Designer – Carrie Coyle

November 2013

Fall/Winter 13/14 Trends

By Carrie Coyle

*information gathered from Fashion Snoops and Style.com

For the first time this fall, the weather in North Carolina has proven to be capable of Chicago-like winds and Maine-like temperatures.  It is cold out there, ladies and gentlemen, and that means it is officially that time of year when a heavy wool coat and tights become staple items in my everyday wardrobe.  It also means that it is finally appropriate to try out some of those Fall and Winter trends I’ve been ogling over since last February when they debuted on runways around the world!  Let’s recap a few of my favorites, shall we?

 90’s Grunge 

Arguably, one of the biggest trends of the season is 90’s Grunge.  Who knew we’d see the 90’s again so soon?  Needless to say, I’m okay with it.  I’m sort of in love with the punky mix of chiffons, tartan plaids, and feminine florals, complemented by distressed denim and moto-inspired leather pieces.  It’s fun and bold, and who doesn’t love FUN and BOLD!  Designers such as Givenchey, Isabel Marant, BCBG, and Saint Laurent showed us exactly how to make it work, but it’s really up to you with this trend, which is what makes it so great!  Layer it and mix it up!

THRIFTY TIP:  there are so many pieces at Goodwill that fit perfectly with this trend!  My favorites are mini floral printed slip dresses, plaid flannels, oversize men’s sweaters, and 80’s denim jackets.  Feel free to mix and match these items for a look that’s all yours and totally grunge.

*feminine babydoll dresses   *plaids   *oversized sweaters   *flannel   *moto  jackets   *tie dye

Bohemia- FolkAllure

I’ve been simply dreamy over the free spirited femininity evoked by the romantic patterns, tapestry and patchwork motifs, as seen on the runways over the past year.  Valentino, Mara Hoffman, Matthew Williamson, and Pucci celebrated this trend for Fall 2014, and I’ve seen it surface again most recently on the Spring 2014 runways.  Taking inspiration from tribal and folk designs, designers are showcasing a more artisanal quality with high fashion through the use of embroidery and ethnic-inspired fabrics and finishes.   Like in other trends, I’m seeing several designers, such as Mara Hoffman, play with pattern mixing and color for a “techno-tribal” look.

THRIFTY TIP:  longer dresses were very popular back in the 70’s and 80’s and they fit perfectly into this trend.  You can often find mid-calf Boho/Folky style dresses at your local Goodwill, and they look great when paired with boots and a large scarf.  If long dresses aren’t for you, simply hem the dress to your specified length and pair with black tights for fall!  *most tailors will adjust the hemline of a garment for around $10, and even then, it’s still cheaper than buying something new!

*ethnic prints   *foulard patterns and retro geometrics   *chiffon   *fur  *suede   *patchwork  *tapestries

Hangin’ with the Boys

Designers, from Stella McCartney to Sacai, Dries Van Noten, and Gucci showed us that traditional menswear patterns and silhouettes could just as well be worn by the gals-equally as well!  Plaids, houndstooth, and windowpane checks in menswear suitings, felted wool and tweeds dominated these designers’ collections, and proved yet again that androgynous looks can be very, very chic.

THRIFTY TIP:  one can often find suit sets from the 70s and 80s in the women’s section, and if you’re lucky you can find some in the men’s section that will fit.  Wear the suit with a patterned shirt for a funky twist on this trend, or keep it relatively classic and pair the blazer with a pair of dark denim skinnies or tattered boyfriend jeans.  Accessorize with a statement necklace, like Dries Van Noten (below).

*tailored suits       *blazers        *oversized coats        *menswear patterns and suitings       *wool