It's hard to come up with the CliffsNotes version of 89 high drama runway shows that are squeezed into just nine
jam-packed days, but let's give it the ol' college try. If you need a five-minute catch-up on Fall 2011 Paris fashion week or are just seeking a fashion fix, you've come to the right place! While there were too many amazing outfits, accessories and mini-trends to count, these ten fall trends stood out from the rest:Buffet-Friendly LBDs
Are you a sucker for appetizers and all things carb-irific like I am? No problemo ladies: the fall 2011 runways were teeming with little black dresses cut so far away from the body that you could wear a fanny pack underneath your dress and no one would notice! So eat, drink and be merry on the dance floor in fall's spacious new dress silhouette.
Lanvin, Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton
See-Thru Skirts
While fall's most seductive skirts were cut to the knee, they still flashed some skin thanks to sheer panels placed here, there and everywhere. Although they're not exactly suitable for the workplace (especially the R-rated version from Louis Vuitton), these saucy skirts are incredibly tempting.
Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, Givenchy
Medieval Times
Maybe it's because I've been watching The Tudors non-stop on Netflix (who else loves to hate Jonathan Rhys Meyers?) but the tunics that turned up during Paris fashion week call to mind Robin Hood-esque swordsmen. (Don't see it? Picture these models toting swords and trotting around horses then submit your final verdict.) Even if you aren't into the dress-over-pants outfit idea, you've got to admit it's a comfy way to go.
Balenciaga, Hermes, Costume National
Embellished Collared Day Dresses
It only takes two to tango to make this particular look an official fall trend: the embellished '30s and '40s day dresses appeared at Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu which means they're pretty much guaranteed to turn into a big deal. No doubt you'll soon see a slew of imitators who'll use Miuccia Prada and Marc Jacobs' good idea of taking a modest wardrobe item once reserved for practical purposes, adding a smattering of sequins and turning it into an easy day-to-night cocktail dress.
Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu
'70s Color-block Sweaters
Your favorite jeans are going to have a brand new bestie come September. Allow me to introduce you to the bold, color-block sweater--it's an instant wardrobe updater.
Celine, Chloe, Sonia Rykiel
Kooky Head-To-Prints
Buh-bye basic polka dots and sayonara stripes! Fall's prints were in no way basic, from the wood grains at Celine to the kittens at Givenchy and the gold mylar photo print at Stella. While wearing an unexpected print may not be for the faint of heart, it's also surprisingly appealing for wallflowers: wear a mysterious print to a party and you're sure to have strangers lean in closer and inquire about what exactly is going on.
Celine, Givenchy, Stella McCartney
Peplum Skirts
Fashion history buffs could write huge dissertations on the history of the peplum--the "pouf" or faux skirt that trims the waist of these tops and dresses, very '50s Dior--but all you really need to know is that it gives you a flirty, hourglass shape in nanoseconds. Ladies with boyish frames, this one's for you!
Stella McCartney, Giambattista Valli, Miu Miu
"Dentist-y" White Turtlenecks
When I flagged this trend earlier this week some of you were anti-turtleneck (Reader Angell called it "Quite dentist-y" and I have to admit she's got a really good (and really funny) point.) Even so, I think this super clean and faintly '60s look is going to grow on you, especially when you're looking for a way to make last year's winter coat look spiffy and new.
Celine, Hermes, CelineSheer Shoulders
The Paris runways weren't lacking for sex appeal this season, from fetish gear (Mugler, Vuitton) to filmy, whisper-thin evening gowns (YSL, Dior, Valentino). But it's the coquettish tops and dresses featuring black illusion netting at the shoulders that we'll probably see and wear the most of. Sure it's murder finding a bra to wear with this look but boy oh boy, is it a man-killer of a look.
Emanuel Ungaro, Azzaro, Stella McCartney
Mod Lite
There was a hip, swinging '60s vibe on the Paris fashion week runways but fortunately for us (and our wallets, which don't like to open up unless it's for something that's going to be around for a year or four) there was nothing too costume-y about it. Keep fall's subtle A-line shapes, graphic black and white pieces and patent leather separates simple by skipping the kohl eyeliner and go-go boots.
