The Trend: A (Very) Deep V-Neck
A girl can exude so much confidence when she bears a little skin, but that’s not to say she doesn’t look just as bold when sporting a bunch of layers. Regardless, it’s hard not to remark that this season’s deep V-neck is striking. It’s a sartorial risk, but every model that took the plunge seemed sure of herself as she strutted down the runway—and so, so very poised. After perusing the dramatically cut dresses at DKNY, DVF, Hugo Boss, Jenny Packham, Suno, and Tory Burch, there’s no doubt you’ll be inspired. And, if you prefer a little more coverage, there’s always Wes Gordon’s take on the silhouette—a deep V illusion that’s backed by a delicate sheath of neutral lace.
-Sarah Wasilak
The Trend: Deep, Matte, Crimson Lips
It seems that the darker in shade with your lip color that you go, the more on-trend you will be for fall 2014! The same also goes for nails, with a bevy of merlot, burgundy, maroon-ish shades showing up on fingernails (try essie’s “carry on” for the look), and matching your “lips to your tips” with this shade reinforces the cool factor.
My absolute favorites include: at Rebecca Minkoff, Sarah Lucero for Stila used Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Amore, at Clover Canyon, Deanna Melluso for Kevyn Aucoin’s diffused application of The Expert Lip Color in Bloodroses and Dantrice, at Naeem Khan, James Boehmer created a deep red lip by mixing three lipsticks and two lip liners (Marlene, Jeanne, and Bette Audacious Lipsticks and Lanikai and Mirihi liners), and at PARKCHOONMOO, Jenna Menard for Clinique lined the lip with Quickliner for Lips in Plummy and diffused it adding in some Long Last Lipstick in Matte Plum, keeping it matte, while adding a heavy amount of Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss ONLY to the bottom lip, for a bit of a “sucking on a lollipop” aesthetic.
A variety of skin tones work well with this darkened shade of red, which also simplifies your makeup look, as just a touch up on the brows and defined eyelashes are all you need to compliment the lip. Don’t just take my word for it though, and start to give it a try for THIS fall/winter; merely pick up a dark lip pencil and fill in your lips for a quick way to get a dry, matte iteration of the look.
-Julia DiNardo
The Trend: Slouchy, Silky TrousersMove over body-hugging cuts: loose, casual pant silhouettes epitomized sophisticated cool on the runways this season. Flowing fabrics of crepe de chine and silk were cut loosely and draped the sky-high legs of New York’s finest supermodels. The key to the look was a balanced top; either a tucked-in, ladylike blouse a la Milly or oversized flowing layers a la Rebecca Minkoff. Additional trouser favorites came from designers 3.1 Philip Lim and Rebecca Taylor, whose artfully cut pants draped and flowed with the curvature of a bias cut dress. Many of our favorite pants included masterful draping techniques, modern darts, and pleats to ensure that the pant fell beautifully and moved in all the right ways. Many versions were cropped above the ankle, while some skimmed all the way to the floor, requiring a heel heel or platform. Your skinny jeans can take a few days off this fall, so stock up on these wider, flowing trousers in the array of forgiving silhouettes.
-Lily Oswald (one of FPD’s favorite Sorrelli gals!)
The Fall/Winter 2014 collections have proven that the widespread use of metallic is back with a bang! Raoul incorporated several pieces such as a foiled gold skirt and a multi-colored gown with a swirl texture, while a dose of metallic shine was canvassed in the footwear category, from a little accent on black flats to all-encompassing silver heels. Georgine focused on the trend with a teal snakeskin print pencil skirt and trousers, forest green leggings, a beautiful sequin floral print top, and the breathtaking finale gown with a shiny black bodice and an embellished sequin floral print from the waist down. Douglas Hannant also utilized the beauty of metallic shine in tandem with the color teal in a wide display of dresses, jackets, skirts, and trousers. The collection also featured a dramatically cropped, glittery black jacket and several different colored glittery and shiny cocktail dresses and gowns.
Glitz and glamour is a stalwart at Badgley Mischka, right at home this season with jeweled embellishments and head to toe sparkling gowns. Embrace metallic this season, from your nails to your footwear, and no longer feel you need to reserve it for special occasions, as metallic is showing up in every clothing piece and accessory type, and it’s high time we take advantage of the “wow” effect it can bring.
-Jacqueline Rodgers
The Trend: Red-y for FallDesigners must have red our minds, knowing that women were wanting a new go-to bold color for the upcoming fall/winter of 2014. With pops, splashes, and nods to it on almost every runway, red of all varieties was an important player for the season. Seen in dresses and sportswear alike, my favorite look was the stunning two-piece ensemble from Marissa Webb, featuring a cropped v-neck sweater above a full red silk ball gown skirt. A refreshingly bright and modern silhouette, this look embodies what the new lady in red will look like- ultra sophisticated an on point!
-Amanda Zeigler (and ANOTHER one of FPD’s favorite Sorrelli gals!)