DEAR Mattie:
What colours are in fashion this fall season? Excited in Capilano
Dear Capilano:
This fall season is a little different from previous fashion seasons. Colours are definitely popular, but there isn't a strong trend for colours this season. Print and pattern is what pops and makes the statement of the season.
The look is modern, feminine and confident. Wearing prints and patterns make creating an outfit a little challenging. This is why there are also many tone-on-tone options - to subdue some of the funky and possibly loud motifs.
To be trendy, you must wear something with a print or pattern. There is a difference between a print and a pattern. A print is a picture of something, like a flower, graffiti or paisley. A pattern is a picture or a design that is repeated.
The prints and patterns this season are bold. Layering is popular, as some ladies might want to wear only one bold piece.
The silhouette is slim with a fitted waist. Print and pattern can't be worn with fuller pieces, as they will not flatter the figure. The silhouette is narrow and slightly edgy.
The look of the pattern should have an abstract design. It is meant to look funky, not geometric.
Almost every pattern is in fashion. Diamonds, squares and circles are the most popular. Stripes, dots and camouflage are more mainstream. Camouflage does not have a military reference and can even be a floral or animal motif.
Prints enliven blouses, skirts, pants, blazers and of course scarves. Patterns can be large or small. They can also be found in bright contrasting colours as well as complementary, toneon-tone colours. Large patterns with bright colours are bold and trendy. Small tones-on-tone patterns remain fashionable, just not as loud.
Prints are sophisticated in that they look like they are handmade. Sequin and beaded designs, brocade embroidery and appliqué flowers are very popular in blouses, dresses, and on collars of blazers. Metallic gold, bronze and silver are an important element in these designs. The prints are not dull; they shine.
Now that you know which patterns and prints to keep an eye out for, try to incorporate them with the fashion colours for fall. The full range of pinks to aubergine, canary yellow and electric blue are colours to look out for. Colour can be worn as matching (blue and grey, for example), contrasting (yellow and black) and tone on tone (pink and aubergine).
Wear colour any way you like. This season's fashion colours co-ordinate well with the black, brown and grey pieces carried forward from last fall season. Black is popular because it tones down some of the prints and patterns and makes vibrant colour pop.
Although, fashion does require some thinking this season. I find all the new prints and patterns exciting and can't wait to start wearing something different from the past seasons.
Adieu, Mattie
Mattie a la Mode is a monthly fashion advice column. Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. She can be reached via e-mail at [email protected] or visit her blog mattiealamode. com.
