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Welcome to the first edition of “Off the Cuff!” This is a quarterly piece talking all things seasonal beauty and fashion trends!
I highly encourage readers to pop into the comments and share your thoughts, what you’re wearing, or what you’re loving, for the upcoming season. We are all here for community, right?
Let’s look at where we’ve been recently before we get to where we’re going. We are winding down coastal babe summer: ALL things linen, blues, whites, seashells, and open knit sweaters. Add a pop of patriotic red or a subtle butter yellow button-down and you have a complete Summer 2024 wardrobe. (Maybe bows and ruffles for the coquette leaning girlies?)
Oh, and we can’t forget glowy bronzer and sun-burnt blush looks to pair with these outfits.
So anyway, I’m supposed to be getting into my trend predictions. So here we go. Let’s start with breaking down clothing.
As the summer winds down and we look ahead to fall, no matter how abnormally warm the season may or may not be, fall and winter 2024 collections are strutting off runways and into stores. (Have y’all seen the summer-ween decor all over already? Too early TBH, I’m still swimming and am not ready for candy corn and pumpkin perfumes.)
Before tackling the trends, let’s talk about fall fashion basics: sweaters, ankle and knee boots, oversize shackets and coats, scarves, flannel EVERYTHING, and I’m probably forgetting something(s). Most people own some or all of these things for fall as consumer-ready fall fashion has not changed in the last 10 years.
That said, it doesn’t mean you can’t take that favorite 2015 sweater and give it a refresh through styling it differently or using the pieces already in your wardrobe to create interesting outfits. For more on this, watch out for my fall styling guide! That article is more opinion and personal taste focused but can spark some inspiration for others.
Color
Personally, I don’t find that the basics EVER fall out of style, but how they are worn or the color schemes vary from time to time. This autumn, we can expect pops of burgundy to dominate shops as they’ve recently dominated designer collections such as Prada, Gucci, and Victoria Beckham’s, to name a few.
I’ve seen Zara and H&M in particular bust out burgundy jackets and boots to spice up their fall collection. However, color trends don’t just apply to clothes. In the same vein as burgundy is plum, which is quite popular in the form of lipsticks and blushes for that moody and slightly chilled fall-face.
Chocolate brown, once a stranger to many neutral wardrobes as beige, gray, and black have recently dominated this palette, is making a bold appearance in celebrity wardrobes. While it has not had a runway moment as obvious as burgundy has this year, its rise may be explained by the popularity of the “quiet luxury” (also called “old money”) style trend.
If regency is what you want instead of that “American money” look, opt for an emerald green top, skirt, or shoe to add energy to any look. While we often think of muted colors for fall, meaning olive and army greens in this case, stand out from the leaves this year and brighten up the atmosphere.
Jewel tones are beautiful no matter the season, but emerald seems to stand out this year. I personally love an emerald green top paired with a medium-wash denim and gold accessories for a bold yet casual elegance.
Butter. Yellow. Oh yeah. I personally LOVE this trend and have tried my hand in it throughout the summer because it is such a beautiful color, especially when lit by some beach sunshine or moody storms. It’s versatile for any season, in my opinion, but had a big moment this summer that seems to be lasting into the fall. I am perfectly fine with that!
This butter yellow button-down was a thrift find and I love the stripes for extra texture and patterning. I paired this with black jeans and black mesh flats. For accessories I wore a black belt with gold buckle, gold and pearl earrings, and a layered gold necklace.
This next prediction is less based on observing socials and fashion brands and is a personal opinion, but have you seen the latte makeup trend? It’s honestly a new name for a brown smokey eye, but that’s okay because I love coffee. Neutrals are always in style, but the popularity of smokey eyes and deep browns lends me to think that these browns will be paired with soft creams for that “bookstore date” kind of look. This also falls in line with the “quiet luxury” trend, but you can never go wrong with a cream sweater. Especially if it’s paired with burgundy or a deep (perhaps chocolate) brown.
Once again, makeup can also give an outfit that extra umph and neutrals are never a bad choice. As mentioned above, try adding a deep red or plum shaded lip to your cream-themed outfit to draw attention to your facial features.
Texture
Moving from color, let’s visit textures. This may be no surprise, but every time leaves change and there’s a crisp in the air, leather jackets get pulled from the back of the closet and dusted off for another season. Leather has been popular among both mainstream and niche styles since the 70’s and it is not going away any time soon.
However, leather trends in recent years have moved away from the classic textured bomber or “Hippie dude” leather vests (fringe or no) and has taken on more of a sleek personality. Pleather or leather trench coats and shackets, both with a shine or matte, have taken over the once popular bomber trend. Similarly, the (p)leather pencil skirt seems to be more popular than the mini skirt.
While the above-mentioned pieces are staples, they’ve seen a refresh on runways with added texture, and not in the grungy way we saw from the 90’s to late 2010’s. Their current texture mimics animal prints and skins, without the real animal sacrifice as that is not as popular as it once was. Crocodile “skin” is the most popular of these as a (p)leather “croc” bag or boots can add an interesting pop of texture to any outfit.
This falls in line with the rise of cheetah patterns for the fall as well. The pattern picked up popularity mid-summer with swimsuits and accent pieces, and it is coming in full swing for fall in the form of bags, shoes, sweaters, and skirts.
Conversely, softness had a runway moment, directly challenging the shell-like exterior of (p)leather. Most notably, velvet, or velvet-looking fabrics, have been sliding back into evening wear for a touch of elegance and comfort.
Sherpa textures seem to be sticking around from last season, particularly in outerwear. While it is not my favorite because the often dry texture is a nightmare for me (think “grabbing a dry Shamwow"), I do believe it can add a beautiful bounce to an outfit when the fabric loops are enlarged. Gucci did an amazing job of this in a rich blue.
Speaking of runway looks, my favorite soft touch for this year is the A.W.A.K.E. Mode’s cream bouclé look. I’d love to wear the dress for comfort alone as it looks like wrapping up in the softest comforter. I think this emphasizes the importance of comfort in fashion and that tends to be popular as days get shorter and colder. (There’s that cream color again too!)
Accessories & Shoes
A shoe trend that began in the spring and, I believe, we will see through until the snow falls, is that of the kitten heel. Whether it’s a full shoe, sling back, or in a flip flop/sandal, the kitten heel has had a vice grip on fashionistas this year and has ever made quite the mark on mainstream shelves.
It should not come as a surprise as culturally we have made a shift to fashionable, yet comfortable. The kitten heel is just that and is not just something you find in grandma’s closet anymore. It adds a lift and sense of professionalism while not killing your feet and ankles. Whether a sleek (p)leather black style of a soft beige for versatility, the kitten heel works with anything and everything.
While very different from the open style of a heel, fall boots are sneaking out of closet floors, but while previous years saw a mix of ankle, calf, and knee boots, this year’s trends are long leaning.
Don’t get me wrong, I think a small-heeled, pointed ankle boot with jeans or a long skirt will always look amazing. However, trends this year are leaning into longer silhouettes and a tall, pointed boot helps add length to the tallest and shortest of us. Find a texturized or colorful pair to elevate any look!
When it comes to accessories, I am a firm believer that trends are less important, and personal style should rule because accessories can really make or break a look. That said, I think there are some items that can be staples, but texture and color is left to the consumer.
A clutch, whether bold or more classic, can add that extra something to any outfit. While they are popular right now, and will continue to be, they are not always convenient for daytime use. Last year we saw micro bags having a moment, which are even less convenient for everyday use. (Unless of course all you carry is a credit card and lipstick). The clutch is a step up, but I prefer to keep my clutch as part of my evening wardrobe.
If a clutch isn’t for you but you still want a trendy bag, then you’re in luck because totes and puffer bags are not going away this year. If you’re looking for a more long-term investment, I’d lean towards a classic tote that can be used anytime, anywhere. Puffer bags are cute, I have one, but I do not see this being a long-lasting trend, despite loving mine.
Sister to the clutch is the top-handle bag. These little ladies, while not fitting over a shoulder, are more convenient if you have more to hold, but still want to look dainty or classy. Both classic colors like black or cream, or in bold reds and blues, can make any look more interesting and put together.
Another accessory I love and am very particular about are my earrings. While I often go for dainty gold studs and matching hoop sets, I do enjoy a chunky or abstract hoop to spice it up. These are classics for me. However, bold and chunky studs are selling out stores at the moment and having a runway minute.
I personally never gave big studs a second thought because I often saw them in thrift stores and on the older ladies at church. Maybe it’s about styling, but seeing a chunky stud paired with a sleek bun and classic blazer, I’m sold.
Lastly is rings. While I don’t think these are a necessity and are personal preference, ring stacking for added interest to an outfit does look quite cute. However, some professions, or lives in general, don’t make this an easy thing to do so don’t worry if it’s not for you. Accessories on the fingers and wrists can be limited or not permitted in certain professions, so I try to steer clear of giving them too much attention.
While I believe all trends are a matter of what you like or want to take part in, it’s also important to make sure you feel comfortable and feel good. I never recommend doing something for the sake of “trendy” because they can change on a whim.
However, trends can lend people to find pieces they love that then become staples, whether or not it’s filling your social feed or a runway. (For example, my Sambas will never not be my favorite daily sneaker, no matter what anyone says because I just love how they look on me and compliment my daily outfits).
Fashion is always changing which can be fun, but at the end of the day fashion is also about expression, so express yourself! Feel good and have fun babes. Until next time.
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