Your guide on what to keep and what to tuck away.
I don’t know about you guys, but I’m looking forward to pulling on booties and soft sweaters. I know it’s still August and the weather is hot and sticky in most places, but fall fashion is on the horizon and summer clearance sales are in full swing!
Shopping clearance sales can be tricky. Trends that were big one season will most likely fizzle out by the next. But “past season” doesn’t always mean you can’t wear those things again; seasonal clearance racks are a great place to find transitional pieces and classics that will work for future seasons. With that in mind, it’s good to know what you should spend money on and what can be left on the racks. For example, black and white striped dresses were huge this spring/summer, but you’ll probably be safer purchasing solid whites and floral dresses because those are always summer staples.
I’ve scrutinized the runway videos and scoured online articles about what’s to come this fall and wrote some guidelines to help you out. Keep these things in mind when shopping the summer clearance racks, and hopefully you’ll get as excited about the fall/winter fashion season as I am!
Check out my fall fashion tips!
Flaunt it:
Black and white color-blocking will carry into the fall season; however, pieces will be heavier than summer styles. Think knits, structured shapes, and furs.
It wouldn’t hurt to toss in some neutrals and shades of grey; creating an entire outfit with shades from charcoal to slate can make a really great statement.
Winter white combinations are big for the coming season as well. Since I don’t believe in “no white after labor day,” I fully intend to take advantage of this trend. Layering different variations of white from head to toe looks quite stunning.
Although there were a lot of monochrome and neutral looks on the runways, there’s a lot of color coming your way as well. Emerald green, navy and wine were some of the most prominent hues. I’m excited about that because I love deep, rich colors for the winter.
Prints and patterns have shifted toward a more refined look. Traditional patterns like hounds-tooth and plaid are a great addition to your wardrobe this fall. Animal prints, particularly leopard and python, will be around as well.
Casual boots will be your best friend this fall; you’ll see them in every silhouette from low cut ankle boots to the classic Chelsea. In addition to this wardrobe staple, you’ll also be seeing hybrid booties, a combination of boot and sandal with elements such as peep-toes, open backs, cut out details, and strappy vamps.
For those who don’t like to wear high heels, there has been in upsurge in flats this season. From ballet flats, to smoking slippers and loafers, the variety is huge. They’ve been updated with velvet, pony hair, and other embellishments.
My favorite this fall? The statement boot. I’m in love with all the over-the-knee styles and fur-lined luxe booties coming this fall. Look for sumptuous fabrics like velvet, exotic skins, and delicious suede in a dark, rich palette.
Hide it:
Deep colors for fall and luxurious feminine styles are back, which means neons and bright patterns are going away. Boy am I happy about that! I do have bright workout clothes, but my eyes were pretty tired of seeing neon on pretty much everything.
The single sole shoe is still going strong, and super high platforms have faded off the radar. However, there were a good number of chunky shoes seen on the runway.
Heavy, intricate detail is in and dainty, understated looks are out. Embellishments and details on clothing and shoes will be bigger in scale, such as thicker laces, bigger tassles and buckles, and thicker straps. Although the shoe will look heavier in general, the design will be less about height and platforms and more about details, patterns, and the look as a whole. Classic shapes will always be in, but tuck away your daintier sandals and shoes for later.
Sources: Style.com, WWD Footwear News, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour