Season's fashion trends tend toward relaxed, femine looks
Fashion is a temperamental, unexplainable beast. It's quite the phenomenon to think that people will dress in the same style without an explicit agreement.
Take for example the flappers of the '20s or the disco, glam rock era of the '70s or whatever the hell they were thinking in the '80s.
The unspoken group assent to style is inexplicable as far as trying to find its source. All we can do is observe the aftereffects. In regard to this fall fashion season, here are a few of the things that we've all somehow implicitly agreed to.
The amazing lowering hemline
Last year's ubiquitous ruffled skirts have now been replaced by a growing contingent of gaucho pants. Seen swishing around on a whole passel of coeds, it's the newest fad that's taken hold of the UA campus. And the numbers are just getting stronger.
"We can't keep them in stock. We have them in every color and we keep getting sold out," said Crystal Craney, buyer for the boutique Divaz located at 906 E. University Blvd. The draped fabric works well on most people, hiding a multitude of flaws.
"It really complements the hips without covering yourself too much," said Chrisselda Leal, a pre-nursing sophomore and fashion model.
So if you're fond of eating and if you don't have the genes of a Brazilian supermodel, then these pants are your new best friend. It's a forgiving cut that hides a plumper lower half without you running the risk of wearing something completely devoid of all sexuality, a la the muumuu.
However, don't get too hung up on this trend. Like any industrious fashionista, there is always another one to look out for. More of a transitional piece from summer into fall look, gauchos will eventually be phased out, according to Lissa Marinaro, UA alumna and owner of the boutique Zoë, located at 735 N. Fourth Ave.
"Girls are doing a lot more with skirts that are more lengthy and flowy. And, being in Tucson with the heat, the miniskirt will always be a favorite," said Marinaro.
Also be on the lookout for dress pants as the weather cools. Though pants are getting more formal, think more along the lines of dance hall than boardroom when making your choice.
A softer, gentler mood
Cotton is the fabric of choice right now based on its ability to drape and create more fluid lines. It's all part of the movement toward softer, deconstructed appearances. Lines are relaxed, a departure from the more geometric and clean lines of the mod look.
Cuts are designed to hug curves rather than strain them. Shrugs and half-sweaters (worn over something else, mind you, the look is called boho, not bo-whore) add more to the feminized look of the fall.
The key here is balance, so try to match loose bottoms with tight tops and vice versa, Craney said.
Tops should be kept basic, as they basically act as a canvas for your accessories.
For those who don't like to expose huge areas of skin, you'll be pleased to know that longer tops are in vogue worn down around your pants or skirt along with looser tops that gently gather at the waist, said Marinaro.
An American classic re-visited
It is a bittersweet irony that the most quintessentially American wardrobe piece comes from La France, where le diplomatic relations are le not working out so well.
Be that as it may, this fabric from the Gallic village of Nimes has changed citizenship and hasn't looked back since. Making a trans-Atlantic trip in the 19th century, this utilitarian fabric has taken on a different persona from its past as the uniform for industrious gold miners in the Old West.
Distressed and embellished jeans are in vogue right now. Anything that looks brand new and immaculate is blasphemous, and torn-up and raggedy is the rule and not the exception.
And just when you thought you could put your BeDazzler away, sequins are making a comeback. Other embellishments such as sparkles, rivets and patches of color are finding their way onto jeans, providing women with another avenue to emasculate yet another facet in life.
Darker colored jeans don't work as well as the faded ones, and any sort of feature from sewing on patches or ribbon around the hemline will keep you in style, according to Craney.
It's all in the details
"Brown is the color of the moment," said Marinaro. Yet, also look for other earthy shades like burnt oranges, reds and yellows, basically "anything that you can find on a tree," said Leal.
Gold accents and embroidery are examples of the new Bohemian vibe that the high priests and priestesses of fashion have decreed as the "it" look for the season. Distinguished by its more whimsical, feminine look, the Bohemian style is all about minor touches.
A stitching of wildflowers, flecks of gold in pinstripes and a lot of accessories are key in the boho look.
As evidenced by the existence of stiletto heels, fashion and function don't always match. Belts, which in theory should hold up our pants, are used purely as a visual element this fall season. Wider is better and it's best to position these at an angle rather than straight on.
Indian slippers with intricate beadwork not only provide more of the artsy feel but are also practical and comfortable as well.
Wooden features are another extension of the artsy, Bohemian vibe. Pile them on in bracelet, earring or necklace form. However, any assortment of materials from wood to metal will work as long as it's extravagant and a bit cluttered.
"We sell things across the board, anything from shells to hoops to dangly earrings to bangles," said Marinaro. According to Marinaro, because tops are so plain this year, you'll be able to pile on any mixture of jewelry upon your person without looking too garish.
Speaking of earrings, make sure they dangle. Chandeliers aren't just for the dining room anymore. If your earrings are barely grazing your shoulders or if they aren't causing you a massive headache, then you're probably not doing it right.