Call it college nostalgia but every time fall rolls around I get a craving for merino argyles, crisp white oxfords, earthy tweeds and smart loafers. But this year, I'm ready to throw tradition out the classroom door and focus on some of this season's less predictable looks. These trends won't be around forever, but promise to be fun while they last - sort of like college boys.
Fall's hottest looks are updated versions of those same trends that were big for spring and summer. What was breezy and airy has been re-invented to fit cooler weather, with deeper colors and heavier fabrics.
Make those comfy knit gauchos you've been swishing around in all summer fall-ready with a pair of soft leather knee-high boots or some fishnets and flats. Cropped trousers are showing up everywhere, and Urban Outfitters (110 S. 36th St., 215.387.6990) has some chic looks in updated plaids. Pick up a nice chunky shawl-collared cardigan to go on top, and you're set.
Tiered gypsy skirts are also making the seasonal transition in velvet and corduroy, but you'll need something more than a little ribbed tank on top - so invest in at least one shrug. Super-cropped with long sleeves to keep you warm, these sweet little sweaters can be as plain or fancy as you like.
The boho trend has given way to regal Russian-inspired style. The Tolstoy heroine is all about Eastern European-inspired colors and rich textures and patterns - think violets, turquoises and the richest reds. Whether you're more opulent Czarina or humble peasant, the shapes are feminine and forgiving, with tapered waists and fuller skirts.
Fur mufflers, enameled jewelry and thick, wooly tights are the perfect accessories. A trip to Nordstrom (160 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia, 610.265.6111) will get you shoes to complete the look. Go with velvet wedge heels with gold embroidery, brocade flats, metallic mules - the richer, plusher and more sumptuous the better - from BCBG Girls, Seychelles and BC Footwear. Then all you need to do is let the crisp air put roses in your cheeks, wear your hair long, loose and flowing, and turn the heads of all the Brothers Karamazov.
You can alter this super-femme look to be a touch more prim with delicate silk blouses and camis from Anthropologie (1801 Walnut St., 215.568.2114) and Banana Republic (1401 Walnut St., 215.751.0292). Look for lace, pintucks, pearl beads and other ever-so Victorian touches. On bottom, try a timeless A-line or pencil skirt or impeccably tailored trousers like those from Ann Taylor (1713 Walnut St., 215.977.9336), and then have some fun with accessories.
Layers of faux pearls, patterned stockings and round-toe heels like Dries Van Noten's gorgeous two-tone stunners at Head Start Shoes (126 S. 17th St., 215.567.3247) all lend the perfect touch of romance.
Big, chunky wooden jewelry is still very in, and handbags aren't getting any smaller either. All those laces, fringes, pockets and big buckles are perfect in shades that range from classic blacks and browns to sassy metallics. You can get the look for as low as $11.99 at Target (1 Mifflin St., 215.463.7311), or you can get up into the four-digits with the Fendi Shearling XXV Shoulder Bag (www.eluxury.com).
Jeans are going from old classic fashion standby to virtual work-of-art this season, with updated fits, fantastic new washes and embellishments galore. From dramatic border trims to back-pocket beading, stitching, distressing, and embroidery, decoration is what it's all about. We're not talking a destroyed look, but rather a very refined style that features premium denim covered in elegant designs. Check out J.Crew (The Shops at Liberty, 16th and Chestnut St., 215.977.7335) for a tropical-embroidered style or Lucky Brand's (1634 Walnut St., 215.732.8934) kimono-patchwork jeans in a bold, slightly psychedelic tribute to anime-inspired flowers.
So hit your closet before you hit the shops. Plenty of the season's best looks are ones you already have. With a little mixing, matching and ingenuity, you'll see that looking fantastic for fall is a no-brainer.
