Style Over 40 – The AskSuzanneBell 2017 Fall Trend Report is Here!

So I didn’t forget. And if I had, I promise I’d tell you. Truth is, I purposely held off sharing my Fall 2017 Trend Report till after Labor Day this year. It’s all out there starting July, but I like to wait till summer is officially over, before I really dig in. One, it’s is simply too hot out in these parts to even think about fall fashion, I sweat just thinking about sweaters and faux fur. Second, I like to look around, do my research and shop a bit – then decide what trends I love and which I plan pass on. Keep in mind that my favorites may not be your favorites. The following are my top 5, plus crop denim (what a surprise), that I envision working into my wardrobe this season – to update what I already own. In addition to my fave five, I’ve added a few additional wearable trends that you may enjoy knowing about…I even put together this cute graphic using my new AskSuzanneBell Illustration, created just for me by the talented Beth Briggs. Isn’t she the best? 

2017 Fall Color Report 

Pantone’s Colors of NYC fashion week are more wearable than ever before and I am loving anything red right now. From handbags to red rosy prints – this is one of my favorites. I am also loving olive greens, deep taupes, brownish orange, and rich burgundy/wine colors. As a person who always falls back to black, I am having a moment with navy. For Pantone’s complete Fall 2107 Color Report click (HERE).

 

Red

Hot, hot, hot…red is the hue for fall! Wear it head to toe or pick it up in a belt, bag or accessory. Don’t be afraid, this season’s red comes in many shades for every comfort level. Be it a burgundy or bright red – add a pop for an instant wardrobe update!

Dark Florals

Florals go dark for autumn, available in a wide range of fabrications. Wear them head to toe in the form of a gorgeous dress to a splash of trend, in a crushed velvet printed bootie.

Velvet

Back in the mid 90’s, when I was a clothing buyer at Nordstrom, I had 3 velvet baby tees that I wore to death! We could not keep them in stock at about $24 a pop! I also had the coolest red crushed velvet denim style jacket that I bought in the Haight, velvet wide leg pants, velvet aubergine colored bootcut jeans and a few stretch velvet dresses just to name a few. Well ladies, it’s back (if we only held on to a few of those goodies!) so pick your favorite interpretation and have some fun. Personally, I love these Rebecca Minkoff crushed velvet bow mules (HERE) as well as a long velvet blazer/topper (still to be found, maybe Anthro?).  So 90’s, but oh-so fabulous!

Sleeve and Hem Details

Ruffles are really not my thing. But I do love a ruffle on my skirt or dress hem, sweater cuff or jacket all day long! Whether you choose ruffles on your blouse or strut a flounced midi skirt – a little flounce will elevate your look this fall!

90’s Shoes are Back!

Slouchy boots, mules and loafers are back! My favorites? The backless loafer and block heeled loafer (I’m obsessed with the Gucci Marmont Tassel Loafer). Easy to wear, these are comfortable, and work with everything from denim and trousers to dresses and skirts. The midi bootie (on my list) is now available at every price, but perhaps you’ll try out the newest kid in town, the sock bootie! 

Denim

Some say the skinny is leaving, but I disagree. I think the skinny jean will always be around as a staple, just like the legging. Too many women rely on this silhouette as their go-to for it to be gone. In dark wash and black – skinnies look great with OTK boots and an oversized bell sleeve tunic. But due to all the new shoes we need to show off, the crop jean is huge. For those of you who have found this silhouette to be unflattering in the past maybe give it one more go-around. Crops are available in flare, straight leg, bootcut raw hem, step crop, and bell hems, and they look great with mules or slides. Denim jumpsuits and overalls continue. For a big selection, check out Anthropologie.

Midi Length Dresses and Skirts

The new length for skirts and dresses is the midi – which makes me so happy! Wear this length with boots, booties or backless loafers for a modern look. I wore midi lengths 90% of the time last fall/winter and I am so happy its here to stay!

Embroidery

Along with a huge 90’s influence; think pant suits, mules, thigh length blazers, mom jeans; the 70’s influence is still going strong. We will be seeing embroidery and embellishments on everything from shoes and denim to jackets and tops, along with all your favorite boho influences.

Plaid/Tweed

Plaid always trends for fall and I am loving it in a classic tweed. On my mind is a crop tweed Chaneleqsue jacket that I plan to pair with a pair of bow mules, boyfriend or crop jeans, white tee and silver jewelry. They are out there from vintage to looks for less at Target. Look for one that works best with your wardrobe.

Silver

As much as I love rose gold, I am ready for something new. Look for silver in jewelry, accessories, shoes and bags. This metal works great with all of this seasons colors and texture. I especially love it in shoes.

A Browse Through This Week’s 50+ Fall Favorites

 

Let’s Chat!

What are your favorite fall trends?

Is there a look or piece you are obsessed with right now?

Will you be trying out something red? Velvet? A new bootie? Or will you be rolling a few trends all in to one great piece?

Do you enjoy re-setting your closet each fall?

XOXO

Suzanne