Carolina Woman Magazine

All in the Details

Fall Fashion from NYC Runways

By Whitney Westbrook

Kooky, frothy costumes are the bread and butter of New York’s bi-annual fashion shows. But this year, designers seemed to understand that tough times call for a different kind of glamour.
So they produced levelheaded collections that focused on sharp, clean lines in rich fabrics and deep, delicious colors — the sort of handsome clothes that would fit as well at a Raleigh business meeting or a Durham gala as a Big Apple runway.

Classics turned brilliantly stylish as smart, polished outfits hit the catwalks. It was goodbye razzle-dazzle and hello sleek, refined garments that’ll call out to Triangle women from the racks. One thing these wearable collections all had in common: tailoring.

Standout looks included those borrowed from the boys, such as cuffed trousers in pinstripes and tweed blazers in nutmeg, as well as those incorporating structure, layers, symmetry and reflective materials. Mixed prints and textures were everywhere. Daring additions included provocative cutouts, backless tops, tight leather treatments and minimalist miniskirts.

Vintage luster originated with 1980s power shoulders and stretchy leggings as well as 1940s shapes and styles. Hard suggestions came from futuristic elements, such as metallic, and tough-girl touches, such as motorcycle leather.

Here’s a glance at five trends that will tempt you this season:

Autumn Palette
The dominant tints of the fall shows, including warm mahogany, burnt orange, golden yellow, dark turquoise, hunter green and royal purple, lent an underpinning of depth to both the sophisticated and the seductive.

Strategic Extras

The difference between, say, a simple sheath from your closet and this year’s is in the details, such as beads, sequins, jewels, textured fabric, contrasting bands and statement buttons.

Dynamic Volume

This key motif is realized through the drama of draping, ruffles, layered sleeves, jodhpur trousers, bulky outerwear and plenty of pleats.

Glossy Shine
Amid the frippery creating twinkles are satin and silk textiles, metallic surfaces, gold lame, glitter, crystals and rhinestones.

Impeccable Pantsuits
From practical to luxurious, the city-girl pantsuit comes in oh-so-modern shapes, fabrics and hues.

All photos courtesy Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.