runway 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 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

The Lace Trend Continues into Fall with a Vengeance

 in General Fashion / Trends  tagged fall 2011 / lace / runway trends / vintage styles by

Lace was one of the dominant embellishments or fabrics on the runways for spring 2011 and the trend continued on the fall 2011 runways in Paris, New York, Milan and London. Lace popped up as both the main fabric on a garment as well as edging, detailing and overlays. There were also lace inspired leathers, metals and prints on everything from handbags to jewelry to the garments themselves.

Lace is an intricate fabric that is being shown for all types of looks this fall. Casual attire is showing lace fabric as well as lace details while more formal wear is featuring fine lace overlays and embellishments. Lace is adding texture, femininity and sex appeal to fall fashion, making it one of the must-have trends for fall. Love it!

One reason lace is continuing in popularity for the fall season is that is can easily fit into the varying style trends that appeared on the runways including the vintage trend, ladylike trend and continuing boho-chic trend.

We have a few fabulous tips from Tucker by Gaby Basora to help you style your lace pieces this fall. Special thank you to Tucker by Gaby Basora for providing these amazing tips for us!

“Take a hint from trendsetter Selita Ebanks and pair a sophisticated and subtle colored lace top with a bold printed skirt, like this Pleated Skirt from Tucker by Gaby Basora. Top the look off with simple accessories and a sleek hairdo.

(Second Photo) Revamp a classic lace, like this Short Sleeve Yoke Blouse from Tucker by Gaby Basora. We suggest pairing it with a bright colored cami or for an edgier look, a colorful bra adds a pop of color. Dress this look up by pairing with a solid skirt, or for a more casual look, a pair of jeans works just as well.”

Special Thank You to Tucker by Gaby Basora for providing these fabulous styling tips!

For shopping for these lace looks and more, please visit tuckerbygabybasora.com

EventsGPS6lk11XkhkV6j1uke1k6c