The Griffon News

With autumn starting officially on Sunday, the time is near to perform the annual duty of putting away the shorts and flip-flops you’ve lived in all summer and pull out jeans and long sleeves in preparation for the brisk days of October.

But there is no need for this process to be put off. New looks for fall are simple yet exciting, and work almost universally for any body type.

For the ladies, details like plaid, studs and rivets, patent, and exaggerated hardware in super-metallic finishes are everywhere, from the fall shows seen last spring all the way to the East Hills Mall, and adorn every piece imaginable.

Because the majority of accessories are such standouts, expect the basics to be rather basic. Solid colors in cool shades are everywhere, and dark denim is again ubiquitous as well. As the trend that exploded last fall, skinny and straight jeans are now showing up much more often in some unexpected stores. While skinny jeans aren’t for everyone, most shoppers can find a cut to fit them.

Shoe style seems to be settling in for some long-haul trends as well. Flats appear to be here to stay, as do the pointed toe and stiletto heel. But gaining more ground since their first appearance last fall, the substantially chunkier heel is being seen in great number in many different kinds of stores. Bag shapes are growing somewhat more structured, but the huge, slouchy, hold everything bag continues to be available in every price range.

As far as individual pieces go, expect menswear-inspired vests in pinstriped and plaid, and solid-colored, double-breasted cropped jackets, each recalling the 1980’s and 1960’s, respectively.
 
Another trend that recalls the 1960’s and applies to both girls and guys is the designing of clothing that appeals to, and is made for, both genders. The trend began all those years ago when women wearing jeans became a cultural “do”. Now, women’s jeans are increasingly menswear-cut, and men’s denim is becoming increasingly skinnier. In addition, cardigans have gone from an old man standard to something sold at American Eagle. 

Also for the guys are less, name brand flashing, mass-appeal pieces, and more self-expressive clothing and accessories. Necklaces and bracelets are now more popular than ever on some guys, which works well with the detail-oriented direction that fall is going.

Although men’s ready-to-wear is still dull, predictable, and conservative, a few new options should breathe a little life into it.

For both men’s and women’s sunglasses, look for aviators of every color, shape, style, and finish to be seen on sunglasses displays, as well as those gigantic, over-the-top frames made famous by Nicole Ritchie and the Olsen twins. Also being hyped are the Ray-Ban Wayfarers, which were re-introduced with their original frame shape and size. In addition to the black and tortoise shell standards, they are also available in white and red.

Popular music is also influencing the way we dress. Such casually dressed, but cutting edge bands include Shiny Toy Guns, Incubus, Arcade Fire and Rilo Kiley. Most of these musicians looks as though they’ve recently stocked up on Urban Outfitters goods. Luckily for us, this means a quick afternoon trip to the Urban at Country Club Plaza, or in Lawrence. These groups and stores represent the way all of ready-to-wear is heading: somewhat preppy basics with interesting details, all worn very casually. This fall, it won’t be hard to distinguish yourself from everyone else. That’s the point.

So getting your closet ready for fall should definitely be an adventure, but one that shouldn’t be dreaded. Just buy what you like and have confidence in all you wear, as long as that doesn’t involve lumpy sweatshirts or Crocs.