Magazines put out voluminous September issues for a reason, it is the ultimate month to either overhaul your wardrobe or simply inject it with an infusion of exciting new trends and pioneering new silhouettes. New trends are always so exciting since it’s a new opportunity to rediscover your personal style.

And as the leaves start to fall and a change in seasons start to come, feel the chill in the air as you sport the best that fall/winter fashion has to offer. Whether or not you’re ready, fall fashion will take over and it’s best to be prepared. Layering textures is what it’s going to be all about. While you may miss those dreamy summer nights, these trends will give you something to be excited for.

Velvet

Crushed velvet dominated the Fall 2016 runways, and for good reason. This lush and rich fabric makes for the perfect fall/winter piece to give your wardrobe a much-needed boost of texture. Velvet dresses were a big winner on the runway, and you can expect velvet dresses to take over street style too. A velvet dress over tights and a pair of leather boots is oh-so-chic. The texture of velvet elevates your other fall/winter essentials like your leather moto jacket, wool scarf, or patterned tights, velvet dresses and jackets should be at the top of your fall/winter shopping list. Consider velvet frocks for your next fancy evening event, a little black dress in velvet are a great alternative for your upcoming season’s events or parties.

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Back to School Backpacks

September is back-to-school for some. While you may not actually be going back to hitting the books, you can definitely channel back-to-school style with a chic backpack. Popularized by the trend-setting Jenner sisters, leather backpacks have successfully transitioned from practical carryall to high-fashion style staple. From Gucci to Chanel, the formerly humble backpack is enjoying must-have status. A sleek leather backpack will be your ultimate fall/winter companion.

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Turtleneck Layering

Oscar de la Renta first showed a feminine dark floral dress with a turtleneck layered underneath. Since then, turtleneck layering has been spotted all over. Aside from being a great styling tip to transition some of your spring/summer dresses into fall, turtleneck layering is also a clever way to prevent your standard turtleneck from looking too basic. Layering turtlenecks underneath dresses gives your look a certain edge and a particular je ne sais quoi. Add on a statement necklace for maximum impact.

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Capelets

For a fall/winter cover up with a retro feel and a lot of sartorial curb appeal, consider the capelet. Not quite as voluminous as a full-on cape, capelets are most definitely wearable and will prove to be flattering to most women since it doesn’t cut you off at the waist but actually serves to drive attention toward your face. Pair your capelet with a wide brim hat or with a statement lip. Capelets are also great to wear with short hemlines or knee-length skirts.

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Plaid Statement Outerwear

Plaid scarves and plaid shirts are so last year. This year, it’s all about making a huge statement with plaid outerwear. Don’t shy away from this print, plaid is actually universally chic and is a classic pattern. Match your proportions to the scale of the plaid print you choose, and you’ll be golden. Explore your inner preppy with this trend, wear your plaid overcoat with oversized sweaters and pleated skirts with oxfords and tights,

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Shearling Jackets

From Altuzarra to Kate Spade, shearling jackets were all the rage at Fashion Week. Different jacket silhouettes with prominent shearling lining, collars, and hemlines were spotted on the runway. You will definitely have your pick of a jacket shape that suits your body type and personal style. The one thing all these jacket styles have in common is a whole lot of shearling action, which does the double duty of keeping you warm while keeping you looking ahead of the fashion curve.

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Bandanas / Neck Scarves

Chokers are so hot this year and it’s pretty much ubiquitous. If you want to stand out from the crowd during the fall/winter season, opt out of the choker trend and adopt the rising neck scarf trend. Instead of donning a choker, a bandana or silk scarf tied around your neck ups your style points instantly by a thousand. It’s very Parisian girl chic and looks so fashion forward when added to your layering game.

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If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author

September is near a close and the shops are filling with many new trends and fashion to explore. Down here in the Southern Hemishpere, September means the start of warmer months and sunny days.

It’s time to explore the new summer trends and discover the ones that light your sartorial fire. While there are more trends on offer than this list, these are my favorites for the season.

Keep in mind that a successful wardrobe and ultimately your style comes not from slavishly following fashion but rather from you carefully choosing items that:

• best reflect their personality,
• flatter their shape
• work for their lifestyle
• are within their budget 

Trend items are fleeting, and to me, they do not warrant spending a lot on. It’s your classic, wear over and over again items where you are best to invest in the best quality you can afford; jeans, tailored pants, straight/tapered skirts, a pair of great  black pumps to name just a few.

Shoulder Duster Earrings

For the spring/summer season, shoulder duster earrings will be the ultimate statement jewelry. We’re not just talking about dainty chandelier earrings, the “it” accessory of the season literally reaches your shoulders to make a style splash like no other. Sculptural, boho chic, or tasseled, shoulder duster earrings will look perfect with your summer beach waves or when you put your hair up to battle the summer heat.

If you like this style but feel the length is a little over the top for you simply go part way by wearing long earrings in a length more befitting your style/age and circumstances.

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White Bags

White bags are going to be a hot trend for the spring/summer 2016. The starkness and minimalist appeal of a white bag is a new approach to accessorizing your looks this season. The modern vibes and aesthetic of a white bag, whether it’s a structured one or a bucket bag, totally elevates your casual looks plus the pop of bright white is sometimes unexpected, but always, always chic.

 
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Crochet Lace

White and coloured crochet lace will be a major trend this summer.  The woven, crochet lace is being used to create 1970s inspired looks. The lace will feature everywhere, from long, calf length skirts, dresses and even as contrasting pockets on denim garments. Ultra-sheer, ethereal lace will also be seen. One unique feature of this trend is the peep-a-boo of skin aspect via short or skin coloured lining.

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Get the Blues

Blue is the classic color for this spring/summer season and it’s going to be everywhere and in every garment, from solid colours to stripes and with embroidery for a Boho twist.  

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Metallica

Metallic sheens and finishes are always in style. This season, however, metallic finishes are a stronger trend than ever. For 2016, metallics have become more iridescent and have made their transition from being a purely evening trend to a daytime trend those fashion insiders, bloggers, and tastemakers have grown to love and to rock. Dress down your metallic pieces with slouchy lightweight knits or sneakers. You can even opt for metallic accents like mirrored sunnies and metallic oxfords to finish off your summer looks.

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Off-Shoulder Tops

Exposed shoulders are the trend du jour of spring/summer 2016. Say goodbye to bare midriffs courtesy of crop tops, and say hello to different yet all equally stylish incarnations of the off shoulder neckline. Shoulders are the new sexy. Boho, embroidered, ruffled, or tailored, off-shoulder tops and dresses can be worn all summer long. Sweep a bit of bronzer on your shoulders and pair with another hot trend, the shoulder duster earrings, and you’re set to take on the season in high style.

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Bell Sleeves

Rising from the popularity and resurgence of 70s fashion trends, bell sleeves is a bohemian and 70s inspired trend that propped up during music festivals and is now enjoying a legitimate trend revolution. Part hippie chic and part modern romantic, bell sleeves give your summer/spring look more texture and more visual interest. 

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If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author