When I think of fall, which happens to be my favorite season (and not just because of September fashion week), I think of the brisk weather. My mind naturally turns to what I will be wearing to defend against that weather. I don’t know if you automatically think of clothes when a season comes to mind, but don’t fret (as I’m sure you’re worrying a lot at the moment) because I worry enough for all of us. Instead of telling you what you should be wearing this season when it comes to jeans, boots, sweaters, and all other fall essentials, I will focus on just one, vital component of a typical wardrobe: the jacket. Oh yes, the jacket. I used to base my jacket selections on colors, but now I pay much closer attention to the fine details that really make up autumn’s style.
And so we begin.
Although you should not exclusively base your decision on whether to buy a jacket based on its color, as I did in my younger years, the color is crucial. There are the typical autumn warm hues–brown, red, and orange–but, I advise you to stay away from these because, let’s be honest, you don’t want to walk around looking like a pumpkin, an apple, or a part of any other food group… unless it’s an olive, or hues related to the olive color. I am a strong proponent of subtle greens. Some reference this color to a popular military trend. It’s been around since 2009, and it’s still here, but who’s complaining? I also recommend dark colors for this season: black, navy, and burgundy (not to be mistaken with maroon, but you can try maroon too).
It seems to me that denim is everywhere. I can imagine that most of you have noticed at least the tiniest hint of this trend around. Denim is the new black. I used to think that black goes with everything, and it certainly does, but my experience with denim over the last year has slowly built up to an epiphany–denim goes with everything too. I think you know where this is going. Try a jean jacket; light, dark, acid-wash, anything really will work. It looks great with sweaters underneath, scarves, and even jeans, believe it or not. A different shade of jeans on the bottom can look great.
When it comes to length and fit, the fashion gods, some like to call them designers, have made it pretty clear as to what they want people wearing this season. The look is short, above the butt, and fitted. Simple enough. For some inspiration from the runway, see here.
What about other fabrics: leather, cotton, wool, the typical fabrics that keep you warm? How about a combination? I’ve seen leather detail on jackets ranging from trims to full sleeves. Leather sleeves are fresh and a good alternative if you don’t like the way leather looks or you don’t want to invest in a leather jacket. Urban Outfitters, the go-to store for affordable alternatives of on-trend pieces, has jackets with faux leather sleeves under $100 (examples here and here).
Look out for new jackets and enjoy the fall weather while it lasts!
Not-So-Fashionista • Sep 20, 2012 at 10:41 AM
Fashion is stupid because it’s all based on opinion. Thanks, but no thanks.
Fashion-Is-Inevitable • Sep 20, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Darling, do you walk around naked? If you do not, than my point is proven: fashion is everywhere whether you like it or not. If you do walk around… au naturale, well then we are facing a bigger issue here.
Fashion-Is-Not-Inevitable • Sep 21, 2012 at 9:37 AM
I agree wholeheartedly. In all it’s glory, ‘fashion’ is only what those rich designers in Italy want us to wear. I mean, have you SEEN what’s been on the runway recently? I’m sorry, but wearing something that eerily resembles a living room drape with sparkles is not something I want to do in the near future.
I’d rather wear what I want to wear and not what people say is “fashionable” because in doing so, I just become another one of the people who have jumped onto a bandwagon. Originality is what it’s all about, people!
And seriously? 100 dollars for a JACKET?! It’s definitely not a quality winter jacket like my trusty Northface, so why in the world would I want to spend such a ludicrous amount of money on it? If I wanted something warm, I’d just dress in layers and call it a day.
And let me just remind you that although we teenagers are obsessed with our appearances, looks aren’t everything. I’d rather wear what I want and save the extra money for something important like college. Because let’s be honest, attending college is exponentially more important than wearing froofy outfits that rich middle-aged men in Europe say is “in style”.
While everyone is wearing denim everything because designers– oh I’m sorry, FASHION GODS– say that it looks fashionable, I’ll be chilling in my t-shirt and sweatpants just laughing at what has become of our world.
an observer • Sep 24, 2012 at 1:00 AM
To Fashion-Is-Not-Inevitable:
I agree that fashion isn’t the “thing” for everyone out there. However, art-girl is completely right, fashion IS part of your daily life. You stated that you wore a Northface jacket. This alone follows fashion, as Northface is a popular, and somewhat expensive, brand to buy/use. Why did you buy that jacket? Probably because it was warm, cute, and in style. In addition, you also stated that, “I’ll be chilling in my t-shirt and sweatpants.” Surprise! That too is following some fashion sense. Look around the school, numerous of students are wearing your same exact outfit. Why? Because it is in style.
However, I too find fashion found on the runway unappetizing and at times, completely hideous. But these runways are for exploring our creative minds. If the models started to wear what you consider, “normal outfits,” how can you consider them the break through points of fashion? It’s all about experimenting.
art-girl • Sep 21, 2012 at 6:30 PM
I agree, whether you like it or not, not-so, fashion is a part of your daily life. And if you hate it so much, why did you read this article AND take the time to comment on it?