Fall Trend Report: Ready To Wear

By Amy Flurry
September 3, 2010

“Wearable” was the buzzword for fall’s new offerings. From one designer’s show to the next, the clothing on parade possessed rare cohesion. Perhaps it signaled the mood of the moment and market. “Give us pieces that will elevate an existing wardrobe!” begged the buyer, and New York, Paris and Milan answered. Layering was key; bulky knits, whisper thin scarves, and fur vests were worn all piled together, almost armor-like. Peplum-fluffed tea-length dresses marked the return of Elaine Benes as style icon and below the knee pencil skirts played feminine notes, while keeping exposure to a minimum.

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NEW Alexander McQueen Wool Cable Chunky Sweater Coat

(buy it now price, $1,499.99)

Cacharel Vintage 70s Tunic Cardigan Sweater Dress

(buy it now price, $95)

Alternative Apparel Burnout Throw Over

(buy it now price, $27.50)

1. Layered Knits

From fine knits to chunky cardigans, the takeaway of this trend was the more the merrier. As such, eBay listings for “chunky sweater” are up 20 percent from last year. Sweater dressing, while mostly in neutral palettes, was a head-to-toe experience, with focus given as much to the waist down—with knee-high and over-the-knee socks combined with knit cable leggings—as the bodice.

NEW Bordello Womens Dancer Shoe Boot Bootie

(buy it now price, $49.99)

Stella McCartney Gold Metallic Shift Belted Dress

(starting bid, $199)

Prada Gold/Enamel Skinny Chain Belt w/Leather Accents

(buy it now price, $118)

2. Gold

This precious metal was not just an accent, but a major player for fall. Jason Wu, Phillip Lim, Balmain and Rochas were among the labels that chose gold over neutral for the essential pieces, whether sequined, lamé, muted or in a brocade print. Shoppers are also embracing metallic mania. Gold fashion listings on eBay are up 39 percent this year over last.

Blumarine Leopard-Print Jeweled Neckline Dress

(buy it now price, $495)

Marc Jacobs Cotton Leopard Print Coat Dress

(starting bid, $24.99)

Vtg Leopard Print Faux Fur Swing Coat Jacket

(current bid, $6.45)

3. Leopard Print

Designers went wild with leopard print, using it on everything from jackets to skinny belts and stoles. But handbags seem to be the prints favorite perch. Céline, BE&D, Salvatore Ferragamo, Mulberry and Kate Spade favored this print in classic styles. The trend was also reflected in eBay’s listings. Leopard print items in eBay’s clothing, shoes and accessories category are up 63 percent in 2010.

Anthropologie 60's Vintage Style Floral Print Dress

(buy it now price, $49)

Banana Republic Vintage 60's Twiggle Style Silk Dress

(starting bid, $39.99)

Mad Men Style Vintage Dress w/Beading

(buy it now price, $59.99)

4. Lady Like Dressing

A movement easily attributable to AMC’s blockbuster series "Mad Men," the fuller skirts of the fifties and form hugging knits of the early sixties were runway hits as well, most notably at Prada and Marc Jacob's New Look twist for Louis Vuitton. The nostalgic trend has also taken hold on eBay; the term “fifties dress” has seen a 14 percent jump over this time last year.

NEW Marvin Richards Gray Cape Coat

(buy it now price, $349.99)

NEW Echo Green Stripe Knit Poncho Cape

(buy it now price, $78)

Vtg 70s Nubby Knit Striped Sweater Cape

(current bid, $26.01)

5. Capes & Cloaks

The great cover up for fall was the ubiquitous cape and cloak as seen at Lanvin, Valentino, Chloe and Gryphon, where a military influence was especially prevalent. Parkas and ponchos and even shorter capelets are back in a big way.

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