Gotta Have That…Shopping Finds! – Fall Fashion Preview

It has arrived…Our final edition of “Blast” and thus the close to our celebration of the summer season. While the first day of fall does not arrive until September 22, we’re here to prepare you for that inevitable transition from a bikini and floppy brimmed hat to a light cardigan and jeans. Here, I proudly present a sneak peak preview of the fall fashion trends you can expect to hit the streets after it comes time to officially ditch the beach.

1. Sweater Dressing
Style experts and fashionistas everywhere continue to report that no fall runways to date have celebrated knitwear as much as those of 2014. But these weren’t your run-of-the-mill sweaters. Cowl neck, ribbed, oversized, and even accented with fur detailing – these runway knits are setting a new standard. Prepare to sweater dress this autumn!

2. The Continued Reign of Brights
This is stupendous news for Cape May County shoppers looking to take advantage of awesome end-of-summer sales. This summer’s brights remain not only acceptable, but totally on-trend for fall 2014. The secret to making a bright, cheery color work in cold fall weather? As several designers did in their fall fashion runway looks, simply add black! Grab a bright summer tunic or shift dress, add a pair of shiny black tights, and voila, a chic fall look. But be sure to balance the ratio of black and bright color by experimenting with accessories, outerwear, and shoes. Follow the lead of fashion authorities Dior and Balenciaga and rock their declared brights of the season – hot pink and green. Head to a Cape May County boutique near you and snag all the on-sale summer brights you can get your hands on.

3. Seriously Shearling
It wouldn’t be fall without a bevy of plush fur hitting the fashion scene. Shearling continues to be the preferred fall fur, and designers debuted tons of fall runway looks complete with this outerwear staple. The “it” color for fall of 2012? Particularly cuddly and much more subtler than most fur counterparts, coats featuring shearling inlays or accents have been done in a number of ways. Our absolute favorite? The leather and shearling moto jacket combo. The shearling warms and softens (literally) this traditionally tough style.

4. Contemporary Sixties
This fall’s retro trend became quite apparent after mojor fashion houses – from Saint Laurent to Valentino – debuted a number of reimagined “dolly bird dresses” circa the 1960s! Featuring a forgiving yet structured shape, these new-age shift dresses look super cool paired with knee-high boots or ballet flats. An ode to Edie Sedgwick in all her fashion greatness!

5. The Red, Red Wines
Dark red and purple shades were a huge statement on Fall Fashion Week runways. Be sure to find the shade that most perfectly matches your skin tone. And then rock it. Warm skin tones are best complemented by rich, brick reds, while a bluish plum hue is perfect for cooler skin tones. Don’t be afraid to mix your wine toned apparel with autumnal brights. While wines look great with neutrals, they look especially chic when complemented with mustard, cobalt, and emerald green pieces.

By Meg Kummer