Grab a cuppa for my at-a-glance, what-to-covet trend summary of the just-wrapping New York Fashion Week for Fall 2012. There’s some good news for those of us shirking the color trend by staying steadfast to pitch black (I think they call this chromophobia…) – white is hot but black and white paired = hotter!  For me, this is a stand-out trend that I can easily (and joyfully!) embrace.

Familiar trends from past seasons still exist, such as color and floral prints. What’s new? Skirts have descended to mid-calf, leather was an element incorporated neatly in surprise places like trim and sleeves, and precision cuts and detailing seem to be everywhere.  Overall, regardless of designer, a fresh, youthful feeling came through. 

Also, not a huge surprise, for it was bound to happen – Downton Abbey has infected the fashion world, and nowhere was this more prevalent than at the Ralph Lauren show. Flip through the slideshow here:  Ralph Lauren Fall 2012.

By the way, if you’re off on a shopping spree and want to brush up on your fashion speak, here’s phonetic pronunciation key for reference. Just in case…

COAT CHECK

If you don’t want to go too crazy on your wardrobe budget for Fall, just add a statement piece to your outerwear collection.  Any length, any style…your pick as long as it has a modernized shape. The runways were laden with new takes on classic pieces like perfectly edited twists on the typical blazer.

LONG + SHORT OF IT

The catwalks were an explosion of prints, including stripes. Newly notable: These patterns have made their way onto pants.  And shorts seemed to pop up for Fall--yes, Fall. Consider pairing the shorts with the current trend of tights, as mentioned here.  If you invested in some Wolford’s last season, not to worry – it will pay off.

SLEEVES

Sleeves were all over the place. You name it – from demure cap to architecturally tapered to 70’s blousy to linebacker shoulders…to…to…to…

BLACK + WHITE

RED CARPET PREDICITIONS

Just for fun….

OK, so your turn – what did you see at Fashion Week that you loved?  Can’t live without for your Fall wardrobe?

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For even more fashion news and notes, follow Heather Dunhill on Twitter @heatherDUNHILL.

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