Trends

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: Below the Knee Hemlines

 in General Fashion / Trends  tagged dresses / fall 2011 / runway / runway trends / skirts by

Hemlines have taken a tumble; below the knee that is. One of the biggest trends on the fall 2011 runwayswas the feminine or “Ladylike” trend. This trend showcased vintage inspired designs with hemlines that hit just below the knee. The skirt length was the only part about the hemlines that showed any consistency. Hemlines were shown in every form from straight around to asymmetrical to wrap.

One trend in skirts that has made a comeback this fall is the fluted hemline. This trend was huge in 2004 and it has come back with a vengeance. The fluted skirt is a pencil skirt with a sudden flair from just below mid-thigh to below the knee. This sassy style has a 1940’s vibe and works perfectly with the season’s biggest handbag silhouette; the top handle tote.

Dresses and skirts with the new hem length are also being shown in a variety of fabrications including silk, sheer chiffon, velvet and wool. In addition, patterned fabric, plaids and solid colors are being shown on skirts; giving every Fashionista a chance to rock this trend for fall.

The new, longer hemline is a breath of fresh air for those who have loathed the shorter than short hemline in recent seasons. Although the below-the-knee hemline might appear matronly for those who love their minis, the fluted hemline offers a body conscious silhouette that is very demure-think Dita Von Teese!

The silhouette for fall’s new hemline varies drastically depending upon the designer. Skirts are being shown in every shape imaginable from full skirts to body hugging, curve boasting pencil silhouettes. Whichever shape you prefer, you cannot go wrong. This season look for a silhouette which compliments your shape; as long as the hemline hits below-the-knee you are on-trend and fabulous for fall!

Wondering how to wear the new hem? Always wear heels since the below the knee length can shorten you. If you are under 5’4” opt for a platform pump and stay away from ankle straps or ankle booties which will shorten your leg. Also, since leg coverings are du rigueur for autumn, try to keep the color of your skirt, leg coverings and shoe close together. This will also help elongate your legs and keep them from looking short. As always, happy shopping and stay fabulous 

 

knee length skirts by bayareafashionista featuring a pull on skirt

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: The Cape is the New Coat

 in Trends  tagged capes / fall 2011 / outerwear / winter 2012 by

When Hermes sent models down the spring 2011 runway wearing coats draped over their shoulders allowing the arms to dangle in the back as if they were capes, it was only natural that the rest of the fashion world would get inspired and respond with capes one season later. The new coat is the cape. While classic pea coats and trench coats are standard for every wardrobe; whether male or female, the cape is taking over as the ultimate way to stay warm for women this fall.

The fall 2011 runway shows tossed coats and jackets on the shoulders of models in a cape-esque fashion. Although the cape itself did not dominant the catwalks, it did make an impression on buyers who flocked to designers and ordered capes for their stores. Buyers have stocked their shelves with capes by Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci and Chloe to name a few.

The cape is in stores as we speak and it is proving to be a highly sought after way of keeping warm when the fog rolls in off the bay. Capes are being shown in classic black, shades of brown, camel, bright colors and one of fall’s hottest hues; burgundy. While the cape will never take the practical place of the great pashmina trend of 1998, this form of warmth is fresh and new and definitely a sassy alternative to the same old coat from last year.

Capes for fall are being shown in many sizes and fabrications for fall 2011; from soft cashmere to wool gabardine. There are capes that flow down to the knees and others which barely cover the bottom of the shoulder blade. Cape-like details are also popping up on dresses and blouses; which is in line with the overall flowing silhouette of the season.

Since the cape trend is in its’ infancy this fall, there is a good chance that it will continue for a few more fall and winter seasons to come. If the cape trend for fall tickles your fancy, this is the perfect time to invest in one that catches your eye. By purchasing a fabulous cape at the beginning of the trend, you will get more wear out of the piece than those who wait until everyone else has one. Happy shopping and stay fabulous 

 

capes for fall by bayareafashionista featuring Nordstrom Collection

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: The Return of Ladylike Fashion and Leg Coverings

 in General Fashion / Trends  tagged fall 2011 / leg coverings / runway trends by

When Louis Vuitton created a Depression-era train station vibe for their fall 2011 runway show, onlookers were instantly taken back to a time of glamour, gloves and satchels. Although Marc Jacobs left legs bare on the runway, a strange trend has started to creep back onto the legs of women everywhere; the dreaded leg covering.

Ladylike fashion is currently dominating store shelves as we speak. While shoppers seek out delicate suiting, satchels and such; nylons and tights are starting to appear as a trend for fall. Gasp!

Ten years ago nylons and tights finally saw the end of their life. As corporate casual took over in the height of the dot-boom, women celebrated and flaunted bare legs as much as possible. Now, as a more formal way of dressing returns to runways and store shelves, the pendulum is swinging back to covered up legs.

While nylons and tights make for a finished look, they are incredibly annoying to wear! Let’s face it, when you rub up against a table, or lean on a chair, a snag can appear and ruin the whole thing. To make matters worse, we have to carry a back up pair, or two, just in case the afore mentioned event actually occurs! In addition to accidental snags during the day, nails are getting longer this fall which means putting on nylons in the morning can be a dangerous activity.

It should be interesting to see if leg coverings return to the fashionable legs of women everywhere, or if they remain on store shelves, unpurchased, as a continued stand against covered up legs. What is your take on leg coverings? Is this a trend you might follow or will you continue to “just say no” to leg coverings and bare those fabulous legs? Feel free to leave a comment below or weigh in on our Facebook page.

 

leg coverings by bayareafashionista featuring distressed picture frames