Autumn ATTIRE

’70s styles central to this year’s fall trends

When the leaves start to change color, many women start to transition their wardrobes from summer to fall, and just like cicadas sound slightly different each summer, each autumn brings forth a new wave of trends.

This fall, fashionistas can expect a return to the 1970s with an influx of groovy fabrics, patterns and accessories, said Jenna Dale Harlan, owner of Dale’s Clothing and Accessories in Searcy.

VELVET VIXEN

One of the trends that she said surprised her the most is smooth and crushed velvet adorning everything from tanks, tops and cardigans to jogger pants and skirts.

“Like suede was big with the skirts last year, velvet’s going to be big with the skirts this year,” she said. “A rosy mauve has been the most popular color for velvet, then burgundy and olive, of course.”

Trendsetters can get a jump on this fabric trend by pairing a velvet skirt with some items that may already be in their wardrobes.

“I think the velvet skirt paired with a plain, long-sleeved top is going to be popular, especially with the velvets coming in different colors, besides what you’re used to seeing — the black and the burgundy,” she said. “Wearing the wedges and bootie heels with [the skirts] will be really popular for the ladies who want to be a little more trendy.”

Those who prefer to ease into trends can incorporate velvet in small increments, she added. One easy way to wear velvet is to pair a boyfriend jean — a returning trend for fall — with a velvet cardigan layered over a printed top, or a knit cardigan layered over a velvet tank.

SHOES SO SOFT

Women who were won over by the suede trend last spring need not despair. This fall still has a place for suede — on their feet! Next to hippie-chic platform sandals, suede is this season’s top shoe trend. The soft, matte fabric is appearing on wedges, flats and slip-on tennis shoes, Dale Harlan said.

“That’s going to be your go-to shoe for fall and winter,” she added.

FUNKY OUTERWEAR

The florals that emerged in spring are set to continue their reign for fall, Dale Harlan said.

“We’ve had quite a bit of fall colors coming in the floral cardigans, and even some embroidered roses on the boyfriend jeans as well,” she added.

Those who remember the duster craze that cropped up a few years ago can prepare for that trend to resurface this year. However, instead of the heavy, wool dusters that were popular in the past, this year’s fad features lightweight dusters featuring patterns such as florals and the summer’s continuing favorite — a bull skull with roses.

In addition, floral pullovers present a fresh, fashionable way to stay warm, she said, adding that pullovers are also popular in geometric prints and the bull skull with roses.

“The ’70s are definitely coming back,” she added, “especially with the velvets and having all the funky patterns with the florals.”