As you read this, I will be winding up my time spent at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. Twice a year, fashion followers, movers, and shakers gather at Lincoln Center and around the Big Apple to see just what the world’s top fashion and accessory designers have cooked up for us to covet and possibly interpret into our own wardrobes. As I always say, not every idea is a good one, and some are just a continuation of movements that are still on the upswing. But great or terrible, these ideas on style are there to help us create our own thought process on what we like and what we don’t. All great fashion icons knew exactly what looked fabulous on them, and perhaps more importantly what didn’t! Below you’ll find a round up of the newsworthy trends that made the cut on the runways of New York Fashion Week and those that are making repeat appearances.

Unexpected:

Longer Circle Skirts.  I know that this trend is really a response to all the over done short and skimpy skirts we’ve seen for quite a few years now.  These full volume lady-like looks feel demure and fun for the right gal. If you’re petite it will be harder to find a length that doesn’t overwhelm your stature, so be careful if you choose this style.

Off The Shoulder Tops.  These are wonderful if you want to show a little bit of skin, but keep your modesty intact. The modern peasant look is what I call it.
 

Shoulder To Shoulder.  The 80’s interpretation of the 40’s is back! Shoulders that extend beyond the natural should be chosen with care. The items you choose with this trend should fit well, and the shoulder pads should make some sense when it comes to the play of proportions. This can be a great way to balance a larger bottom half.

The Gold Standard.  Glittering gold is the go to for metallic sparkle this season, so look for accessories, and knits that feature this classic tone.

Artistic Texture.  Oversized cable knits, unusual fabrics and treatments that are far outside of the “norm.” Avant-garde is another term for items like these.

Pastel For Fall and Winter.  Many designers want us to wear pastel tones year round. But the best bet for most would be a shade of pink or rose pink beige.  This tone can blend with gray, brown, black and other shades quite easily, making it one of my top favorite trends. 

Expected: 

Flora Grande.  This term simply means huge floral patterns worn all year round.  This trend is one we’ve been hearing about and seeing for quite a few years.  Follow your instinct and wear those that you love with confidence. 

Plaid On Plaid.  Huge oversized plaid patterns; hounds tooth, windowpane, and others mingle in size and proportion when worn simultaneously. This trend isn’t all that new and mimics the idea of pattern mixing, albeit only with plaid.

Gray Is The New Black.  This statement says it all. Gray has always been a popular choice for a neutral. It plays well with every other color in the rainbow and is a little softer than all black. 

Leather Princess.  This is the idea that any outfit that Princess Grace or Jackie O. would wear could be fabricated in leather. This is not a biker look, just simple silhouettes that are feminine, but done in leather. I saw a lot of this in the last few years.

Pinstripe Players.  Menswear looks for women continues to be a hot topic of conversation. It’s not new, but the thing is, it can look great on a lot of women.  When you’re out shopping at Goodwill, I suggest taking a gander at the menswear section.  You might be able to find a vest, or even what we could call a “boyfriend blazer.”

For all of you readers, this list is completely arbitrary, and based on many factors, including what I’ve seen, heard, and read about during my time in NYC. Please take the ideas you like, and reject those that don’t suit your fancy. After all being unique is something that makes us all feel exceptional and powerful. Just like your donations and purchases support the job training that Goodwill provides.  Now it’s your turn to help those that benefit from our mission feel special, and confident as well.