Given the global proportions of current health concerns, this fall and winter may have us touring less of The Louvre and more of the living room. Even so, we can still look chic and trendy for ourselves – and our video conferences with colleagues and family.
NICE DAY FOR A WHITE WEDDING
Seen on the catwalks of Brandon Maxwell, Givenchy and Paco Rabanne, wearing white after Labour Day is back in fashion. From Stark to Eggshell, the entire spectrum of the popular shade was on display on the most famous runways this year, and no trend could be easier to rock.
One of the difficulties in wearing white, as most women find, is that many of the fabrics can be semi-to-entirely transparent, requiring camisoles to be worn underneath for fear of accidentally putting on a “free show” for anyone who happens to see us. There are two main solutions when it comes to this issue: invest in nude undergarments or search for denser fabrics.
A white linen t-shirt, for example, is almost guaranteed to be see-through due to its light weaving. Likewise, a cotton t-shirt made with at least 80% cotton – unless layered – will likely suffer the same fate. Opt for oxford (which has a basketweave structure), or a silk charmeuse/twill to ensure a more opaque look. If linen or cotton is your preference, many retailers now sell nude undergarments in a variety of skin tones, which can help conceal any fabric that isn’t particularly friendly to being in direct sunlight (just remember to look for the word “seamless” on any underwear purchases, so no panty-lines give away your illusion).
IT’S PLAID WORLD
Goodbye picnic blanket, hello fashion. As evidenced by designers like Burberry, Chloé and Victoria Beckham, the coats and button-downs of autumn 2020 will be featuring an updated version of your grandmother’s favourite throw, with careful line placement and impeccable tailoring.
Though the palettes vary from pastel blue (Lanvin) to every shade of brown under the sun (Givenchy, Dior, Miu Miu), this pattern will be making an ever-popular appearance in the upcoming season.
Plaid is a statement pattern, so it’s important to keep that in mind when deciding what/when/how to wear it. A flannel, collared version paired with denim jeans, for example, can often read as “cowgirl,” while a red-and-black version will draw comparisons to a lumberjack (not that there is anything wrong with either, should you gravitate towards it).
If aiming for a “fashion” version, seek out one of the many nude/beige/brown combos, which have the benefit of being paired with virtually any outfit without giving the perception that you’re on your way to the ranch. A plaid trench or coat has long been a favourite item in autumn closets across North America (all the better to order your pumpkin spice latté in), and can be an easy way to wear the pattern without “crowding” your simpler pieces. Pair with a good set of leather/pleather boots and a simple, white button-down to rock multiple trends at once.
ALL ABOUT SLEEVES
If you’ve been missing the padded shoulders of your ’80s wardrobe but haven’t figured out a way to bring them into the ’20s, designers like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, and Chanel have all found a modern way to update our sleeves without bringing back teased hair and feathered bangs.
While Balenciaga opted for large, pointed shoulder pads for a larger-than-life silhouette, Alexander McQueen appears to have added wings to their stylish sleeves, leaving lots of room for interpretation within the trend.
Now this isn’t a suggestion to go lurking through your old boxes marked “’80s Jackets.” These updated, modern sleeves are inspired by the ’80s, but reimagined. Many of these sleeves are understated, like Off-White’s take on a tiered cap, versus Isabel Marant’s samurai-inspired version.
The main idea in all the designs – be they bold or understated – is to update what could be an otherwise “simple” garment by putting focus on the arms and/or shoulders instead. Whether you like to flaunt your arms or cover them, this trend can be worn in a variety of ways in a variety of styles.
If you’re not into “showy” fashion, you can add this trend to your wardrobe by opting for a shorter sleeve with less volume and more detailing. If you enjoy being on the cutting-edge of the fashion world (or just really loved the ’80s; no judgment), this is your time to lean-in and go for a jacket, sweater, or dress with large, exaggerated sleeves.
Keep your styling in mind, however, if you plan on going with a more avant-garde look, as your sleeves should count as one of your accessories. Also keep your silhouette in mind. If you go with a looser or more dramatic sleeve on top, pair it with a tailored pair of pants (or even a pencil skirt) on bottom, to keep your proportions clean and elegant.
Fashion fads for 2020 may not have us strutting our stuff down city streets, but we can be the trendiest member of our group video calls.
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