As I look through the biggest trends for Fall/Winter 2012, the color story seems to fall into four different categories: blue with black, red — as in burgundy and plum, or even what some are calling blood (hello, vampire obsessed) — white in different tones and textures, and black with gold. The runway was full of fantasy and, I have to say, some truly dreadful looks, as well. We’re showing you runway looks today, and then some real-world applications.
Black and Blue
On the runway:

Trends here include adornment, sheer and mixing black with blue. Christian Dior. Photo credit: imaxtree

This look by Carolina Herrera has both the black and blue trend and the longer sheath dress. Photo credit: imaxtree

Combining the glitter trend and sheath dress with black and blue. Kevork Kiledjian. Photo credit: Andy Kropa/Getty images
In the real world:

Tory Burch Dress at Net-a-Porter.com. This dress combines the blue and black trend with the mixed print trend in a winning combination. $425

Take a navy dress, like this one from Ann Mashburn, and add some black tights, black boots with some brighter blue earrings or bracelets (or red or green). Mix in some long pearl necklaces (yes, pearls are ‘back!’) and you are ready! Dress is $275.

J. McLaughlin’s pairing of a tie-cardigan in black with navy pants is a perfect example of an everyday application of this strong fall trend. Cashmere sweater: $285

Dress by Erin Fetherston. $375. Click for details. In Nashville at COCO. Again, gobs of pearls would be pretty here.

Ann Taylor is flying through these cute pants, as they appeal to all the “I hate printed pants” ladies out there, which includes moi. Online, there are only 10′s and 14′s left, but the stores still have a few that they can track down… Good luck! $78
Reds: Plum, Burgundy & Oxblood
On the runway:

Mixed hues of the same color are in, as well as shiny, lacquered looks. DVF, image: imaxtree

Burgundy leather is popping up everywhere. Peter Som. Image courtesy of PeterSom.com
In the real world:

Wool-cashmere trench by J. Crew styled with lilac cords – an everyday version of the mixed-hue trend. Trench $325.

By DVF, this wrap dress will upstage your LBD all season long. Make it casual with tall, flat boots, or dress it up with reptile print pumps. Add dark grey tights of you want to try something new! $425

With purples and reds as the dominant color, this dress will take you from NOW into fall with ease. Don’t be afraid to layer with a jacket, long vest or cardigan. Add a belt, if needed, when you start to layer. From Anthropologie, $188
White with Texture
On the runway:
In the real world:

If you have been holding out for the perfect winter white coat, this may be it. Filled with texture and vintage appeal, this coat will brighten any cold day. Notice the sleeve length, as it’s on the shorter side. You may need yummy supple long leather gloves…Tory Burch $895

Wear as a tunic or a dress, depending on your height. This dress by Calypso takes you straight into fall. $285

Add these Kendra Scott earrings to a white cashmere sweater (see below), winter white cords and camel suede sandals for a to-die-for fall outfit. Finish off with TONS of gold, silver and wooden bracelets. Perhaps a turquoise beaded one as well. And a watch. Watches are back and big and beautiful in the middle of a bunch of arm candy. Earrings, $58 at Nordstrom

If you can’t quite embrace all white for fall (it does get dirty fast…), try these just-a-tad-darker than winter white J. Crew cords. Love this matchstick style, as it is so much more flattering on most women than the tighter toothpick or “legging pant” look. J. Crew cords are my personal favorite and are a great price. I like them paired with brown suede sandals or animal print flats and a brown fringe bag. $88.50
Ornate Black and Gold
On the runway:

Lots of shiny, sparkly gold. Pair black accessories, gloves, bags, shoes and jewelry to embrace the black and gold trend. Source: Tom and Lorenzo.com
Rachel Zoe, Paco Rabanne, Ralph Lauren
In the real world:

While we have not hit much on shoes and bags in this post, this grouping by Calypso shows how strong the gold + black color palette is this fall.

Nanette Lepore, $398. As much as I think a pair of nude heels works better than black in most instances, pair this dress with strappy black sandals to balance.

This look by Rag+Bone shows how to take separates that are gold and black and combine into a very fresh outfit. Word of caution: it is the rare person who can pull off this footwear with sock look. If you think you can, get a second, and third opinion! For prices, check the Rag+Bone website by clicking the image above.

For everyday, take the “ornate” gold and make it khaki with feminine texture, as in this lace woven tunic with sequin detail. Pair with black to take this runway look and make it a daytime hit. Calypso outfit. Top: $175
And, while I have your attention, here’s a trend that is a complete NO:
The BIG and BULKY trend will only make you look like you’ve gained… 100 pounds.

Remember, all these models are 6 feet tall and wear a “00.” How is this flattering on anyone? Celine. Image: Elle.com

She looks miserable. She hasn’t been able to eat in days, but she looks like this. Tragic. Thomas Tait. Image: Elle.com
I have a great way to see if I like the way something looks: I take a picture of myself in it. Sometimes I get my kids to take a photo of me. It’s astounding the difference it makes over simply looking in the mirror. You can quickly eliminate outfits and items with this one simple trick!
We’ll be back next week to discuss a few more fall trends, and perhaps another ‘NO!’
One last thought

Marc Jacobs… Not really sure how to comment here. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Meets My Fair Lady? No. No. And, no. Photo: Elle.com
Have a great weekend!
5 Responses to “Fall Trends, Part 1: Color”
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I liked hearing about all the fall trends and how to translate into the real world. I loved all the different price points. Thanks for your work to keep your readers “on trend” and stylish.
I am eagerly waiting to see more of fall choices in part 2!
Nice article! You are so right about bulky clothing. A common mistake is to think that wearing lots of fabric hides unwanted weight–it simply makes the wearer look even BIGGER!
I am swooning over that Tory Burch winter white coat! They don’t have it in yet at the Green Hills store, just to save other the trip : )
This was so helpful for one who does not have time to get out and shop. I especially like the available styles or looks similar, so much more down to earth. I can not wait for the next blog of Part 2.
love hearing about Fall color. LOVE the white and the blue on black. Your “nos” are so right. Yikes on the bulky look. I have enough trouble looking svelt! And the Marc Jacobs look? Grab and wear regardless seems to describe it. Terrible. Not in love with black and gold looks. Never have been. But I know lots of pals who like that combo. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to more!