Cooler morning temperatures here in Greenville, South Carolina signal autumn’s rapid approach. At this same time each summer, fashion thoughts naturally turn from sundresses to sweaters. The large crowds at Haywood Mall in recent days suggest that folks have already begun their quest for new fall attire. The experts, who keep their fingers on the pulse of fashion, identify the following as top fall trends:
1. 1960’s sensibilities: The new limited edition “Mad Men” line for men and women at Haywood Mall’s Banana Republic store exemplifies a return to the elegance and sartorial skill that epitomized this decade. According to the store’s Customer Experience Manager, Robert Izquierdo, the buzz word for menswear this fall is narrow. Tapered suit jackets combined with thinner lapels create an overall streamlined effect. This minimizing trend continues in suit pants without pleats that fit slimmer through the thighs and legs. Vests and thinner ties further contour the torso. The store presents a visual feast of women’s fashions from sheath dresses to suiting with feminine flourishes, and chiffon blouses in soft lavender and mauve. Cardigans and jackets that graze the hips, as well as princess style dresses in autumnal prints, both showcase and slenderize the waist. The Hoss Intropia line at SavVy boutique on Augusta Street, also embodies characteristics of 1960’s designs, such as demure dresses in rich fabrics. The metallic fitted cocktail dress with a window pane cutout at the neckline and a dainty bow accent stands out as the collection’s show stopper. The only accessory needed with this stellar frock is a martini in a frosted glass. In keeping with the spirit of the 60’s, SavVy sells a matching bolero jacket that can be worn with the dress or by itself.
2. Flashbacks from the 1970’s: Suzanne Guymon, Dillard’s Fashion Communication Director, sees a resurgence of the quintessential styles of the 1970’s, such as high waist, flared legged pants and jumpsuits. Another born again signature look from this decade is the bow neck blouse that finishes any suit or pencil skirt. Bohemian chic, a consistent influence in the past several years, comes on even stronger this fall in the form of maxi skirts, fringed vests and multi colored peasant blouses paired with wide cinch belts. Now Boho fans can rev up their look by purchasing Joe’s Visionarie flare leg jean with a long fringed Matty M tunic vest at Dillard’s online.
3. The sporting life: Classic American sportswear symbolizes simplicity, comfort and a casual lifestyle. Arlene Goldstein, Belk’s Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction, describes this fall phenomenon as “high country”. Distinctive features of this trend include traditional plaids and checks, stripped sweaters, utility jackets, lush wool sweaters, and tweeds. The iconic designs of Ralph Lauren represent American sportswear at its best, and Belk is one of the local retailers that carry his collection. The Blanca crewneck logo tee in autumn red looks striking underneath the Audey Shawl collar camel sweater vest with a distinctive hardware closure. Both pieces are available at Belk online.
Cable knit cardigans for men and women exemplify the classic casual trend. Augusta Twenty’s blog “a propos” features an open front shawl collar long cardigan in oatmeal by Vince as a pick of the week, and includes it as a fall “must have”. This multi-purpose sweater not only oozes sophistication, but it is an ideal coat substitute in Greenville’s moderate climate.
This fall’s exciting array of clothing options offers something for just about every style personality.
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| Hoss Intropia metallic cocktail dress and matching bolero jacket from Spain |
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1960's style metallic cocktail dress from the Hoss Intropia line
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| Jones of New York sequin collar sweater and lace skirt |
