The thermometer may read 90° but fashion designers are thinking about the next trends in fashion. Joe Zee, editor-in-chief of Vitals magazine, talks about the latest looks in fall fashion for both men and women.
Velvet
This lux fabric is not just for curtains anymore! Every designer has incorporated it into chick and elegant clothes for fall. And this season, designers went dark for fall with little dresses, swing coats and even floor-length gowns — all in attention-grabbing black.
Anthropologie silk dress with velvet belt: $188
Banana Republic velvet blazer: $188
Christian Louboutin: $399.99
Cardigan Sweater
This is not your grandfather's cardigan. It's a different kind of sweater that has a slimmer, more modern cut that you can wear at the office or on a date. It's thin enough to wear over a dress shirt and underneath a jacket.
It can even be worn over your favorite tee with a pair of jeans. It's one of the most versatile items you can have in your wardrobe. Try one made out of light weight merino wool or cashmere and that has a double zipper so you unzip the bottom when you are sitting. And for an extra kick, try a cardigan with small pockets or some sort of patch on the elbows.
Brooks Brothers cashmere cardigan: $348
White cotton shirt: $75
Brooks Brothers wool pants: $228
The statement coat
The fall and winter is not about the drabby, boring coat anymore. It's about keeping the clothes classic and giving it a twist with a printed or embellished coat.
Banana Republic brocade coat: $248
Armani Exchange cotton jeans: $98
Brooks Brothers cashmere turtleneck: $198
The bomber jacket
The rugged leather jacket inspired by the likes of Marlon Brando in “On the Waterfront” and most recently, Tom Cruise in “War of the Worlds” is making a big comeback with designers for fall. It's the prefect jacket for brisk, fall weather, dressed up or dressed down.
Levi's leather bomber jacket: $298
Levi's cotton jeans: $154
Andrea Fenzi cashmere turtleneck: $200
Kelly green
Yes, black is in but wearing the color of envy is also the must-have color this season. It is never easy to wear, but this bright hue is the prefect antidote to an otherwise, dark fall. Our favorite version is a Kelly green cocktail dress.
J. Crew silk dress: $150
Tweed sports jacket
A cool sports jacket is one of this fall's must-have items, and the styles that are out there really give blazers a life of their own. You can find some with patch pockets and/or elbow patches, others with big lapels and double-sided vents, but they are all a revival of retro looks. A stylish tweed jacket is a great way to upgrade your look. Choose a nice wool or wool and cashmere combination, three-button style jacket. Don't get to wild with color though; go for a neutral color that can easily be worn with jeans, flat-front pants and dressier pants. This is something that can be worn with a dress shirt or a printed tee underneath. It has so much versatility.
APC wool jacket: $494
DKNY cotton jeans: $125
Kenneth Cole cashmere sweater: $175
Kenneth Cole cotton shirt: $79
The gold jewelry
This fall season, you can update your wardrobe without having to invest in new trends. Instead, spice up what you already have with the sparkle and dazzle of fine jewelry. In this case, elegant gold link chain necklaces and earrings add that touch.
Club Monaco wool-blend pants: $129
Club Monaco turtleneck: $79
Marc Jacobs leather bag: $775
Tommy Hilfiger suede heels: $80
Faraone Mennella gold bangle: $6000
Gold link necklace: $3350
The accessories
Sometimes the key to being on trend isn't just what you're wearing, but what you're carrying. Some of the big trends this fall to add to simple, classic clothes; a waist-cinching belt, the perfect doctor's bag and matching pumps.
Tommy Hilfiger crest collection wool jacket: $225
Tommy Hilfiger wool pants: $125
Kenneth Cole cotton shirt: $79
Perry Ellis silk tie: $40
Armani Exchange leather back-pack: $198
Brooks Brothers leather oxfords: $338