New York Fashion Week kicks off the global calendar of Fashion Weeks, and is immediately followed by Fashion Weeks in London, Milan and Paris. Fall Fashion week showcases upcoming spring and summer collections from big name designers. While you won't see many people walking around in the styles you see pictured here, you'll start to notice spring and summer collections from stores like H&M, Forever 21, JCrew, NY & Co., and other top trendy teen stores. So, if you love fashion, follow trends or want to kick up your style a notch, check out what styles hit the runway in September 2012.
Wild on the Runway
Chanel's runway lookCourtesy of Pop Sugar
Designers like Chanel break the boundaries of what is expected and what we are used to. When we see designs like this bedazzled brow and bejeweled dress, our first reaction is surprise, and that's what designers like to see. They want to turn your head, change your expectations, and challenge what we see as normal. While you probably won't see anyone walking around with bejeweled eyebrows, you may start to see this type of pattern appear where you least expect it -- on accessories like socks, handbags, hairclips, nail polish and even woven into hairstyles.
Best in Shoe
Courtesy of Pop Sugar
For spring and summer 2013, architecture and skyscrapers influence shoe design. Can you see the resemblance to a tall building in the heels on the sandal on the left? The earthy tan and silvery steel colors also resemble buildings and structure. If super high heels aren't your thing, the ultra-flat sandal may float your boat. Check out the flats in the collage. The braid trend has reached all the way down to the toes this season! Braids and buckles are in, and with crocheted and knitted textures, you'll find them on every accessory from hats and belts to purses and shoes.
Fit and Flare Skirts
Courtesy of Pop Sugar
The feminine silhouette of a skirt that is fitted at the top and flares at the bottom is a lovely look that wil translate well from catwalk to sidewalk. For cooler months, wear a leather, suede or velvet flared skirt with an ankle boot and fit and flared jacket. In warmer months, go for silky or stretchy fabrics and bold colors and pair it with pointy-toed pumps or flats.
Technicolor-blocking
Courtesy of Pop Sugar
The color blocking trend continues for spring/summer 2013, but this time the colors are kicked up another notch. Faded florals and baggy fit are out and they've been replaced by amped up rainbow colors and structured designs. Blue becomes cobalt, Yellow becomes icy lemon, Green goes neon and Pink is hot hot hot! Remember that color blocking is as much about wearing solid blocks of color as it is about geometry and sleek lines. Even black and white pairings look crisp and bright.
Pretty in Prints and Textures
Courtesy of Harper's Bazaar
Your grandmother's closet has become fair game in the coming seasons since lace, crochet, big fat florals, tweed pants, embroidery and even fur accents showed up on the runways this month. Fuzzy sweaters and looped crocheted shawls are in, too. If you know how to knit, this could be your season to shine!
Textured Handbags
Courtesy of Pop Sugar
If you carry a purse and you love interesting textures, you're in luck. From candy-like dots to weaves and buckles, texture is definitely in! And where texture is smooth, prints are bold. The runways are showing contrasting prints in bags and outfits, but honestly, that really just works on the runways. If you have a standout bag, mute the ensemble. If your outfit print is bold, a quieter bag will keep the prints from being at war with each other.
Have your say
Do you follow the runways or does fashion follow you? Are you a fashionista? Share your thoughts on fashion, trends, and how the runways translate to the sidewalks in the comments section below.
