“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower” –Albert Camus
I think we could all use a “second spring” this year. Fall is the season of change. The changing leaves provide a magnificent show of beauty on crisp, cool autumn days. It’s time for a new school year, Jackson’s Orchard and pumpkin spice lattes.
Our wardrobes, and hopefully our attitudes, will be taking an optimistic turn this fall. Bright, cheerful colors prevail – lightening up the mix of more somber autumn hues. The following trends are what I think will be important in fashion for fall 2020…
Vivid plaids – I think we have all had something plaid in our wardrobe. Burberry has built their brand around it. They have been so successful, we recognize this iconic pattern immediately. This season preppy plaids look fresh in bright color combos – pinks, blues, greens. Don’t be afraid of head-to-toe plaids, and mixed patchwork plaids.
Brighten up your day – Our tried and true neutrals still live on – camel, brown, navy and our best friend, black. We will also have many beautiful bright jewel tones to choose from – fuchsia, red, orange, cobalt, purple yellow and green. All shades of these colors are fair game. Color blocking has returned so you do not have to choose just one. If you are not that bold, you can add a pop of color to your favorite black ensemble.
Shaggy coats – the shearling trend in coats started last year and will continue. I think we all love the cozy feeling shearling gives us. It is like being wrapped in your favorite blanket – perfect for uncertain times.
Capes – Need I say more? We all want to be a superhero.
Fringe – It is not just for cowboys. Fringe appears on blouses, skirts, dresses, and, of course, jackets and boots, It can be long or short, all over or just a touch – car wash skirts and dresses were spotted on several runways.
Victorian – It is all in the details. High necks, ruffles, lace, billowing sleeves, florals take us back to another era. Look for ladylike dresses with long sleeves and midi lengths. For a younger vibe, pair a high-neck lace blouse with denim.
Skirt suits – We saw pantsuits come on strong last year, now we are returning to the matching skirt and jacket. It’s the classic “ladies who lunch” look. Not quite ready to lunch? You can wear a tweed jacket with your favorite jeans.
Bows – Wrap it up and put a bow on it for fall 2020. Bows adorned sweaters, skirts, blouses, pants, dresses – a little detail to set us apart and make us feel special.
A few other trends you will be seeing – statement collars, broomstick skirts, bubble hems, and opera-length gloves.
It is a crazy mishmash of styles, but I assure you many beautiful clothes are arriving daily.
Here’s to fall 2020 and better days ahead.
-by Nicki Smith
About the Author: Nicki Smith has been in the fashion industry for 36 years. She is the owner of and buyer for Pappagallo, located at 2020 Scottsville Road in Bowling Green (The Pines Shopping Center, next to Chico’s).
