Paris Fashion Week kicked off a few days ago, and so begins my two part series about fall’s best looks from the New York, London, Milan and Paris. In part 1, I will lay out my favourite trends, looks from New York and London. In two weeks, I will do the same for Milan and Paris!

Trend Report: New York

1) Long Layers

This may be the trend I’m most looking forward to next fall. When long layers are done right, you can look glamorous, put-together and mature.

Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, J.Crew

To rock these long layer looks, stick to similar colour schemes and classic, luxe pieces. A pop of colour won’t kill you, though!

2) Wild West

Cowboy hats were spotted on a few different runways for fall. But, other western-inspired looks took a stand through jackets, skirts and boots, most notably on Alexander Wang.

Alexander Wang, Cushnie et Ochs, Alexander Wang

To accentuate a western statement piece, pair it with feminine, everyday pieces.

3) Plaid Prints and Tartan

Last season’s punk and tartan trend has tricked into next fall’s looks, and are even being layered! Sounds awful, but actually looks hip and stylish!

Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger

To pull this a layered look, use similar patterns and colours. Don’t be afraid to take a risk

4) Crisp Capes

I love capes (which I have talked about before) and they’re coming back in full form for fall 2014! You can scream with joy, it is entirely warranted for this occasion. They’re elegant and refined, and pull together a gown or a feminine outfit.

Delpozo, Public School, Cynthia Rowley, Zac Posen

Please wear a cape. If they become commonplace I will be so happy.

5) Sapphire

This blue was all over runways like Oscar de la Renta and NYFW native Lie Sang Bong. This colour is universally flattering, and you can easily throw it into any outfit, or wear it head to toe like these designers chose to:

Oscar de la Renta, Lie Sang Bong, Altuzarra, ICB

This colour is also nice because, although it’s a trend, you can wear it seasons to come! Definitely an investment piece.

 

Trend Report: London

1) Fur

Fur is pretty controversial, and I’m not personally promoting the use or disuse of real fur. Although Tom Ford used real mink in his collection, TopShop promoted faux alternatives while illustrating that fur can be fun with panels.

Tom Ford, Topshop

Not only fur, but animal prints and inspired looks were also prevalent at LFW. Get out that cheetah print!

2) Maximalism

Some are defining this fall’s maximalist trends as “multi-dimensional”, which seems a fair description. Fall’s maximalism holds different meanings to different designers. Peter Pilotto’s looks mixed textures and strong prints, sometimes in single pieces. Alice Temperley brought bohemian style into its furthest limits. Christopher Cane’s collection wasn’t quite defined by maximalism, but some of his looks embodied many styles into one piece.

Peter Pilotto, Temperley London, Christopher Kane

Regardless of which looks you prefer, fall is certainly about experimentation!

3) Matchy Layering

Layering is always practical for fall, but London Fashion Week showed us how to properly layer matching pieces. Burberry’s matching scarves and coats looked chic and modern, and Alice Temperley exhibited some scarf-dress matching.

Temperley London, Burberry, Giles

Matching and layering can both be risky to pull off, never mind when they’re combined. But take a risk and it may pay off!

4) Show Some Skin

Many of LFW’s designs had some unexpected flashes of skin. From cut-outs to flashy legs, you may be left chilly if you try to wear these in colder climates. On a warmer day, you may find yourself looking to show some extra skin!

Erdem, J.W. Anderson, Topshop, Temperley London

5) Geometry

More than a few designers incorporated creative shapes into their designs. The most notable geometric looks were in shows by Christopher Kane and Jonathan Saunders. Christopher Kane’s looks used elegant and original folds, while Jonathan Saunders utilized geometric outlines.

Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders, Christopher Kane

Although these looks are bold and daring, you’re sure to look fabulous in them!

 

What do you think of my picks? Did I miss any great trends?

 

This piece was written by Rebecca MacDonald, Fashion Columnist at Rhetoric Magazine. Come back for more every Thursday!