition from summer, turning from straw texture to heavier, darker fabrics. Other hats include Charlie Chaplin bowler hats, French berets and ’20s flapper cloches.
Seventies-style hippie headbands were popular in the summer, and it seems like they’re staying for the fall. Headpieces of all kinds adorned with feathers and other high-quality trinkets are popular.
This fall season is more special than most because of the presidential election. Just like the rest of the country, fashionistas are enthralled and obsessed with the outcome of this election. Not since Jackie Kennedy back in the ’60s has there been a glaring relevance to politics and fashion. Who are they wearing? We want our leaders to be smart and stylish at the same time.
We held our breath in awe when Michelle Obama announced that she was wearing a Thakoon Panichgul dress at her husband’s rally or when Cindy McCain said she was partial to Escada and Oscar de le Renta. How about when the Republican Party dropped $75,000 on designer labels at Neiman Marcus for Sarah Palin and her family? The Capitol has seen enough power suits to last a lifetime. Right, Hillary? Red, white and blue is not going away anytime soon.