Local fashion experts comment on the current fashion trends for the 2014 fall season
by Molly Quinn, ’15
As the leaves on trees change colors and temperatures cool, summer clothes are stowed away for next year as the latest fall fashion trends take center stage.
Fashion trends have made the transition from the summer must-haves of bold graphics and 1960s inspired styles to the newest and most fashion-forward trends for fall, consisting of leather, fur and a neutral color palette. From the runways of New York and Paris to local boutiques around Upper Arlington, the change in fashion trends is evident.
As the editor of Columbus’ Capital Style Magazine, Kristy Eckert must stay on top of current fashion trends. After attending the fall fashion show previews in New York earlier this year, Eckert said two ‘must-have’ items for fall are midi skirts and capes.
“Midi skirts are huge this season!” Eckert said. “They are so versatile: you can dress them up with a nice blouse and a cute pair of flats, or dress them down with a t-shirt and sneakers.”
Outerwear has become more stylish this season, and many fashion designers have added the classic flair of capes into their Fall 2014 collections.
“Capes are also a big trend this season, especially on coats,” Eckert said. “It’s always nice when coats are on trend, because they are a great investment, and a piece that we can get good use out of in Ohio.”
Eckert shared ideas for incorporating the latest trends into everyday wardrobes.
“Capes can be found at almost every store this season at every price point,” Eckert said. “Pair a cape with your favorite pair of skinny jeans and booties, and you can completely change your look this fall.”
According to Eckert, many of these newer styles can even be achieved on a tight budget.
“Faux leather and black-coated denim jeans are a great, and more affordable, way to get the ‘leather’ look this fall,” Eckert said.
Personal Shopper at Saks Fifth Avenue Marjorie Wood agrees, stating that the key to attaining the ‘it’ look this fall is to be a smart shopper.
“My advice to teenagers is to spend the bulk of their money on some great pieces that they can wear various ways throughout the year—a leather jacket, a great pair of jeans, [or] a pair of boots,” Wood said.
There also are many tried and true fashion styles to choose from this fall season, including the predictable return of fur and leather—which is expected as many designers tend to pull inspiration from last season’s fashion phenomenons.
“It isn’t surprising that fur is also making its way back into our wardrobes,” Eckert said. “In previous years, however, fur has been used in bulk, but this year fur is being used more as an accent—making the trend more affordable and obtainable to greater numbers of people.”
Color trends, however, sharply contrast last years craze of deep burgundies and bright teals— neutrals are now recognized as the latest fad for 2014.
“I have noticed a lot of designers pairing white with white, gray with gray and olive with olive to create a ‘neutral on neutral’ look that is very unique to this season,” Eckert said.
Wood concurs. She also noted the new color palette this fall is more subdued.
“Greys and greens are popular colors [this year],” Wood said.
The slowed-down rhythms of nature in fall, and the inevitable change to a less colorful landscape, are reminders to return to the classic styles of cooler-weather fashions.
“Many of the trends this season lend themselves to a very sophisticated feel,” Eckert said. “The neutral color palette along with fall staple pieces like riding boots, blazers and stylish outerwear easily fit into a Ralph Lauren-esque, high-class, preppy vibe.”