TRICKY TRENDS THAT LOOK SILLY
These five fall looks are better left on the runway
The arrival of fall can present a host of challenges for fashion fans.
Some of the teeth- grinding conundrums may include: Does one really need yet another black wool coat? How skinny is too skinny when it comes to denim? And is that a blanket scarf or is it actually just a blanket?
But perhaps the toughest travail of transitional dressing is whether or not a trend can transition from runway to the real way.
Case in point: these five trickiest of trends that caused a furor on social media among the fashionweek crowd, but are almost guaranteed to look downright silly on the streets.
CAR- WASH COUTURE
The fall- winter runways were awash with car- wash pleats. These free- moving skirts, in a variety of lengths — from thigh- grazing to calf- swishing and everything in between — are hands- down the easiest of the tricky trends to successfully transition into one’s wardrobe.
At Christian Dior, Raf Simons sent a knee- length version in textured black and white down the runway while Tommy Hilfiger opted for a varsity- inspired maroon iteration ( complete with striped trim).
Perhaps the wide- pleated winner, though, could be found at Salvatore Ferragamo, where the swinging slats came out clean thanks to earthy brown tweed and contrasting black.
FURRY FEET
Wild and woolly coats, hats and even accessories are one thing, but furry feet?
While toned- down fuzzy accents can be fun, the full- on foot fur spotted among this year’s fashion collections resembles the final piece of an epic Halloween costume.
American ready- to- wear brand Tibi’s toned down releases of soft fringe mules and fur- accented platform sandals look somewhat appealing, but the Ewok- like shoes spotted at Gucci and Maison Margiela are not only unsightly, they’re impractical.
Unless you’d like to sweep the floors everywhere you go these beastly boots aren’t for the faint of fashion heart.
RIDING HELMETS
No longer just for the riding arena, bulbous riding helmets are making a splash in fashion, much to the chagrin of equestrians, who have long lamented the oversized shape of the protective headgear.
But despite eye- catching finishes and fabrics such as tweed and subdued shapes crafted from felted wool as seen at Moncler Gamme Rouge, the styles that were trotted out might be better left at the barn.
Still stuck on the equestrian idea? Consider Lanvin’s black toppers, which mimicked the shape and style of a traditional riding hat, but softened the kick with a larger brim, luxurious rabbit fur felt fabric and tassel accent.
KISS NOIR
Those afraid of drawing comparisons to the dead will likely want to kiss this beauty trend goodbye.
While rich plums and deep cherry reds can be flattering shades, an oily slick of straight- up black is not only difficult to pull off successfully — it’s nearly impossible.
Even the fresh- faced models in the Gilles runway show weren’t immune to the harsh, aging look of mascara- like lipstick.
A softer, more flattering take on the trend could be found at Emanuel Ungaro, where a burgundy hue softened the look while also adding some life.
PRINT- MIXING
Mixing prints isn’t exactly a new trend. It’s been paraded around as a must- try for several seasons now.
But suggesting print- mixing for everyday and successfully wearing mixed prints for every day are two very different things.
Finding the right balance between colour, proportion of pattern and shape can create a veritable jigsaw puzzle, but if the looks at Miu Miu and Isabel Marant were any indication, the challenge won’t be any easier this fall. Tread lightly with this trend.