It is that time of year again where everyone should be making homes out of over-sized sweaters and cozying up. Instead, we are dying of heatstroke midday and still rocking our cut off shorts with flipflops. So until the weather officially coincides with the Autumn season, get a head start on preparing for this year’s trends!
Velvet
Velvet was a huge fad that took off in 2016 and practically everyone was in love with it. This year, the irresistible-to-touch fabric has made its return, and we are not complaining about it. Retailers have stepped up the game and elevated their velvet designs by creating velvet blazers, skirts, scrunchies, chokers, dresses, and pants - there is almost not a single item you can’t find in velvet. It’s an easy to wear fabric, yet looks naturally luxurious. Velvet comes in a variety of bold colors that are easy to find at an affordable price; check out Forever 21's velvet selection, as most of their pieces are under $20.
Embellished Slip On’s
A fancy twist on a comfortable shoe, slide on’s with embellishments such as beading, carved out leather, or satin materials are a great way to make a statement. These shoes practically make an outfit themselves. They can just be paired with a simple t-shirt and jeans, and will for sure earn the wearer some compliments. Embellished slip on’s can be a little bit pricey from designers like Michael Kors or Steve Madden, so try looking at places like Target or DSW for pairs in the $25-$50 price range. Or you can always DIY a pair of your own - all you’ll need is a hot glue gun, the shoes, and a pack of beads and pearls from Michael’s or JoAnn Fabrics for cheap.
80’s Sweaters
Better start digging into your parent’s closet because those thick, bizarrely patterned sweaters are back in style and it’s no joke. You know, the ones your dad wore when he was high school and thinks he’s so cool because of it (and yes, he actually is). These sweaters are so ugly that they're actually becoming cute. If you don’t feel like digging into dusty boxes for your mom’s old clothes, there are plenty of 80’s inspired sweaters out there. And if you want to aim for true authenticity, websites like ragstock.com or local thrift stores are abundant with retro sweaters begging for a new home. Just make sure to avoid the ones made of wool, as they can be itchy, hot, and generally uncomfortable.
Plaid Skirts
An ode to classic characters like Cher from Clueless or Audrey Horne in Twin Peaks, plaid skirts have made a modernized comeback. Have you picked up on the pattern yet? Everything eventually comes back in style, with the exception of parachute pants because, to be real, they are just awful. Plaid skirts adorn all the deep, rich colors that remind us of fall and look amazing with an over-sized sweater for a relaxed look.
Red
Back in February 2017, Elle magazine predicted that red would be the official color of Fall 2017 based on the New York Fashion Week runway show. Pantone declared ‘grenadine’ red one of the ten colors in the New York color palette. Turns out they were right! The empowering color is not one for the timid heart. Try out a sleek red jacket, some red nail polish, or plain red chinos.
Whatever you decide, get ready to stand out in this fiery shade.
Denim, Denim, Denim!
Denim is an “oldie but goodie,” a closet staple, and something that cannot be lived without, as it always seems to make its rounds into every season of the year.
According to Bloomingdale’s Fashion Director Brooke Jaffe, "A huge change is coming in the denim world. Skinny jeans with stretch have reigned supreme for a long time but we anticipate a shift toward contrast denim styles in vintage silhouettes”.
Fall 2017’s favorite vintage denim styles is cropped and flared hem jeans. It’s a change that requires some getting used to, but a good point is that your legs can catch a break from suffocation in those tight pants and get acquainted with the looser denim originating from the 70’s.
If you feel separation anxiety at the mention of parting with your curve hugging skinnies, patchwork jeans are a unique way to revamp your denim game yet keep you secure. ASOS.com has a wide variety of them for both guys and girls!
Graphics
Reconnect with your childhood this autumn season by wearing your favorite cartoons on sweatshirts, leggings, or tees. There are tons of Nickelodeon, Disney, and Cartoon Network graphics on the market right now. A personal favorite outfit is an over-sized graphic t-shirt, fishnets, and a simple pair of vans or combat boots because it is comfortable and grungy at the same time. Plus, it’s an excellent go-to to wear if someone does not feel like putting in much effort. Just be wary of the length of the t-shirt when you are not wearing pants; it’s supposed to fit like a dress.
Rosary
If there was a flower of 2017, it would certainly be the rose. It’s hard to miss the symbolic flower when it is everywhere but our flowerbeds! Rose embroidered clothing is stunning in detail and easy to make, even if you have no sewing or stitching skills. As long as you have an iron and a bunch of iron-on patches, which can typically be found for under a dollar on ebay.com, you are all set to go.
Windbreakers
Meant for mildly chilly weather, windbreakers are a unisex article of clothing supported by major sport-inspired companies Nike and Adidas. They’re a casual way to show off your love for the popular brands and add a little bit of color-block pop to your day. Windbreakers are durable and can usually be purchased with a matching pair of the latest sneakers (lucky for the sneaker-heads
out there)! They’re perfect to wear on game day too. Check out stores like Victoria’s Secret Pink or Lids for college apparel windbreakers.