Month: September 2019

Let’s face it: Fashion feels like a sprint. Keeping up with the latest versions of what everyone is wearing is downright exhausting, and it always seems that the moment we’ve added something new to our wardrobes, we turn around to find that everyone’s already onto the next thing. 

But not all trends are made equal. Some come and go before you have time to make up your mind on them, while others surprise us by sticking around for several seasons—and others still manage to earn themselves permanent spots in our closets. It’s the latter that are the most satisfying pieces to own because they completely sidestep fashion’s speedy cycle. Invest in something with longevity, and your granddaughter could potentially still be wearing it half a century from now. It’s classic style at its finest, and it’s making a return for fall. All over the F/W 19 runways, designers envisioned something altogether more timeless and elevated. Simplicity was at the heart of it and offered a good reminder that despite the ultimately fleeting nature of certain trends, these few classics will always be relevant—today, next season, and decades from now.

To prove just how universal they are, we took three such “trends”—suiting, leather, and plaid—and cast two women ages 24 and 67 to model the looks side by side. Of all the fashion on offer for fall, the following are worthy investments.

Suiting silhouettes wax and wane depending on the season. Sometimes they’re tight and tailored, sometimes they’re loose and relaxed, but no matter the silhouette, these separates always manage to earn their keep in our closets. In recent seasons, the fashion crowd has embraced what was once seen as a corporate and, dare I say, stuffy uniform for working women: the pantsuit. Now though, you need not hold a high-powered 9-to-5 or frequent a boardroom to adopt the structured look. Anyone—and we mean anyone—can style a power suit and come off looking polished. And really, what’s more universal than that?

Leather (or its vegan look-alike) is naturally a timeless pick if we’re talking bags and shoes. But this fall, it’s set to dominate the rest of your closet, too, coating fall’s coolest clothing in the luxurious material. Leather trench coats, leather shirts, leather dresses, and leather skirts are all defining pieces, but unlike other trends, this one works best when worn as a full look.

But if images of The Matrix flood your head at the thought of wearing leather-on-leather, it’s time to reconsider. The silhouettes we’re seeing for fall involve much softer and more malleable leather. They play with textured leather and a range of non-traditional color palettes, like those from Bottega Veneta, making it a much more approachable and wearable trend.

Some things are just so classic we feel silly categorizing them as a trend. Plaid is one of those things. We all have something plaid in our closets, but now more than ever, the classic check print feels fresh and completely on trend. Forget stereotypes of the print being boring. It’s undergoing a design overhaul. Large graphic checks speak to the bold dressers among us, while unexpected silhouettes and cutouts transform demure gray plaid into something that feels undeniably forward.

Photographer: Katie Mccurdy
Stylist: Jessica Willis
Hairstylist: Stephen Hudson
Makeup Artist: Linda Gradin
Talent: JoAni Johnson and Ravyanshi Mehta
Location: Industria Studios West Village

The time has finally come for the season and our wardrobes to make the official shift from summer to fall. About six months ago, you followed along as we walked you through all the goings-on of fashion month where designers set the trends for the season ahead. Today, we’re here to give you a much-needed recap, specifically in the accessory department. Clothes are great and all, and ready-to-wear trends are no less important than what we’re about to show you, but if you’ve ever fallen a little too in love with a bag, shoe, or piece of jewelry, you know that a killer look is no look at all without top-notch accessories to match. 

This season was a good one in the realm of accessories, as we saw the return of statement jewelry and big bags as well as a few themes that caught us by surprise (but we can’t wait to wear them). If you ask me, that’s the definition of a well-rounded batch of new trends. From square-toe shoes to the undeniable importance placed on headwear of all kinds, these fall accessory trends ahead will have the rest of your new seasonal wardrobe stacked and ready, period. 

Be it a bag strap, belt, or piece of jewelry, this season, if your accessories have a chain on them, you’re doing something right. Designers used this heavy metal detailing as a way to offset softer silhouettes, and we suggest you do the same. Layer a chain belt over silk separates or pair a chain choker with a floral dress—the juxtaposition is what makes this trend so striking and not to mention fun to style.

A homemade feel was sprinkled all over the F/W 19 runways, giving onlookers a sense of nostalgia for their childhood. Since we can no longer sit around braiding friendship bracelets, buy one of these crafty accessories instead. Between beaded bags, anything crocheted, and funky jewelry, this is one trend that will breathe life into your fall wardrobe the second you choose to partake.

Is it just me, or has it been a while since we’ve seen a major hat moment? Either way, this season was all about chic headgear, including everything from headbands that are essentially tiaras to massive feather-adorned toppers to bucket hats and back again. If you fear looking a bit too over the top, don’t. The sartorial world is head over heels in love with a decorated skull for fall 2019. 

The days of matching your shoes to your outfit are long gone. In an effort to add some punch to your fall wardrobe, designers finished off some of the more dulled-down looks with bold pumps. Saint Laurent went with some that literally glowed in the dark while Victoria Beckham livened up traditional tailoring with the festive footwear. One thing we know for sure: Pumps in all shades of yellow, pink, green, and more are the finishing touch you never knew your fall look needed.

Does this bag trend officially prove that micro carryalls are no longer? We think it might. Instead of tiny totes and mini shoppers that carry literally nothing except for a lipstick and a Tic Tac, extra-large handbags are officially the future, and the future is now. So grab your wallet, grab your iPhone 8Plus, and grab your snacks because these bags are holding everything out here. 

If there’s one shoe trend that has already taken the sartorial world by storm, it’s the square toe. This trend has gained steam for many reasons, but the main one is that it can be applied to a wide variety of style types. Whether you prefer boots, kitten heels, pumps, or mules, there is a square-toe shoe out there waiting for you. No matter what your go-to shoe is, we suggest you square it stat. 

All this talk of ornate headwear and heavy metal might have you itching for a trend that’s a bit more—dare I say it—practical. Chunky lug-soles boots couldn’t be more fitting. We’re calling this trend the “storm stompers” because the soles of this shoe style are so durable and chunky that they would probably survive in outer space, through aggressive storms, and during long treks in through the snow. However, our favorite part about this shoe trend is that it also looks amazing paired with delicate dresses and tailored suits. Whether you’re an ourdoorsperson or not, this shoe trend will hold a very important place in your closet should you let it. 

Between the countdown to NYFW and the nonstop buzz around the office about the next big boot style, it’s clear that fall fashion is top of mind. We’re practically begging for the leaves to change and the temperature to drop below 65 degrees so we have an excuse to break out our cold-weather apparel and accessories. But with everyone equally excited about the same fall trends, how will we differentiate our looks from the rest of the fashion pack? The answer is in the sparkly and shiny details. That’s right—our editors all agree that jewelry can make a big statement for fall and even be that finishing touch every look needs. Here are the six styles they’re gravitating toward.

My favorite fall jewelry trend is: Ring stacks! I’m always looking for ways to make my outfits stand out from the crowd, and a unique accessory trend like a stack of mismatched rings is one of my favorite ways to do that. It immediately adds some personality to whatever I’m wearing.

The key to pulling it off is: Focus on one type of jewelry (rings are my go-to these days), and combine styles you wouldn’t normally think to wear together: mixed metals, dainty versus chunky styles, and solid metals versus gemstones.

I’d most likely wear this with: The utility jumpsuit I bought at my favorite vintage store last year and a pair of slingback kitten heels.

The most special piece of jewelry I’ve bought is: A pair of sculptural rings (one in silver and one in gold) that I bought from an indie jewelry designer I found on Instagram. They’re such a unique shape, and they always earn me compliments.

I’ll know it’s fall when: I cease to remember the last time I wore any shoes other than ankle boots.

My favorite fall jewelry trend is: Symbols! I love all jewelry, but I’d say 90% of my collection consists of pieces with meaning, like rings with my mom’s initials or my birthstone. So you can imagine my excitement over the fact that sentimental symbols are a major trend right now—I like to think I’m always ahead of the curve.

The key to pulling it off is: Don’t overdo it! Pick two or three sentimental pieces to mix in with your other jewelry. Being able to hone in on the sentiments that are most important to you will keep things feeling authentic and not random.

I’d most likely wear this with: My go-to high-waisted jeans, a simple tank, a vintage blazer, my favorite structured bag, and a killer pair of booties.

The most special piece of jewelry I’ve received is: My grandmother’s engagement ring! While it’s not totally my style, it’s beautiful and has so much sentimental value to it. Plus, before my husband proposed, it was stolen and then amazingly found and returned to him, so I’m convinced it has magical powers.

I’ll know it’s fall when: Pumpkin spice lattes are available at Starbucks.

My favorite fall jewelry trend is:Chunky jewelry! This season, we’ll see a fresh take on classic pieces. Think fashion insiders wearing bracelets over sleeves, and link necklaces layered on top of turtlenecks. 

The key to pulling it off is: It’s all about the proportions. Look for pieces that sit over a top or sweater without fitting too snugly.

I’d most likely wear this with: A turtleneck, tailored trousers, sleek boots, and the faux-fur coat I’ve been eyeing for months.

The most special piece of jewelry I’ve received is: An ID bracelet monogrammed with my name that my grandma gave me for my 10th birthday. I still wear it to this day.

I’ll know it’s fall when: I finally swap out my strappy heels for knee-high boots.

My favorite fall jewelry trend is: Layering necklaces! I’ve always been a big fan—it’s the perfect way to level up any look. 

The key to pulling it off is: Mixing and matching lengths and chain thicknesses. I like to combine two daintier necklaces with two thicker styles that stand out more. (P.S.: A jewelry designer once told me this prevents your necklaces from tangling, and it’s worked for me so far!) I also love to mix metals depending on my outfit.

I’d most likely wear this with: I love the way layered necklaces look over a simple crew-neck tee, so I’d probably wear it with a black or white one, and a silk slip skirt (aka my fall uniform). I’d also layer necklaces with all my summery floral dresses, which you can bet I’ll be wearing into fall with a turtleneck underneath.

The most special piece of jewelry I’ve received is: I have a lot of pieces my mom gave me that I wear daily. They’re a reminder of my special relationship with her and that we share a love of jewelry.

I’ll know it’s fall when: My favorite holiday-flavored drinks are back (even though I get over them after one order!).

My favorite fall jewelry trend is: Colorful jewelry. I’m a serial black/white/beige shopper, and my wardrobe is filled with these non-colors (that I consider color, thank you very much!). So this season, I’m really looking forward to stepping outside of my very beige world by adding some color to my look via my jewelry.

The key to pulling it off is: Making it the focal point of your look! Style a bright gemstone cuff over your sleeve, or stack on a few rings—either way, the jewelry will pop against anything muted.

I’d most likely wear this with: You guessed it: a white or black long-sleeve turtleneck tucked into high-waisted jeans with a pair of square-toe strappy sandals. (Yes, I’m trying to channel my inner RHW.)

The most special piece of jewelry I’ve received is: There are those who say dogs are a man’s best friend, but for me, diamonds take the cake. My husband surprised me with a beautiful diamond tennis bracelet after we had our daughter, Sophie, and it’s something I want to pass down to her when she’s old enough to tell me diamonds are her best friend, too.

I’ll know it’s fall when: I feel the nip in the air and run (not walk) to slip on a chunky sweater.

My favorite fall jewelry trend is: Statement earrings—they’ve definitely been on my radar lately (and in my online shopping cart!). They’re my secret weapon for dressing up a more casual outfit.

The key to pulling it off is: Wearing your hair up so you can show off your earrings! I’ve been a fan of tight ponytails—they look super chic (and require zero effort). 

I’d most likely wear this with: Anything with a square neckline. I’m loving how much of a statement they make when I’m showing off a little collarbone. 

The most special piece of jewelry I’ve received is: My grandma bought me a gold charm bracelet when I was little and would buy me a new charm to go with it on every holiday. I don’t wear the bracelet anymore (it got heavy!), but I will sometimes wear the charms on a simple gold chain to bring back the memories. 

I’ll know it’s fall when: I don’t roll my eyes at all of the Halloween decorations for sale. Why do they always put them out so early?

Can you believe fall is finally almost upon us? Here at Who What Wear, we’ve been feverishly anticipating the most stylish season of the year, using our content as an outlet for our fashion fix. You’ve likely already read a handful of these articles, covering everything from the outfits we’d like to wear in the coming months to the style mistakes we hope not to repeat. Naturally, however, we can’t help but focus the majority of our attention on the trends.

While basics and even some go-to outfits can span seasons (and, in some cases, years) in our outfit rotation, trends and particularly forward looks are changing constantly, and this fall was no exception. Not to worry, though, because as always, we’ve rounded up the most important trends of the season just for you. To see, read about, and shop the biggest themes and runway moments for F/W 19 all in one place and at every price imaginable, just continue scrolling.

What’s old is new again. Jewelry trends are cyclical, so what’s popular right now probably had a moment in the sun years and years ago too. For instance, chunky gold necklaces were all over the Copenhagen Fashion Week street style scene, and it’s far from a new trend. To prove it, I found plenty of amazing vintage options on Etsy, which is my favorite treasure trove for one-of-a-kind pieces.

Etsy also boasts tons of other vintage versions of today’s biggest trends. For instance, I recently tapped two L.A. jewelry designers who confirmed that birthstone engagement rings are increasingly popular right now, and you can bet I found pretty vintage options on Etsy. Plus, we received a ton of interest in my story on Prince Harry’s ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas’s engagement ring, which is a beautiful example of the “target ring” trend that’s all over Etsy. So, without further ado, scroll down to shop my favorite vintage Etsy jewelry from the ’20s to the ’90s.

Next, this engagement ring trend is way more popular than you realize.