Fashionistas in Southern Arizona may not embrace big shearling coats and oversize knit scarves with the fervor of their East Coast sisters. But there were many other looks to love on the runways at this February’s Fall Fashion Week in New York.
Ann Carroll of Mills Touché boutique in Tucson says, “Expect to see plenty of bold dressing in the coming months, and don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit. Assorted florals and graphic prints will be everywhere. Colorful animal prints and plaids are a major part of 2018 fall fashion, as is the return of classic suiting.”
In fact, designers were doing some of the mixing for us, with patchwork prints showing up in dresses, skirts and trousers from Missoni, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Nicole Miller, among others.
Purposely messy layers, including layered jackets or coats designed to look like layers are another way designers were mixing and matching.
Yet, for those who prefer understated elegance, Harper’s Bazaar touts classic Saville Row fabrics such as herringbone, glen plaid, and houndstooth.
Romantic florals also were prominent in many designers’ collections, with darker hues replacing spring’s pastels. On the other end of the spectrum, sequins and silver foil were also popular on many runways.
Trend watchers from W to Women’s Wear Daily to the New York Times highlighted a return to the ’80s with big shoulders and black leather, but paired with skinny jeans for a more contemporary twist. Other retro ’80s looks making a comeback included neon colors and color blocks. Tom Ford combined pink leopard prints with aqua, orange and black color blocks and a floral applique in one fun, if only slightly over-the-top, overcoat.
Faux fur accents are showing up everywhere, from sweaters to handbags.
“In handbags we are finding that backpacks have made a resurgence for all ages. Cross body handbags are also very important,” says Arlene Antzis of the Bag Company, which also stocks a variety of women’s clothing.
“Tunics and leggings are still going to be popular for fall. We are also going to see some shorter tops and gaucho pants,” adds Antzis. Call them gauchos or culottes, Wonderslist marks them as one of the top 10 trends for women to adopt in 2018.
Capes will add drama this fall, as noted by everyone from the Wall Street Journal and the New York Daily News to Elle, Cosmopolitan and Vogue. Designers showed capes not only as outerwear but also attached to floor-length gowns.
Red was one of the dominant colors on the runways, showing up in everything from ball gowns to outerwear. Pink was also hot, as were garments combining pink and red.
At Maya Palace in Tucson, red is a perennial favorite, says John Kopplin, co-owner with his wife, Suzy. Kopplin says other bright colors — emerald green, turquoise and purple — are also always trending at the boutique, although the top-selling colors, he notes, are white and ivory because Maya Palace specializes in bridal gowns.
With so many style choices to choose from, as Vogue says, “the only rule this season is more is more.”
