Smart Fabrics: 6 Must-Wear Textiles for Fall/Winter ‘09
This is the second post in our mini-series on must-wear colors and fabrics for fall and winter. As stated in the first post on must-wear colors, we reviewed what smart (in a fashion context) means for this season: “stylish or elegant in dress or appearance…appealing to sophisticated tastes.”
Let’s review the 6 must-wear fabrics for Fall/Winter 2009! As with the first post, I hope you can find at least one fabric that you’d like to wear during the season!
1. Velvet
For this fall/winter season, velvet has received a makeover! The velvet of this decade is everything you liked about the 80’s/90’s versions, but simpler and more feminine. My recommendations for wearing velvet are to stick to one velvet piece per outfit and stick with darker, richer colors or black. Want more information/inspiration? Check out this great article by WhoWhatWear!
Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Balenciaga Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Kimchi Blue Velvet Bow Dress- Urban Outfitters, Stretch Velvet Long Sleeve Dress- American Apparel, Velvet Black Blazer- Forever 21, Velvet Ribbon Shrug- TopShop, Velvet Flats with Satin Ribbon- Newport News, Velvet Roses Skirt- Forever 21, Bodycon Velvet Skirt- TopShop
2. Knits (Chunky Knits)
Knitted garments are really in for fall and winter, specifically super chunky knits. The best way to try out this trend would be to try a chunky scarf! However, accessories aren’t the only way to go. Keep your eyes peeled for knitted dresses and sweaters! Cozy!
Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Julien Macdonald Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Chunky Knit Gator- Ann Taylor, Chunky Knitted Cardigan- TopShop, Topshop Unique Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Deena and Ozzy Chunky Blanket Scarf- Urban Outfitters, Design History Cable Knit Sweater in Wine- Bluefly.com
3. Lace
This season, lace will be an accent to artsy pieces. Lace for this season will manifest itself in one of three categories: chantlilly lace, richelieu embroidery, or sequined embroidery. Which look do you like best?
Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Christian Lacroix Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Cameo Lace Cardigan- Forever 21, Exposed Zipper Lace Skirt- Arden B, Lna Lace Back Top- ShopBop, Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Petite Lace Poplin Dress- TopShop
4. Leather
Leather and faux leather are back for another season! Throwing on a leather or faux leather jacket is definitely the easiest way to add a little edge to your effortlessly chic fall/winter look! However, if you already have a leather jacket, or if this type of jacket isn’t your thing, try a leather dress like Kate Moss!
Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Kate Moss during Paris Fashion Week- fashionising.com, Crinkled Faux Leather Jacket- Forever 21, PU Hooded Bomber Jacket- TopShop, Hermès Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Faux Leather Dress- Wet Seal, Leather Gloves with Faux Fur- Ralph Lauren, Women’s Ruffle Peep Toe Pumps- Old Navy, Faux Leather Tote- Windsor
5. Silk
This season, silk will be accompanied by draping and either subtle metallics or rich gemstone colors. Look out for both high sheen and eggshell gloss looks this season! These elements will add to the feminine undertone that silk naturally bears. I think silk is a great option for any fancier dresses you may need for holiday parties!
Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Haider Ackermann Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Tiered Silk Dress- Gap, Short Sleeve Tie Front Ruffle Top- 7 for All Mankind at ShopBop, Adrianna Papell Red Silk-Blend Pencil Skirt- Lord & Taylor, Plum Thai Silk Flat- Rocket Dog at Zappos, Michael Antonio Women’s Lea Pump- Endless.com, Poufy Party Skirt- Calypso St. Barth
6. Tweed
Tweed has a down-to-earth vibe this season. Much of today’s tweed is being generated by recycled yarn, so if you’re into eco-chic, this might be a good fabric for you to look into (depending on the manufacturer, of course). Tweed will provide a great back-to-basics look to your winter wardrobe.
Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Katy Perry in NYC- fabsugar.com, Tweed Cap- Armani Exchange, Tweed Classic Trench- Forever 21, Silence and Noise Tweed Funnel Coat- Urban Outfitters, Tweed Check Purse- TopShop, Tweed Evalyn Dress- Fred Flare, Rosalyn Tweed Jacket- Forever 21
What do YOU think?
Now that you’ve become an expert on smart fabrics, what do you think? Will you wear any of these textiles this fall or winter? Which is your favorite? How do you wear “smart fabrics” in your everyday wardrobe? Tell me with a comment!
Posted on on November 4, 2009 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: knit, Lace, leather, silk, tweed, velvet, Winter 2009
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Breanna
Velvet isn’t really my thing and I’m going to pass on it, but the other fabrics I’ll definitely give a try. I like the lace in accesories, I already own a lacey scarf and I’m in love with it. But my favourite fabric trend for winter are knits – knitted clothes can be chic, comfy and warm, all three at once!
Melanie Silver
I just discovered knit dresses and I am in love! They are so comfy and cozy.
But I have an unrelated question. How do I wear legwarmers without looking like the 80s? I have a couple cute pairs, but can’t figure out how to wear them. Thanks!
Natalie
Like Breanna, I’ve never been a big fan of velvet. I’ve had a purple long sleeved velvet Betsy Johnson dress in my closet for years now because I can’t get up the courage to wear it out! I keep thinking I’d look like an ice skater gone wrong.
On the other hand, I’m really starting to like knits, especially the giant blanket knit scarves. I love silk too, but it’s too cold here in WA for that during the winter. I’ll have to wait until I move back to So Cal for that!
Leia
Loving all these – except tweed isn’t really my thing. Need to get a velvet jacket or dress! :)
Kath
I’m obsessed with big chunky knits! They’re the perfect for looking cute while staying warm and cozy. Plus I’m allowed to wear cardigans over my work uniform when it’s cold out, finally a way to look cute on the clock! I’ve been hitting up Old Navy, Jc Penney, and Forever 21 for sweaters (they have some cute, really affordable options).
Suzi
Melanie, I have a pair of kind of chunky legwarmers that I absolutely love, and they go with a surprising variety of outfits. As long as the outfit that you build around the legwarmers isn’t a thong leotard AND leopard print tights AND matching sweatbands, you’ll probably be fine.
Here are some of my personal guidelines…
Consider proportion and fit of the rest of the outfit. voluminous pieces will give an 80s aesthetic.
Colour. Stick to more muted colours if you’re not feeling brave about the look. neutrals earth tones or anything that isn’t neon works for me.
Look at other style types you wouldn’t consider “1980s” and find creative ways to integrate legwarmers into the look. For example, I has this awesome thigh length boho tunic that paired beautifully with tights and legwarmers. Since the legwarmers were predominantly a beige/brown knit, they gave the look a cozy, earthy vibe rather than a flashdance vibe.
also, experiment with shoes. How chunky or formfitting your legwarmers are will need to be considered when you decide how to match them with shoes. the more of a statement one is, the more subdued the other will have to be. I tend not to like pointy toed stilettos for this reason, but that’s just me.
Suzi
Also, thanks for this article Kristina! I think tweed is my favourite of all these options, though I love mixing and matching fabric types when I’m playing with a monochromatic look.
alesha
i love the different types of fabrics..i own just bout a piece from every selection..its time to pull out my ultra cute tweed blazer…im still not sure bout the velvet though…i dont know if i can pull it off well..maybe if i find the right article of clothing..thanks anyway for the info..it helps alot
Melanie
Thanks Suzi!
Luinae
What a cool post!
Hannah
Nice post! I love lace and velvet. I actually tried on the blue Topshop lace dress awhile ago – now I’m kicking myself for not buying it!
Colleen - NYU
Such a creative article and such adorable picks! I seriously need to buy some of these (I love the blue Topshop dress too, Hannah)!
Christy
I love knits, silk, and tweed. I prefer to wear knit accessories like scarves, hats, gloves and sometimes sweaters; love silk tops-just wearing that against your skin feels so nice; and tweed I love for coats, jackets, or as a pattern on shoes and bags.
Loved this post!
Kim - Cal State
wow i really like this post kristina. it’s really thorough, you really did your homework. i’m intrigued by the velvet looks they’re probably really comfy. and i’ll always love knits. i’m definatley trying to add lace to my daily rotation, it’s just really hard to find pieces that aren’t trashy. and leather has been my lover for a while now, i have like 3 leather jackets. honestly i’m really excited about all these new things. fashion is supposed to be about experimenting anyways.
Kristina - University of Arizona
Thanks everyone for all the great feedback =) I’m glad everyone enjoyed this post
Kim- Cal State: I’m soooo with with ya on the leather. That is definitely my favorite on the list =)
Suzi: Great response to Melanie’s delimma! I agree with your suggestions!
Milana
Love the leather, not so much a velvet-fan and tweed is def. coming back! Interesting read!
Milana from FashionStyleAdvice
vanessa anne
I absolutely love the knits and lace. specifically, I want that blue lace dress! I actually kind of like tweed because I’m in a play at my school that’s set in the 1930s, and I guess you could say I’m kind of in that mindset. =P I’ve always liked the leather jackets, but my love for them is finally burning down now that I got a hold on a great brown leather bomber jacket with a fur collar a la Amelia Earhart.
Leah
I work at Elder Beerman (a department store under the Bon Ton company), and I can definitely vouch for these trends. We have a lot of cute leather jackets and silky tops/dresses, and on my way out if work today I saw the CUTEST lace stilettos on sale. I love to put together the outfits in my head, like a moto jacket over a silky halter dress with knit tights and the aforementioned lace stilettos… If only I had the cash! :-)
Leah
P.S. Can you tell I love mixing textures? lol
Em
Excellent post. I feel like when trying to find new things to add to my wardrobe I always focus on new cuts and colors, I forget fabrics.
I really wish we had cold enough weather where I live to wear knits. I always see the most adorable and cozy sweaters. But its November and the warmest I’ve dressed lately has been a light cardigan.
I’ve fallen in love with the topshop lace dress…however, I can never rely on online shopping for the right sizes. Anyone know of a similar dress I might be able to find and actually be able to try on in a store?