Yin and yang. Hard and soft. Masculine and feminine. For fall 2013, fashion is all about the contrasts.
Vogue Magazine’s supersized slideshow (it’s 140 slides) is your guide to the most influential trends, designers, and collections of Fall 2013. In addition to showing iconic looks from their 12 favorite collections of the season, Vogue has compiled examples of an amazing range of trends. Menswear Materials, The New Blue, Velvet, and Touch of Fur cover fabric, color, and texture directions; Forties Glamour, Sweaters & Skirts, The Bike Jacket, Discreet Chic, and Rock Star Style are key trends in ensemble dressing; and Wardrobe of Coats, Modern Evening, and At-Home Dressing all speak to the integration of fashion and lifestyle.
Just in case you don’t have time for all 140 slides, here’s a greatly-condensed version, complete with some of my favorite picks from each category. (You can jump directly to any category by clicking on its photo.)
Menswear materials: Michael Kors. This is one of the most flattering takes on the peplum trend I’ve seen so far, and the skirt length is proportionally perfect. (Click on the picture to go directly to this section of Vogue’s slideshow.)
Forties Glamour: Dolce & Gabbana. Another use of menswear material in a distinctly feminine silhouette that I just love. (Click on the picture to go directly to this section of Vogue’s slideshow.)
A Wardrobe of Coats: Miu Miu. I’m not sure I could pull off the polka-dot bandanna myself, but it’s a brilliant styling touch that keeps the coat from looking too period-costumey. (Click on the picture to go directly to this section of Vogue’s slideshow.)
Sweaters & Skirts: Louis Vuitton. The color palette alone is swoon-worthy, and I’m also crazy for the menswear-material skirt with lace. (Click on the picture to go directly to this section of Vogue’s slideshow.)
The Bike Jacket: Altuzarra. This longer take on the classic motorcycle jacket is a skillful hybrid of tough and elegant. And I love the skunky mitts! (Click on the picture to go directly to this section of Vogue’s slideshow.)
A Touch of Fur: Donna Karan. This simple furry capelet would work equally well with a leather bike jacket and well-worn jeans. (Click on the picture to go directly to this section of Vogue’s slideshow.)
The New Blue: Reed Krakoff. Cerulean, the blue referred to, appears here in many shades, all gorgeous. (Click on the picture to go directly to this section of Vogue’s slideshow.)
Velvet: Diane von Furstenberg. I’m loving the Downton-Abbey-esque vibe that velvet seems to instantly impart. (Click on the picture to go directly to this section of Vogue’s slideshow.)
Rock Star Style: Saint Laurent. It’s all about the oh-just-throw-it-on attitude— matchy-matchy need not apply. (Click on the picture to go directly to this section of Vogue’s slideshow.)
Discreet Chic: Hermes. This look epitomizes effortless glamour. I especially love this color combination. (Click on the picture to go directly to this section of Vogue’s slideshow.)
Modern Evening: Narciso Rodriquez. What makes these evening ensembles modern? A sleek blend of ease and artistry. (Click on the picture to go directly to this section of the slideshow.)
At-Home Dressing: The Row. Although these are clothes meant for entertaining guests, their easy simplicity also works for curling up in front of the TV. I’m crazy about these shoes— or are they slippers? (Click on the picture to go directly to this section of Vogue’s slideshow.)
Now that I’ve put together this sampling of looks from this exceptional Vogue slideshow, here’s what’s jumping out at me: there’s a lot of overlap of these trends. For example, Menswear Materials also appear in Forties Glamour and Sweaters & Skirts; there’s more than a touch of Forties Glamour (or perhaps vintage glamour is more accurate) in A Wardrobe of Coats and Velvet; Discreet Chic, Modern Evening, and At-Home Dressing all have an attitude of elegant ease; The New Blue makes an appearance in Rock Star Style.
I can think of more, but you get the idea, which is that the most successful way to incorporate any of these trends into your wardrobe this fall is to combine them, not just with each other, but with the clothes you already have, to create your own updated look. Think contrast: tweedy wool with delicate lace, strong shoulders with soft trousers, biker leather with a sweaterdress. Personal style, after all, is about taking what you respond to in fashion, then making it your own.
All photos are from Vogue’s Guide to Fall 2013 Fashion. Thanks for a smashing slideshow, Vogue!
Changing Your Clothes 
March 30, 2013 at 4:18 pm
Especially love the fur capelet and the shades of blue in the following photo – great slideshow showcase!
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April 7, 2013 at 7:34 am
Even though I’m not ready for Fall 😉 your post made me excited. It’s going to be an elegant one for sure. All the designs are amazing, and I guess I better not get rid of my leather MC jacket, haha. Beautiful post!
XOXO Nensi