The fashion industry gets its millions only when it knocks current trends into traffic. More simply, drastic trend changes require that fashion slaves make repeat purchases toward new wardrobes to stay up to date. Just when you thought you had every color and length of layerable tunic/shirt/dress for random mix and match, Fall and Winter fashion starts bandying about words like “structured, tailored, classic, fitted, and intelligently feminine” and demonstrates a serious disconnect from past years of “pampered playful casual teen.”



Think 1920s and a distinctive drive toward “knowing classy woman” and complete outfits of fitted, matched jackets and tops to tailored lines in skirts and pants with Old Hollywood starlet scarves, gloves, muffs, Fedora inspired hats, and elegant wraps. Jackets with elbow-length sleeves beg for long gloves that disappear up the arm and support multiple chunky bracelets worn over both wrists. Chest-skimming tops for day and into evening cover cleavage while still accentuating curves, leaving more to wonder at than outright ogle. Skirts will still flounce and sway but also lean closely along hip and thigh down to towering thin-heeled pumps, ankle boots and shapely calf huggers of colored tights in soft earth tones and smoky hues. Slouchy shoulder carryall purses make way for structured hard-formed handbags with jeweled clasps and large clutches for standard day use as well as evening cocktail environment.



Many of these looks have already been realized by Seattle designers and were previewed recently at Fashion First in August. Take a full Saturday and prowl local vintage, antique and thrift shops to create your version of the coming looks and keep a good amount of cash in your purse. — Jennifer Johnson