Camel & Layers & Faux Fur – Oh, My!

By Krysten Beck

Blogs and boutiques along the Beach Coast are abuzz with the approach of fresh fall fashion. Dust off that old trench coat, the season’s about to change and so are the fashions.

All over the Internet, and in magazines and blogs, fashionistas are predicting what the newest and most popular fall fashion trends will be for the upcoming season. To avoid fashion headaches, TheBeachCoast.com with the help of local boutique owner, Kate Salan from Lux & Mie in Valparaiso, has compiled a short how-to guide to navigate this season’s trends like a seasoned veteran.

Colors of the Season
The best way to ease into the trends of a season is to start with the appropriate color palate.  Many bloggers and fashion experts agree that this season the hot color is camel. The Los Angeles Times reported that during Fall Fashion Week across the globe, all the most sought after designers, from Michael Kors to Marc Jacobs, included a camel-colored coat on the runway.  But remember what legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel had to say: “The best color in the world is the one that looks good, on you.”

Overcoats aren’t the only pieces getting highlighted in camel this fall.  Fashion staples like trousers, blouses, and boots are also being designed in the haute hue. This color fits into any wardrobe because of its versatile and subtle nature and works equally well with reds, olive greens, grays or blacks.  Other than camel, Kate Salan has seen a few more colors jump onto the fashion radar, as she gets ready for her fall clothing and accessory shipments to be delivered.

“Charcoal is definitely the new black,” says Salan. “It’s easier to wear with black leggings or black knee-high boots without looking so harsh in all black.”  Salan says that pairing charcoal pieces with accessories in neutrals, deep emeralds, rich purples, and sapphires can complete any outfit. 

After the color palate has been set, this how-to guide now branches out into this fall’s trendy clothing styles. Since most of the clothing walked down the runways is too adventurous for everyday wear, the next best thing the more tame fashion crowd can do is take signature season pieces and tweak them to fit their own personal wardrobes.

Think Big
Layering has become an integral part of fashion this time of year – a trend sweeping Hollywood and beyond. Salan has some tips for layering, the first being to think big.  “Big, oversized, draped sweaters are again a huge trend. Pair a sweater with a bulky knitted scarf and a cute pair of boots and you’ll be good to go,” Salan says.

Oversized items are the key to great layering and will help you avoid wearing coats for as long as possible when the temperatures start to dip. Cardigans, sweaters, flannels, tanks and tees can all be layered with other accessories or each other to get the hobo-esque look you’ll see on many celebrities this fall.

These oversized items will make you even more “fashion forward” when paired with military-inspired pieces. This trend not only brings tailoring and masculinity to the runway, it also brings the opportunity for fun detailing.  Shoulder epaulets, double-breasted styles, and brass detailing all make this trend something to salute. If military-inspired fashion catches on, maybe next season will see night vision goggles and utility belts on the runways.

The last step in this fashion how-to guide is to find the right accessories. Pairing these accessories with fall colors and layering can perfect any outfit.

Faux and Fabulous
An accessory Salan believes will make waves this fall is faux fur. Celebrity stylists like Rachel Zoe are huge proponents of faux fur as vests and coats for their clients. Animal furs are out with yesterday’s trash, so to get that trendy look this fall, celebrities and retailers are turning to the synthetic solution and going faux—not faux pas.

Chunky, knit scarves are a new addition to Salan’s boutique and she predicts these accessories will be the perfect compliment for any fall wardrobe. The hand-knitted scarves her boutique carries are available in the fashionable fall color palate of olive greens, grays and camels.

Have fun this fall. The season is lovely for layering all your favorite fabrics, colors and patterns. Unpack those cashmeres and flannels because fall fashion will soon be upon us!

Lux & Mie Boutique
404 Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN
(219) 464-3330          
www.stores.luxandmie.com