Glorious Fall arrives fashionably late on Hilton Head Island. In the Lowcountry, soaring temps taper off to become what many describe as perfect beach weather. Mornings and evenings slowly transition from balmy to crisp, which has us reaching for our sweaters along with our sandals. And we dress accordingly, until our two month long cold snap greets us, usually late into Winter. So, while we may not be stocking our closets with the season’s coveted puffer jackets and wool military coats, we can indulge in many of the Fall/Winter fashion trends while simultaneously enjoying our temperate, coastal climate. The runways are signaling that the eighties and nineties are back in a huge way and penetrating every facet of fashion. Break out the high-waisted jeans, slip dresses and leather motorcycle jackets. Invest in Dr. Martens, fanny packs and berry-shades of lipstick. There are so many trends emerging in this chaotic year of fashion, that there truly is something for everyone to get excited about to update their current wardrobe. Be prepared to see big, bold, eccentric styles land in the stores. COLOR – the simplest way to make a statement. Our preview on the runways are soft heather grays and citrus chartreuse, warm taupe and rich browns and a juxtaposition of color from opposite sides of the spectrum. The earthy hues take center stage with accents of teal, pink, dark blues and wine tones. FUR AND VELVET – fur is showing up on sweaters, scarves and shoes. Colorful velvet is the in- the-moment, lux fabric when it gets chilly.PRINTS – plaids and checks have never been so bold in terms of color and sizes. Leopard is fall’s most wild fashion trend. The maximalist look has resurfaced and flora and fauna have arrived. Clothing will feature everything from fall florals, bees and butterflies to cheetahs.BELTS – bold, metallic belts in gold will turn up the party knob on any simple outfit. Equally trending is the feminine, skinny, knotted belt on top of dresses, pants and jackets. As with shoes, the animal skins have found their way to belts. For those wanting to set themselves apart, they can rock a statement belt which will capture their individuality.RENAISSANCE – the look can vacillate from romantic to edgy. Lines will feature bell (exaggerated) sleeves, corsets, ruffles, high necks and the return of lots of velvet are signature of this trending look.TINSEL – sparkly coats, dresses and skirts make it easy to shine. The metallic looks in gold, copper, and silver on day and evening wear for a stylish shimmer.NAVY INSPIRED – military fashion is updating each year with new fabrics, shapes and colors. These utility styled garments are available in jackets, coats, skirts dresses and combat boots. This season designers have focused on the Navy for inspiration and trending pieces include double-breasted coats and sailor pants.THE CHOKER – major statement chokers replace the thin velvet ribbon chokers of the 90’s. An alternative to a scarf, they will be everywhere this Fall.PINSTRIPES – the pinstripe has left the office and hit the streets. A cool pinstripe will slim every body type. Menswear-inspired trousers, suit jackets can be feminized with slip dresses, heels and jewelry. Also, a great weekend look, when paired with jeans.SHOES – pointy toes and rounded heels, gladiator boots, ankle straps, open toes will be in abundance. Shoes worn with socks, suede and buckles prevail. Boots are making a statement in color, texture and shape. Knee-high, over-the-knee or ankle boot are showing up with bold prints, fringe, sequins and metallics. The buckled boot can be worn with jeans or a bohemian inspired dress. HANDBAGS – cross-body bags in various sizes in reptile, velvet, fur, leather, quilted and suede. Small hand-held backpacks and saddle bag, fanny-packs and clutches adorned with bold colors, metallics, and textures. Also emerging are the baguette and hobo style bag. Tassels, fringe, chain straps and embellished handbags will make it easy to find the perfect outfit accessory. If you are more subdued, no worries! Sleek, classic handbags are still very popular.JEWELRY – Cuffs and bracelets worn over sleeves, pendants, single earrings and layering of necklaces will dominate the Fall/Winter accessories. In addition, ear cuffs, multiple piercings and punk-inspired earrings will make an appearance. Think safety pins, buckles and chains. Statement (ancient or religious) pendants are the rage.
COLOR – the simplest way to make a statement. Our preview on the runways are soft heather grays and citrus chartreuse, warm taupe and rich browns and a juxtaposition of color from opposite sides of the spectrum. The earthy hues take center stage with accents of teal, pink, dark blues and wine tones.
FUR AND VELVET – fur is showing up on sweaters, scarves and shoes. Colorful velvet is the in- the-moment, lux fabric when it gets chilly.
PRINTS – plaids and checks have never been so bold in terms of color and sizes. Leopard is fall’s most wild fashion trend. The maximalist look has resurfaced and flora and fauna have arrived. Clothing will feature everything from fall florals, bees and butterflies to cheetahs.
BELTS – bold, metallic belts in gold will turn up the party knob on any simple outfit. Equally trending is the feminine, skinny, knotted belt on top of dresses, pants and jackets. As with shoes, the animal skins have found their way to belts. For those wanting to set themselves apart, they can rock a statement belt which will capture their individuality.
RENAISSANCE – the look can vacillate from romantic to edgy. Lines will feature bell (exaggerated) sleeves, corsets, ruffles, high necks and the return of lots of velvet are signature of this trending look.
TINSEL – sparkly coats, dresses and skirts make it easy to shine. The metallic looks in gold, copper, and silver on day and evening wear for a stylish shimmer.
NAVY INSPIRED – military fashion is updating each year with new fabrics, shapes and colors. These utility styled garments are available in jackets, coats, skirts dresses and combat boots. This season designers have focused on the Navy for inspiration and trending pieces include double-breasted coats and sailor pants.
THE CHOKER – major statement chokers replace the thin velvet ribbon chokers of the 90’s. An alternative to a scarf, they will be everywhere this Fall.
PINSTRIPES – the pinstripe has left the office and hit the streets. A cool pinstripe will slim every body type. Menswear-inspired trousers, suit jackets can be feminized with slip dresses, heels and jewelry. Also, a great weekend look, when paired with jeans.
SHOES – pointy toes and rounded heels, gladiator boots, ankle straps, open toes will be in abundance. Shoes worn with socks, suede and buckles prevail. Boots are making a statement in color, texture and shape. Knee-high, over-the-knee or ankle boot are showing up with bold prints, fringe, sequins and metallics. The buckled boot can be worn with jeans or a bohemian inspired dress.
HANDBAGS – cross-body bags in various sizes in reptile, velvet, fur, leather, quilted and suede. Small hand-held backpacks and saddle bag, fanny-packs and clutches adorned with bold colors, metallics, and textures. Also emerging are the baguette and hobo style bag. Tassels, fringe, chain straps and embellished handbags will make it easy to find the perfect outfit accessory. If you are more subdued, no worries! Sleek, classic handbags are still very popular.
JEWELRY – Cuffs and bracelets worn over sleeves, pendants, single earrings and layering of necklaces will dominate the Fall/Winter accessories. In addition, ear cuffs, multiple piercings and punk-inspired earrings will make an appearance. Think safety pins, buckles and chains. Statement (ancient or religious) pendants are the rage.
