Fashion: Fall 2014 Borrows From the Guys

Cary, NC —  CaryCitizen got the Fall fashion scoop from Arlene Goldstein, fashion director for all Belk stores this past July. Here’s her take on what you will want to wear as the weather cools into Fall 2014.

Fall 2014 Fashion Trends

This season, there are a mix of contrasting influences. Fashion borrows heavily from the men, mixes it up with feminine charms and adds a dash of the rebel to come up with something a little daring and definitely fresh. Consumers will want to look for the few key pieces that define the season for them to update their 2014 look, and mix it in with things you have loved from last fall or before to make it your own.

Three main trends were highlighted in Goldsteins’ presentation. CaryCitizen will be trend-spotting in Cary to see if area boutiques have the same take on what’s coming out of 7th Avenue and how Cary-ites will interpret them for their own wardrobes.

His Is Hers

This fashion trend borrows from the boys. You will see the return of the pleated trouser pant, a little wider leg and more tailored. There will be lots of tweed and black and white patterns. These traditional looks will get an updated twist by mixing it up with more feminine influences like lace and pearls, so that the looks are a little more playful and not so 1980’s.

Look for lots of layering, vests over shirts, sweaters under shirts. In the South, it’s always important to be able to layer, and this trend has you covered.

Dresses are part of this trend too, as women have re-discovered the ease of dresses and pulling it all together with one piece plus accessories.

Grey will become the most important neutral this season, followed by camel and other browns.

Complex Simplicity

For a few seasons we have been seeing clothing with an architectural shaping- the use of color blocking to define the body, and more structured, hi-tech fabrications. They get center stage this fall. Look for innovative materials- easy to pack, and washable. New shapes in tunics, dresses and shoes with an emphasis on geometry.

Color blocking and paneling gives new dimension to simple shapes. Trina Turk does it best. There are leather details, which appear on everything from pants to tops and dresses. Often, it is convincing fake leather or pleather.

Rebel Rebel

For the bad girl in everyone, this adventurous trend includes moto jackets in all sorts of fabrications, most importantly leather (and its imitations). Lots of zipper trim, studs and buckle details. You’ll see tough and tender mixes- dresses worn with combat boots featuring lacing and buckles will crossover from the youth to go more mainstream.

Boots are the key accessory. The newest boot is over the knee, but you’ll also want one with a chunky heel.  And if you didn’t buy it last season, find yourself an ankle boot and be daring by pairing it with a dress and opaque tights  instead of just trousers and jeans.

The jog pant comes out of the gym. Sporty items get dressed up with luxurious fabrics to be mixed with day wear, and even worn to the office. The tunic gets longer to wear over nicer leggings. The sweatshirt is re-invented as a fashion piece.

Top 10 Must-Have items for Fall 2014:

1. Soft pant
2. Midi- length skirt
3. Creative cardigan
4. Novelty vest
5. Fashion sweatshirt
6. Tunic top
7. Midi length sheath
8. Statement necklace
9. Over the knee boot
10. Satchel handbag, more feminine and handheld

Back-to-school sales are around the corner, but cooler temps won’t be here in Cary  til early October. Department stores typically bring in Fall starting in August, while local boutiques will have fall fashion coming in September.

Happy Trend-spotting!

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Story by Lindsey Chester. Pictures courtesy of Belk Fashion Dept.

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