By Bianca Strzelczyk
Whether it’s casual or romantic, bohemian chic or funky-cool, there’s no need to break the bank to look stylish this fall – in fact, all it may take is a quick raid of the parents’ closet.
For both men and women, it’s time to mix up the fabrics and incorporate a little more than just basic cotton into the wardrobe. For women, velvet – in deep autumn colors like burgundy and olive green – is a staple on the fashion runways along with knitwear, fur (real and faux) and metallic silks. Men should grab anything tweed, like a jacket in a neutral color.
And although it may be tempting to throw all those summer clothes in the back of the closet now that it’s cooling down, try to resist the urge, because those sheer hot-weathered fabrics are the perfect compliments to fall’s heavy textures.
“The key to this season is layering, new proportions created by wide volumes teamed with narrow cuts, and contrasting material combinations like matte and shiny, or course and sheer fabrics,” said Jennifer Uglialoro, H’M’s Public Relations Manager.
Jackets, like the blazer for men and cropped jackets for women, are the ultimate accessory to complete the layered look. Of course, jeans are the perfect compliment to the layers as usual. However, they are updated this year with embellishments like sequins, studs and patches. Make sure to purchase a stylish yet durable pair that can work from day to night and will carry over all the way into the winter.
As for the color scheme, black is usually considered “basic,” but this season it’s anything but. After months of being pushed to the back of the designer shelves, the universally slimming color makes its fashion comeback in all new cuts, fabrics and styles.
It’s all about deep, warm autumn colors such as dark reds, greens and browns. There’s no hiding in the corner this year. It’s all about making a statement.
Although any type of print is out for the season, blocks of colors are definitely en vogue.
“It’s fun to have multiple colors in a single outfit,” said Brandon Taylor, a sophomore biomedical physics major. “I think it’s great that guys are becoming more fashionable, especially in this season.”
Keep in mind, no outfit is truly complete without a fabulous pair of shoes, and this fall, boots are the “it” kicks. Whether the boots are rustic cowboy, flat-riding style or thigh-high stilettos makes no difference as long as they occupy center stage.
As for women’s accessories, loud jewelry has carried over from the summer into the fall and once again has many followers.
“I love costume jewelery and the antique looks,” said Jaime Mass, a middler biology major who is also excited for fall’s darker colors.
Long necklaces with large beads, big sunglasses and dangling earrings are still in, but to make the look more current, add sparkles.
Definitely out this year are the poncho and the broach. Instead, opt for something with a handcrafted feel and finish, suggested Uglialoro.
Enthusiasm about the new season is building around campus as students anticipate showing off the latest looks, even if the trends are nothing original.
“I like the fact that there are no new styles,” said Jesse Armon, a theatre sophomore major. “Everything is from another time period, and it looks like you could have bought all of it from a tag store.”
