Bear or Armor?

Bear or Armor?

By Sarah Carlos

From fur to metallics, this season’s fashion trends are anything but normal. I know. I even used to do runway and sometimes I look at designers’ collections and say to myself, “What are you thinking?!” But that in a way is what fashion is all about, isn’t it? Pushing the envelope, piling it all on….You have to be unique and you have to be extreme or your collection will be lost. I have broken down the season’s top six trends in a means to inspire you, not coerce you. As I have said before – take something popular and make it entirely your own.

1. The bold bubble. It truly surprises me how cute bubble skirts are. If you have hips and are curvy – like me – you may want to steer clear or find a style of bubble that is looser from the waist down. To nicely contrast the volume, pair your bubble with a fitted top and a belt. Many designers, from Balenciaga to Oscar de la Renta are using the bubble to add shape and a hint of elegance to their collections.
2. The grrrrr of fur. Technically, fur was the first thing humans wore. But, that doesn’t mean that I am a hug fan. Yes, I am a meat-eater, but I don’t think it looks normal to walk around with an animal on your back that is not living and breathing (my cat likes to climb up on my shoulders, ha). This season, fur coats are the rage – cloaking and overpowering models’ figures on the runway. All I have to say is: A little faux fur trim on the hood of your jacket is not only a little more animal-friendly, but affordable too.
3. Be prepared – wear your metallics. This season’s metallics are more spacey than medieval. In fact, some are downright flimsy, but nonetheless chic and distinguished. Designer Ann Demeulemeester’s collection offers a silver suit nothing short of magnificent. Even if it is last year’s copper hobo from Banana Republic – little touches here and there make a lasting impression.
4. Oversize pieces offer comfort and elegance. I have to admit, I have never been a fan of baggy pants. They don’t even look right on models – they just hang off their bones. The good news is that the oversize trend encompasses outerwear and suits. Finally, a reason to pile on that large wool trench. But don’t forget to belt it – oversize in no way means sloppy.
5. Layering – an excellent reason to buy more tights! This is by far my favorite trend of the season because it’s so versatile. You can actually wear pants under a strapless dress and look sophisticated. You can pair black fishnet hose with shorts and a sweater and look pulled together. There are no rules – step outside of the box.
6. Your plaids must mature. Ever since Brittney Spears decided to dance around in a school girl outfit and ask her man to hit her “one more time,” plaids have gained some sex appeal. And they happen to be huge this fall. Pair a plaid skirt with knee-high boots and you have created a classic. Wear it out. Mix stripes with plaids. There are no rules – just be creative.