8 trends to watch from New York Fashion Week Fall 2012
A model walks the runway at the DKNY Women's Fall 2012 fashion show. (Getty Images) Credit: A model walks the runway at the DKNY Women's Fall 2012 fashion show. (Getty Images)
The end of fall 2012 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week brought with it the inevitable forecasting of on-the-cusp trends. While it's still too early to tell which styles the masses will take to, here are eight strong, recurring fall/winter looks that emerged from last week's fashion spectacle.
Ladylike lame
Shiny gold lame-like fabric is poised to become a standout for fall, with designers such as Nanette Lepore, J. Mendel and Prabal Gurung using the flashy material on sleeve accents, trousers, skirts and gowns.
Wide belts
Just when we thought skinny belts were sticking around, designers shook up the waist accessory by reintroducing thick belts on everything from low-slung jeans to overcoats. As proof that the accessory is back, we noticed more than one heavy-hitting blogger and street style star rocking a super-wide belt.
Jumpsuits
One-piece pantsuits - both solid and printed - were a noticeable force for fall, with designers such as Diane von Furstenberg, Jenny Packham and Peter Som presenting striking yet decidedly easy-to-wear versions.
Cropped jackets/vests
Super-short jackets and vests in varying colors and textures were literally all over NYFW, often layered with longer, loose garments underneath for an interesting, effortless silhouette.
Maroon leather
Leather was huge on fall runways, but it was the emergence of the oxblood-colored material that caught our eye. From slick leather coats at Alexander Wang to the flared miniskirts at DKNY, we foresee this being a popular departure from standard black leather come fall.
Wrap skirts
Designers such as Jen Kao, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone and Lela Rose added interest to standard skirts with wrap detailing, resulting in modern, sexy silhouettes.
Brocade
Thanks to brands such as J.Crew, we've seen this trend building for a while, but on fall runways, a number of designers embraced - and put their own spin on - the decorative woven fabric, incorporating it into skirts, trousers and jackets.
Winter white
Full white looks - including trousers, skirts, tops and dresses - made a remarkably strong showing on runways, dispelling once and for all any needlepoint philosophies that say the shade is only acceptable post-Labor Day.
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Other trends to seek out:
Last season's PEPLUM isn't going anywhere, with scores of designers still showing puffs of volume at the waist.
STATEMENT COLLARS were shown by designers such as Preen, Oscar de la Renta and Rodarte.
The mixture of DARK BLUE AND BLACK was a combo seen on runways from Carolina Herrera to Prabal Gurung.
Modern SUITING was huge, with designers showing thoughtful, chic ways to wear trousers or skirts and matching blazers.
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Check out this year's spring trends.
Follow Style/Buzz/Special Sections Editor Perrie Samotin on Twitter: @PerrieWS
