Runway, your way: How to wear fall’s fab textures
Wonder how to work catwalk cool into your own closet? Here’s how to translate the trends for real life.
If the idea of shelling out your hard-earned money on fly-by-night trends makes you wince, you’re gonna love the use of texture seen all over fall’s runways.
See, trading in your usual cashmere for something nubby, or opting for your usual black slacks, only trying a pair with leather or velvet details, allows you to step up your style game, without the risk of buying something you’ll only wear once or twice.
We saw nubby sweaters at Balenciaga, beaded dresses at Jenny Packham, shearling mixed with perforated knit at Alexander Wang, mohair paired with tweed at Max Mara, dresses made of crinkled metallic leather and plastic at Miu Miu and slacks covered in black lace at Richard Chai Love.
Here are nine looks that add different textures to basics you’ll wear again and again. Fall shopping? Oh, it’s on.
THE RUNWAY: Monique L’huillier, fall 2014
Look closely, and you’ll see the metallic gold embroidery adds not only texture, but skulls to this pretty party dress.
YOUR WAY:
Coats: On the hunt for a new jacket this season? Choose a classic style – say, belted shawl collar, car coat or moto – but select one with a little texture, like embroidered flowers, quilted leather or a mixture of fabrics (faur fur with wool and satin, for example). The result is your new anything but basic basic.
Indigo Saints hooded faux-leather moto jacket, $69, dillards.com; Vera Wang faux fur collar mixed-media coat, $315, Nordstrom.com; Hutch Jane car coat, $398, anthropologie.com
Tops: No need to go wild this season, in terms of trying out the texture trend. Stick with the neutrals you already favor – black, white and gray – but look for a little something extra, like a little fringe, nubby knits or a boucle that practically begs to be touched.
Olive & Oak fringe cardigan, $68, Nordstrom.com; Alice + Olivia ombre open-front cardigan, $396, Nordstrom.com; Zara boucle knit hooded vest, $99.90, zara.com
Pants: Willing to add just a touch of daring to your fall wardrobe? A texturized pant will do the trick. Look for mixed fabrics (like leather and fine knit), fabrics like jacquard or brocade and blended multi-colored knits that lend unexpected interest to basic designs.
Heidi Merrick Kamakura pant, $428, needsupply.com; Elevenses jacquard culottes, $128, anthropologie.com; Asos textured leggings with leather-look panels, $47.61, asos.com
Lesley Kennedy writes for ShopAtHome.com. Email her at LKennedy@ShopAtHome.com or follow her on Instagram @shopathome.