It's officially fall - and that means more than just changing leaves and cooler temperatures. It's the time of year when silhouettes become more structured, and deeper-colored fabrics increase in abundance. So what do you need to know to keep up with runway trends this fall? And how can you make it work on a college budget? Local retailers share some tips.
What to Wear
Amber Davis, fashion instructor at the Art Institute of Indianapolis and owner of Flaunt Boutique on Calvert Street, said the best way to understand the trends might be to tune into CNN.
"A lot of the trends have to do with what's going on in general," she said. "It's zietgeist - the spirit of the times. With economy being so bad we're seeing that reflected on the runways."
Davis said the biggest trends reflect the more somber mood created by the current economic and political situations.
"There are darker fabrics, lots of grays, blacks and purple," she said. "Purple is huge for fall. We're moving away from bright colors and bold patterns. And we're seeing more classics. With an uncertain economy, people want to hold on to pieces for longer, so there more classics and not as many trendy pieces."
Davis also said fashion tends to replicate trends from culturally similar periods of the past. For instance, she said pieces paying homage to the 1940s (which was bookended by the Great Depression and World War II) are very popular right now.
"We're seeing A-lines - cleaner lines - swing coats and details like ruffles."
How to Wear It
Holli Best, associate manager for Charlotte Russe in the Muncie Mall, said "effortless" is the key term for this season.
"You want a great look that doesn't look like you spent a lot of time on it," she said.
She advises wearing lots of layers, especially with vests - a runway favorite.
Store manager Stacy Tanner said accessories are another way to add depth to an outfit.
"Scarves are really good," she said. "So are coats worn as accessories and belts. Both thin and thick."
Hair
If you're looking to dramatically change your look for fall without trashing your entire wardrobe, Tena Reese, owner of Hot Heads salon, suggests changing your hair.
"Every fall people leave behind their summer blondes," she said. "The big thing is lowlights."
But if a drastic change in color is too dramatic, Reese said adding bangs or having waves and curls like Taylor Swift will also add an instant update to your look.
"More waves, more curl, more volume," she said.
Fall fashion tips for men
Men's fashion is also reflecting the changing times. Robin Blum, assistant manager of Buckle in the Muncie Mall, said vintage tees are extremely popular, as are old staples like blazers and relaxed-fit denim.
"We've also seen lots of layering," she said. "Especially layering a vintage tee under a woven."
On the runways many designers opted for a trend known as "new labor." Comprised of plaid fleece, destructed jeans and worker boots the look pays homage to both the 90s and the blue-collar workers of 30s.
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