A Look at Fall's Hottest Trends

(article originally published in Austin Woman Magazine)
The question I receive most often after returning from Fashion Week in New York is, “what is it like to actually be there?” You would think the question would be, “what are the next big trends?” But that conversation typically comes later.
Fashionably Austin has been credentialed for Fashion Week since 2009, (and gaining access is a whole other article). The media credential allow me to attend any show in the tents, (hundreds of shows also take place around New York City) so planning the day is important because fashion show burnout is common-place and typically takes place about day four. All the clothes start looking the same, your stamina is starting to fade…you know the drill.
I stand in the press pit at the end of the runway, squeezed next to someone who hopefully took a shower, speaks English, and is flexible so everyone can get “the shot”. It’s a controlled chaos that gets orchestrated beautifully for the eight minutes the collection comes down the catwalk. After that, it’s off to pursue a celebrity interview, get backstage and then off to the next show.
To see first-hand a designer’s collection at Fashion Week is quite special. Trends are set right before our eyes and it’s a thrill to share it with our Fashionably Austin readers.
Here’s my top five trends for Fall 2012 that stood out from our vantage point at the end of the runway. Pick your favorite and enjoy this seven month jump on Fall’s hottest looks.
The first trend I immediately recognized came from the accessory category. Gloves. Long gloves, short gloves, gauntlet style gloves, fingerless gloves, gloves with fur, colored gloves, and crocheted gloves. This was a trend we actually noticed when we covered Paris Fashion Week last Spring, so I had anticipated that it would be coming our way soon.

Ready for some color? Red and shades of mulberry will be key colors for Fall 2012. This was another trend we saw in Paris last February and won’t be a problem for color lovin’ Texans. Pair it with bright blues in any shade and you’ll be ready for Fall.
While it rarely gets cold enough to wrap ourselves in fur in Austin, fur was certainly at the fore-front of several collections. Fur was featured as trim on gloves, shoes, coat sleeves, and in long scarfs that drapped the floor. Enjoy this trend with real fur or fake it all the way.
This Fall you can take the chill off with one of my favorite trends; capes, ponchos and swing coats were draped beautifully and are typically lighter weight than traditional coats and perfect for the mild Austin winter.
Fall 2012 will be the season for you to accentuate your face. Collar treatments featuring ruffles, feathers, shoulder accouterments, bows and high necklines will give you plenty to choose from with this trend
Now that we’ve brought you Fall’s top trends from New York Fashion Week, you can add that special Austin spin to what you’ve seen on the catwalk and make it your own at Austin’s vast collection of local fashion boutiques.
My fashionable running shoes are ready come February and I’ll continue to bring you the latest looks each season on FashionablyAustin.com.