Posted on September 16th, 2011
In the past, clothing trends came and went with the seasons. Fashionistas wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a pattern or style past its sell-by date. Well, honey times are changing. These days there are no ins and outs when it comes to fashion. Flare jeans, skinny jeans, boot-cut jeans — they’re all dos. Neon, plaids and stripes … Yes, please!
Trendy today means classic tomorrow. It’s more about how you wear things than what you’re wearing. That said, it’s September, it’s still 90 degrees and us Florida girls have no use for faux fur and leather until the end of October.
We compiled a list of the top fall fashion must-haves and what we at PLAYGROUND consider PLAYed out:
The In Crowd
1. Loads of color: Need a change from your boring blue jeans? You’re in luck. Colored jeans are everywhere. Embrace your inner football fan by wearing these jeans to a game — Gator blue; Seminole garnet, Knight gold. Not into colored jeans? Never fear, belts, shoes and tops in bright colors will be plentiful at the stores.
2. Leather: Not a Florida mommies best friend, but totally do-able in fall’s iterations. Think skirts, dresses and jackets in supple, thin skins.
3. Prints: When asked what mommy’s favorite color is, my daughter answered, “leopard.” Smart girl! Leopard print is now a classic staple for any closet. Consider rocking a pair of leopard print wedge boots or a 70s style Python-print blouse. Other prints to buy: floral and plaids.
4. 70s style: Think ponchos, high-waisted flare jeans and flow-y blouses. So chic and comfortable.
5. Budget shopping: While I’m a big believer in investing in quality clothing, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. I’ve noticed a ton of stores opening that have super cute clothing and accessories for under $100. Some local ones: Francesca’s, Sophie & Trey, Stella Luca and Tinka’s Closet.
PLAYed Out
1. Faux fur vests: Hello Chewbacca! Oh, they’re still in for fall but those bulky faux fur vests just aren’t meant for warm Florida weather. Think ostrich feathers instead.
2. Mini skirts: It’s all about the maxi and mid-calf length skirts right now. Sometimes they can be hard to wear, so I’ll still be rockin’ a shorter skirt with tights and ankle boots, it just won’t be a micro mini.
3. Boyfriend jeans: Sure, they’re comfortable but did they ever really look good on anyone? They add bulk, they shorten the torso (especially if you wear them low and roll them up) and they look schlubby. Opt for the skinny boyfriend instead, a little loose in the waist and more fitted in the thighs and ankles.
4. Shredded shirts and jeans: A little distressed, OK. Shredded to pieces, ummm, no thank you. And, forget the distressed tee shirts. Who wants to pay $50 for a rag?
5. Paying full price: I will never pay full price at retail stores. Why? Because the item will either go on sale or the store will have some discount promotion within a week of a new arrival. Honestly, it’s a great marketing ploy: mark up the prices, have constant sales and discounts and make people think they’re getting a bargain. Regardless, I always wait for sales.
Tracey Velt is a freelance writer and editor. Check out her groovy style blog at http://magpiestyle.net/blog for style inspiration and tips.
