10 Fashion Trends for Fall 2014

Get ready to head to the thrift stores or raid your grandma's closet because mod style is back in.Women's fashion during the early 60's resembled the conservative, classy, and refined style of the 1950s while the mid-to-late 60's introduced the mini-skirt for the first time.Style icons during that period were London model, Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn, and First Lady, Jackie Kennedy.

The wardrobe staple during the 1960s (aside from the mini-skirt) were baby doll dresses, as seen on the runway this past winter. Baby doll dresses were designed with round necklines, fitted waists, A-line, and were found in a variety of prints and colors (bold and pastels).

There were many acclaimed designers that presented their own unique interpretations in honor of the fashion of the 1960s.

Animal prints have always been considered trendy. We have seen leopard print, zebra print, giraffe print----- the Fall 2014 fashion runway this year was flying with birds. From Valentino to Marchesa, hummingbird and finch-like prints were soaring.

Each designer that decided to take this trend 'under their wing' so-to-speak, had a different and unique interpretation. Some decided to pair the print with bright, contrasting, bold colors; others decided to use richer hues, and others decided to use it on casual knitwear.

The statements remain simple, yet beautiful.

If you can recall movies such as The Craft, then this style should trigger your memories. Although Gothic makeup was trendy last fall, I cannot recall when Gothic style was considered "in" besides the 90s. If you are bold enough to try this trend, make sure to pick up a vampy, fall, statement lipstick.

You can style it up either all Gothic, grungy, or even get in-tune with your inner Vampira.

• Don gowns with flared sleeves
• Black, black, and more black
• Velvet dresses
• Satin evening gowns.

Accessorize:

• Gold necklaces (think S&M) or elegant chokers
• Edgy leather boots or spiked pumps
• Ankle-length leather or fur trench coats
• Lace hosiery or clothing with medieval cut-outs

The options are endless.

Fall is the season of sweater weather. This year, designers proved that layers of knit do not necessary mean it has to be bulky. With the correct tailoring, knitwear has transformed from being too frumpy and casual to chic and stylish. Designers like Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, and Hermes took a monotone approach, while other designers layered different colored knits on top of the other.

The easiest way to achieve this look is to browse the racks for sweater dresses.

Color, color, and more color. Designers this year decided that they wanted to showcase not one, but two color trends: pastels and neon. The bright yet muted pastel colors followed the 60s modern trend, showcasing knee-length baby doll and shift dresses.

The neon colors were utilized in the couture athletic-wear trend. Pops of neon were spread throughout the collections as seen in the collections by Givenchy, Vionnet, Altuzarra, Moncler Gamme Rouge, and BCBG Max Azria.

The midi is a style that features a skirt/dress that ends at the knee but is covered in sheer netting that falls to the ankles. This season, designers went the dark and edgier route: pairing their midis with sweaters, belted knits, layered outerwear, and dark hues.

Since these two trends were so similar to one another, I decided to adopt them together into one full category instead of two.

If these trends allude to what this fall season is going to be all about, it is layers, layers, and more layers. Designers including Roberto Cavalli, DKNY, Burberry, Eltro, and Leonard featured a collection of wraps. Think blankets and plush fabrics. The patterns consisted of earthy tones: some were styled in a tribal, Native American fashion while others went the sleeker route.

The second array of photos featured long coats with knots at the waist. My favorites would have to be Max Mara, Leonard, and Celine. They featured their coats in a sleek, classy fashion.

• Max Mara featured a tan felted trench with a leather knot, chic glasses, and a black dress underneath.
• Celine went for the plush fur, cinched off at the waist, and a model with sleek black hair. Surprisingly I think the black platforms were an amazing choice.
• Leonard went more colorful, featuring rich crimson and burnt orange colors that complimented the entire look.

Not a fan of the denim on top of denim and bed head look from Marques'Almeida, and I think Moschino's furry robe ensemble was tacky and resembled more of "The Flash" than sass.

It would appear that the inspiration for other designers was the notion of fantasy. Although the collections were vastly different, they all seemed to share similar elements.

• Fendi- this first gown resembles a starry sky; the rich fabric and ombre shades of black and gray give the dress a flowing movement.
• Maxime Simoens- the second look featured above is very futuristic; I absolutely love the sharp lines, the fitted leather pants, the chic belt, and the cropped, fitted blazer.
• CG- A little mix of Star Wars and Game of Thrones, this all white ensemble is very angelic and ethereal; the sheer dress with the turtle neck revealed a the perfect amount of skin while leaving the rest to the imagination. If I could get rid of one thing it would be those metallic shoes.
• Cacharel- the short shift dress features a galactic, outer space print which allows for a variety of different choices for accessories; paired with the black, hooded overcoat is both chic, new, futuristic, and simple.
• Jean Paul Gaultier- although I could never pull it off, this look has to be my favorite. It would seem that the inspiration for this look came out of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The green metallic outfit was a bit matchy matchy, but I love the hood. Very elfish.

Get ready to go back to the Wild Wild West (or channel your inner Buffalo Bill), because southwestern chic was all over the runway this year. Think comfort and elegant.

Staples for Southwestern Chic

• Wide-brimmed black hats
• Denim, wool, and felt-like fabrics
• Blankets and ponchos
• Layering different patterns and fabrics

It wouldn't be fall without an array of plush furs, but it would seem that some designers could not decide on a specific pattern, type of fur, or textile. Somehow, showcasing outfits mixed with a little bit of everything turned out to be incredibly elegant and edgy--- instead of a mixed up disaster.