Boys and girls, take an ax and give your wardrobe 40 whacks.
Thrown-together outfits are out, so say adieu to fashion leisure. With the romantic new style for autumn comes a required formal grandeur. The many pieces available for fall fashion are reminiscent of historical socialites, who took the time to make a grand entrance. When mulling over which pieces to purchase this season, the ability to make a memorable entrance should be the determining factor. Think silk, lace, fur, jewels and velour galore – anything that will make people’s jaws drop and while wondering, “Who is this amazing creature?”
“The style is similar to old movies,” said Tom McClelland, general manager of Macy’s at the Valley River Center. “It’s much like Grace Kelly times.”
Achieving the classic movie star look is simple with a few wardrobe guidelines. First, make sure to stock up on fabrics like velvet and corduroy. Buy rich colors such as plum and ruby, which, according to McClelland and Mary Kolego, manager of Eugene’s Buffalo Exchange, are popular colors for fall. Most importantly, make sure everything from suit jackets to jeans is nicely tailored.
“The look now is more tailored and a lot cleaner, especially for men,” Kolego said. “Guys were wearing bands on their wrists and baggy clothes, but now fitted jeans are in.”
With the best materials, colors and fit for fall clothing established, don’t forget some of the individual pieces that will be definite must-haves.
Although each store will have its own variations, these pieces will be staples everywhere.
“Romantic shrugs, skirts, jackets, gauchos (wide legged cropped pants) and blazers, especially plaid blazers, are the most popular items for fall,” said Stephanie Campbell, manager of Wet Seal in Eugene. “These pieces are much more adult and conservative than in past years.”
Alena Zweben, manager of downtown women’s boutique Ipnosi, said that the best way to mix these pieces into an existing wardrobe is to layer.
“You have to accommodate for the weather. The cropped sweaters, as well as the more weather appropriate materials we’ve been getting in, can help you do that,” Zweben said.
As for popular menswear, McClelland suggests that the key pieces should reflect an “early-1900s uniform look.” Some items he recommends include blazers, tailored vests, “premium denim” and newsboy caps.
The romanticism sweeping its way through clothing has also changed the style of accessories. The shelves of Cathy Jean, a shoe store located in Valley River Center, are lined with Audrey Hepburn-inspired heels and jeweled sandals.
“It’s all about the bling bling and Grammy looks for sure,” Cathy Jean employee Magen Quinn said. She also said that although they aren’t carrying many boots yet, every style of boot will be hugely popular for both men and women this fall. “Cowboy boots are also in, but I think only because of Jessica Simpson’s new movie,” she said.
Next, delve into the alluring array of theme-appropriate jewelry available. Layering several necklaces or bracelets is the most popular trend for fall, according to Zweben.
“Anything that is long and can be looped around, or just wearing two or three different length necklaces, looks great,” she said.
As for metals and jewels, Amanda Singer of Kay Jewelers in Valley River Center said the look is “a little more dressed up than before.” She said that the demand has been high for white gold, pink jewels and princess and antique-cut jewels. However, the antique pieces requested seem to be more overstated, with several more jewels than the typical antique style.
“I think it’s a great time in fashion right now,” Kolego said. “It’s great that you can take everything that’s in right now, the Victorian inspired, the preppy and all of the different eras, and mix it all up.”