As the fall weather works its way in, the newest fall

Alyse Kimble, senior fashion design major, uses yellow heels and accessories to pop a black and silver outfit. Photos by Elizabeth Myers | Daily Kent Stater

Credit: Ron Soltys

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Wide leg and skinnies.

Neons and a rainbow of grays.

1920s vintage embellishments and metallic patent leather.

Welcome to the season of extremes: a fall fantasy land where variety reigns supreme, and no one will fall into a fashion rut. Rich textures, colors and patterns have stolen the crown and throne, and exude an ‘anything goes’ attitude.

“How would I describe this season?” senior fashion design major Alyse Kimble asked rhetorically. She takes in a breath and raises her eloquently lined eyes. She lets out a breath. “In a word: contrast. Matte and shiny. Greys and metallics. Everything is contrasted.”

Shades of fashion

Good news for lovers of color theory: This is your season.

“We’ll see bold colors,” fashion merchandising major Ryan Robinson said. “Burgundy, greens, metallics — that whole color scheme.”

All colors and textures will work, as long as they are paired with something that’s complementary, said Kimble who predicts shades of greys and metallics will be most popular.

Kimble explains the monochromatic color schemes that ruled the runway for the past few years are on the way out, making way for complementary colors. Meaning, one is more likely to see an outfit with teal and goldenrod yellow than an outfit with different shades of red and pink.

“It all started when one of my favorite designers came out with a dark collection in which bright fabrics contrasted all the black,” Kimble said, referring to Balenciaga’s line. “It has become huge.”

This shift from monochromatic to complementary is an example of what Kimble calls “the fashion pendulum,” which describes the industry’s movement from one extreme to the next.

“It’s just like how skinny jeans are losing their weight in the fashion industry, making way for wide-legged pants. Something can only go so far before it swings the other way,” Kimble said.

Top to bottom:

The newest trend in pants, shirts

Speaking of wide-legged pants: They’re hot.

From Fergie to Kiera Knightly — to the girl who sits next to you in geology class — this forgiving style is sure to blow up.

“They’ll catch on because we’re in college and people love to be comfy,” said Danielle Harlan, sophomore fashion merchandising major.

This fall is favorable for college students, due to clothing’s ability to double as trendy and cozy.

“Girls are finally finding ways to be comfortable in their skinny jeans,” said Alicia VanGilder, senior fashion design major. “Just pair them with a huge, oversized sweater and some flats.”

Although loose-fitting, the newest trends this fall still allow the hourglass figure to show.

“A belt around the waist over an oversized sweater is so feminine and flattering to the hips,” Kimble said. “Not to mention comfortable.”

VanGilder said she predicts the current trend of loose fitting tops will continue to grace the closets of Kent State students this fall.

“They are a great, cheap shirt because they can cover areas that girls are uncomfortable with, yet still allow ways to show your body off,” she said.

Whether tight-fitting or big and flowing, clothing embellishments and detail such as flapper-esque feathers, fringe and fur are standing their ground, Kimble said.

Accessories to speak volumes, add color

Fashion designers have their chance to shine this fall, said Elizabeth Medovich, sophomore fashion design major.

“There is a lot of attention to detail, especially on dresses. Drapes, pleats, tucks, ruffles, twists, obscure shapes — whether fluid or harsh — allow designers to display sewing techniques and skills,” she said.

Details are seen in accessories such as shoes, belts, handbags and jewelry.

Handbags and shoes are often painted with bold colors.

“Bold items are perfect to mix with a dark, simple silhouette,” said Sarah Bibbo, senior fashion design major.

For fall, lack of color works, too.

“Translucence is also a big trend,” Kimble said, pulling her clear-heeled shoes from her fashion-jammed closet. “You’ll see it in all accessories. Last season wood heels in shoes were in — now it’s all about the clear heel.”

Those looking to wear heels and skirts when cold weather sets in may want to tuck the leggings away.

“Personally I hate leggings, especially when girls wear them with just a shirt,” said Chris Wolfe, a fashion merchandising major and Banana Republic employee. “Gross.”

Kristen Daly, sophomore fashion merchandising major, believes tights will replace leggings. “Textured tights are in, definitely,” she said.

These tights are a perfect pair with another about-to-explode trend: ankle boots.

“I just bought Urban Outfitters knock-off ankle boots from Payless,” she said.

Whether heels, boots or flats, comfort should also be considered.

VanGilder is an advocate of functional fashion. “Wear what you feel comfortable in,” she said.

Although trends may change, one thing remains the same: People everywhere can choose their own style.

“You can wear what you want,” Bibbo said. “‘Make it work’ is the theme of fashion nowadays.”

Contact features reporter Brenna McNamara at [email protected].