Is it just me or are there more and more trends to follow every season? While gathering research for my Fall Trends report this year, I was completely overwhelmed with the amount of Top 10’s and Must Have’s.

And it doesn’t stop there. There are also the Mini Trends to follow too. These are items that didn’t quite make the major lists but were still important enough to note. So we mustn’t exclude those!

What makes reporting on the trends so difficult this season is that there is quite a bit of overlap between them. For example, the Retro trend is quite popular this season and it encompasses both the silhouettes and styles of the 1940’s and the 1980’s. Yet while discussing these eras and their impact this fall, I must also touch on the strong Feminine vibe and the comeback of the Power Suit.

And while commenting on the Power Suit, I must also note the strong play between masculine and feminine this season, which carries into the mixing of fabrics and textures as well. And let’s not forget the strong detailing that is part of each trend (which is a trend in itself).

Detailing leads into hardware. Hardware leads into bags and you can’t discuss bags without mentioning shoes and boots. (Boots by the way are huge this year.) Oh, and did I mention the Snood? You see my dilemma.

So this season I will wade through all the information that I have gathered and do my best to provide a simple, straightforward review of what’s in:

Ladies

Retro Silhouettes:

As much as those of us who lived it the first time around would like it to not be, the 80’s are still here and don’t look to be leaving any time soon. Think bold shoulders (not necessarily shoulder pads, but strong or detailed shoulders), body conscious clothing (leggings, legging pants, miniskirts and fitted dresses), bright colours and bold jewelry.

Joining the 80’s are the 40’s. Think sculpted jackets, strong shouldered blouses, belted waists and straight or pencil skirts that land below the knee. In other words, strong feminine silhouettes.

Power Suits:

One can’t mention the look of the 40’s and 80’s without mentioning the Suit, which makes a strong comeback this season. Regardless of which style you choose the emphasis this year is on tailoring.

Masculine/Feminine:

Whether you prefer the masculine look that is popular this year (suits, vests, ties, oxfords or brogues) or lean toward a more feminine style of dressing (soft, sparkly or glamorous), there is a great deal of emphasis this season on the play between masculine and feminine details.

Accessories:

This fall, accessories take center stage. Think big, bold, flashy and embellished: sparkle, zips, buckles and plenty of hardware. Whether it be your jewelry, belts, shoes, boots or bags, this season detailing is key.

Scarves:

Scarves are plentiful this year and the look is big and thick around the neck, whether wrapped or in the tubular style of the Snood.

Shoes and Boots:

Once again shoes and boots are significant pieces this season. Heel heights vary from flat to sky high and the styles are endless: city pumps, oxfords, brogues, shooties, booties, over the knee boots and thigh highs.  Whichever style you choose, just make sure they make a statement.

Bags:

Bag styles and sizes vary this fall, but as previously mentioned the emphasis is on the details.

Fabrics:

While knits and leather play a significant role this season, tweeds and velvets are not far behind. Whichever you choose to wear, try mixing the textures up a bit.

Gentlemen

As always, men’s fashion is much easier to follow and more direct. That said here are a few trends to add to the roster.

Suits:

While slim cut suits continue to dominate this season, wider legs are on the horizon. Double breasted suits are making a comeback as are checkered patterns and bow ties.

Jackets / Coats:

Top coats and club jackets are also making a comeback, while the classic trench remains, well, a classic. Whether you call it Military or Fatigue, the 4 pocket coat is all the rage this season.

Scarves:

Gentlemen, you will not be left behind this fall. Large, thick and bold scarves are yours for the wearing and make a great statement.

Patterns:

Patterns aren’t just for suits alone. Plaid shirts are extremely popular this season as are patterned sweaters and pants.

Shoes:

Apparently wing tips are back in style, although I don’t know that they were ever out.

As you can see, there are many choices to make this fall. Whichever trend you choose to wear this season, remember to make it your own. The key to trends is to incorporate them and not have them stand out. Otherwise, instead of wearing the trend, the trend will wear you.