Fall 2012 Trend Report: The looks that made the cut
By Candy Washington

Although the birds maybe singing and the bees humming the sweet song of Spring, as fashion industry insiders, we know that the what’s really in full bloom are the latest trends for Fall 2012. It’s warming up outside and the latest trends are even hotter. Read below for how to spice up your wardrobe and what must be on your store’s shelves and racks this upcoming season.

SUIT UP: This upcoming season is all about the pant and the return of the Annie Hall feminine yet masculine look. Move over skinny, you can also rock the look with patterned pants, prints, and fun fabrications like leather, brocades, lamés, velvets, laces and iridescent silks. Looking to mix up it a bit? Pair a black blazer with printed pants or a solid black pant with a statement jacket.

COLOR ME BAD: We all know color blocking took the Spring season by storm and it looks like color is here to stay for Fall. But instead of the pop colors of Spring, opt for deeper hues this Fall such as forest green, oxblood, dark tangerine, and midnight blue. Winter white and basic black are still your staples this season.

LETHAL IN LEATHER: Forget soft cottons and linen, this upcoming season leather is a must for your wardrobe. Wear leather pants (varying colors or solids), add in leather with a mixed fabrication handbag, or go classic with a leather shoe. Leather even gets a makeover: glossy leathers, colored leathers, patent leathers, and lacquered leathers all make their debut.

PRETTY IN PRINTS & PLAIDS: Can’t lie, my favorite print is the tiny floral, but this Fall, feel free to go wild with animal prints, get creative with graphics, and party on in photo prints. Prints aren’t just for tees, spread the love to sweaters, pants, jackets, vests, and even your bag. Same goes for plaid, we all have a little of Blair from Gossip Girl in us, so let your inner prep school girl out and bring back plaid skirts and vests.

BLING RING: Everyone has added some sparkle and shine to their collections this year from Chanel, Prada, Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, to Versace. Want to glam it up? Add a brooch, a gem, some sequins, or pretty pearls to your look. A little embroidery goes a long way and don’t be afraid to add a statement shoe, necklace, or purse for that added pop.

FIERCE IN FUR: Don’t tell PETA, but fur is the quintessential fabrication to take any look or collection to the next level this season. For long hairs, opt for goat, fox and coyote and sheared mink, nutria and beaver are best for as insets with leather or fabric, and to really take it up a notch, incorporate chinchilla and pony-hair. Vintage fur is my editor’s pick and there are amazing faux-fur pieces out there that look and feel just like the real thing.

UNITED WE STAND: MILITARY / UTILITY / EQUESTRIAN: I love a man in uniform, but I love this trend even more. Fatigues, bomber jackets, riding boots, priceless pea coats, and double-breasted brass-buttoned jackets, are sure to get your fashion hearts racing, while looking fearlessly fierce at the same time.

QUICK TREND GUIDE:

Leather • Jeweling • Gold • Reflective • Oversized
Equestrian • Covered Up • Mannish . Coat • Color • Prints
Mixed Media • Night for Day • Knits • Bags
Footwear: Bootie • Evening Shoe • Military

This article also appears in Fashion Edits, read it here.