Kara Birkenstock

Fall 2011 Fashion Preview

Another season of fashion weeks have passed, leaving fashionistas everywhere longing for the cooler months of fall. While you’re packing up your winter wardrobe for spring, you may want to take note of some of the hottest trends for fall, which may already be classic items in your closet from years past. After all, everything old and vintage is new again!

Fur was a major trend on the fall runways, showing up on everything from sophisticated stolls and wraps at Miu Miu, to novelty vests at Alexander McQueen.

While we’re used to seeing fur on staple fashion pieces like this lush Giorgio Armani jacket, some designers went the creative route, incorporating the trim as accents on dresses, blouses, and pants. The fur sleeves on this YSL dress were an unexpected twist to an otherwise traditional look.

Feminine lace continues to be a strong trend, with designers like Valentino and Bottega Veneta showcasing ladylike silhouettes with higher necklines and a-line skirts.

On the flipside, 80’s inspired lace was featured in a fetish like fashion on the Lanvin and Chanel runways, with black lace on everything from leggings and blazers to maxi skirts.

While leather jackets of all styles have been must have items for fashionistas, expect the luxurious fabric to be a more dominant trend for fall. From this vibrant long sleeve dress at Marios Schwab to the leather panels on this asymmetrical design at Balenciaga, leather is definitely making a comeback.

Designers also went for glam grunge, such as Alexander McQueen’s slim cropped leather pants with zipper details, and Louis Vuitton’s show stopping laser cut dress with ladylike accents. The perfect combination of sweet and sexy!