Trend Report: Back-to-School Styles

Classes are back in session soon, and what better way to combat the early mornings and long days of studying than to look good doing it? One of the best pick-me-ups during school (especially if I was running late!) was knowing I looked great. It’s true when they say that looking good can help you feel good, and that’s no exception in studying environments. So, if you also shun the morning light, try out some of these ready-to-wear tips and tricks we picked up from the runway for Fall 2016 to help put some pep in your step!

Oversized Sleeves

First up on our list is oversized sleeves! This design was sprinkled throughout the designers’ collections, and they’re a great way to play with visual weight and balance. The degree of size and length vary depending on your preference, but it all comes down to adding weight to the top of your silhouette and balancing with a fitted bottom.

From dresses and skirts to jeans, oversized sleeves can make you look elegant and long. With so much focus visually on the upper half of your image, oversized sleeves can make your legs very slimming, too. You can walk around school knowing that you’re making a statement.

Great fabric choices for this style include:

Neon Salmon Polyester Wool Dobby Chiffon

White 100% Cotton Voile

 

Bomber Jackets and Moto Jackets

If you ask me, bomber jackets honestly never go out of style, but it seems like the designer world is in on the trend this season! Bomber jackets are a lot of fun to play with since they’re so naturally sporty, and they come in plenty of colors, designs, and patterns making for an appealing addition to any ensemble.

Ranging from iconic accents to mature colors, bomber jackets are their own essence of cool that always seem right at home in a school setting. And with the weather slowly becoming cooler, the right bomber jacket is a great way to keep you both stylish and warm.

Oh man, and don’t get me started on moto jackets (too bad, I’m starting)! These jackets are slimming and sporty, and they have a bad-boy/girl reputation to go along with them. The diagonal zippers that they’re “infamous” for are extremely unique and appealing to the eye, and the nice, fitted sleeves pair up perfectly with its typically triangular bodice. The best part about these is that they’re not just cool in movies; they’re stylish off the screen any time of the year and can easily be worn for every-day lifestyle! Moto jackets usually come in mature and neutral tones, so wearing them over strong or bright splashes of color can make for an enticing clash of styles.

Great fabrics for bomber jackets include:

Great fabrics for moto jackets include:

Pleathers | White Dull All Over Foil Knit Pleather SubstitutVelvet

I have seen the light, and it is the beautiful sheen of velvet. I have spent the last 15 years of my life shunning this fabric, because I thought the texture and look of it were unsightly, but I have never been so wrong in my life. Velvet is extremely popular for this Fall season, and so long as it’s used carefully, it can be a huge statement piece for your wardrobe.

Velvet is best used in parts, lest you look like you’re wearing pajamas for a whole ensemble, so things like jackets, skirts, or—my personal favorite—a pair of boots are great options to test out. The shifting texture it has is great for adding a mix of texture to your wardrobe that can be felt and seen, which is probably what’s more appealing about it. I personally prefer more muted and mature tones on velvet, but it comes in many colors and shades to choose from.

Keep in mind, though; velvet needs a little bit more work to take care of. Folding it can ruin the pile of velvet, and water and velvet are not friends! Make sure to protect your velvet fabrics and take them to a professional dry cleaner when your pieces need a little TLC, and always read the care instructions of fabrics you use to make your capes to keep from ruining them.

Great fabric choices for velvet include:

 

Capes and Mantels

If you’re not excited about capes and mantels coming into major style, give me a chance to try to change your mind! Capes are a stunning and sophisticated fashion piece that have been around forever, and they’ve been stepping into the spotlight more and more with each passing year.

Capes and mantels are iconic–there’s nothing else like them! They keep you warm, too, so they’re perfect for the coming season.

If you prefer more coverage, go with a cape! And if you prefer something a little more manageable, go with a mantel! The difference is in their lengths. Capes are nice on windy days where you might want more protection from the elements, and mantels are excellent for still, chilly days.

Some fabrics for making mantels and capes include:

 

Flared and Cigarette Pants

Flared jeans can be your best friend, especially if you wear the right pair of shoes. A little lift in the heel with a boot or even a pair of flats can work well with this look, so the options are kind of limitless!

Similar to oversized sleeves, flared jeans play with the balance of visual weight on your body, and if you’re tall and slim, flared jeans can make your legs look even longer and graceful. Enhance your strengths and try out a pair for yourself!

Cigarette pants are a hit this season! Since they’re cut off around the ankle, onlookers are drawn to your feet, so take the opportunity to show off those new flats or heels you have! These have been popular in the menswear styles, too.

Great fabric choices for both of these styles include:

 

Ruffles

Ruffles are another staple of the fashion world that are getting some hyper-focus this season. Whether framing a blouse or fringing the hem of a dress, ruffles are beautiful additions that help fluff up your look and keep you feeling light and free throughout your day.

They hold well in a variety of fabrics and can look great as an accent or the main show.

Perfect ruffling fabrics include:

 

Jumpers/Lots of Layers

The Runway gave its patrons a bit of a throw-back with the jumper and turtleneck layered look for this Fall. This is a great option for the upcoming season, especially once winter gets closer and the temperatures get cooler, and the overall look is very charming in its own way. It was popular back in the 70s, and its endearing appearance seems to have hit again with the designers of today.

The nice thing about layers is that it’s kind of hard to mess up (don’t get me wrong, you can layer wrong, but it takes effort!), and jumpers make it easy. Whether it’s crop-top jumpers or one-piece ensembles, a snug turtleneck underneath can both look and feel cozy and inviting. Sometimes it’s nice to reveal, and other times covering up is the way to go!

Some great fabric choices for making jumpers with include:

 

Big Tie-Necks

I’ve seen this style peppered around before this season, but it seems like Big Tie-Necks are making a stand this Fall, and we couldn’t be happier to cheer them on! Big tie-necks are delightfully dainty symbols of fashion.

The ties range from big or thin, but I’d say that bigger ones do wonders for bringing focus to the center of your profile. If you want people looking to your face, this is a great way to achieve that. When placed outside of the expected locations like on the back of a coat or dress, this big and beautiful bow can draw attention to you so you can be in the spotlight. It works more than just a functional purpose like it does on dresses in this way.

On the other hand, though, thinner tie-necks can help make your neck look long and thin. The contrast of widths gives off this feeling, so if that’s your goal, a thinner bow may work for you!

Soft, loose fabrics that work well for this style include:

 

Purple and Orange

There is nothing I am more excited for than the trend of the purple and orange color duo! The contrast of these two colors is brilliant and so attractive, and I can’t wait to see it sweep through the fashion world.

If you love sunsets, dusk, and twilight, or sherbet ice cream, this color style is definitely for you. Bringing the two together gives a sweet and mysterious quality that’s alluring no matter what part of the style you wear it on.

On a gown, a dress, and with color-blocking, too!

If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out these orange and purple fabrics:

 

Oversized Sweaters

Finally; it is now acceptable to wear a huge, oversized sweater to a public setting without being judged. Though society may demand you still interact with people while wearing your enormous sweater, at least now you can take on your day comfortable and stylish with little effort.

A lot of Runway models had oversized sweaters paired with mid-length flowing skirts, which kind of gives off a 90s-feel, but you could wear fitted bottoms to play with the volume balance again. Shorter skirts are also an option, too. For this everyday look, the aim is comfort. So let yourself relax!

Good fabric picks for sweaters include:

Crochet Lace | Neon Salmon Floral Polyester Heavy Crochet LaceThese are just a handful of the popular trends for this coming season! Do any of these styles jump out at you? Are you as excited about making a purple and orange bomber jacket as I am? Let us know what you’re planning to make to start your school session this Fall off right!