Fall/Winter 2020 Fashion : Mindfully Moving Forward

Fashion is what you buy…Style is what you do with it…unknown

Mindfulness has replaced the word trend. The word trend settles right into our perception of ‘fast fashion,’ which has declined since late 2019. With all that is going on in the world today, we are looking for other words to describe our fashion direction. We are looking for longevity, conscious consumption, and conscientious manufacturing. The word trend is now a no-no in the world of fashion. Most of us are not interested in a look that has a short shelf or closet life. There are always great styling tricks and tweaks that you can pull off with just a few inexpensive accessories to bring last season’s outfit up to date. I actually prefer this method. You usually end up with a unique look versus a trend that everyone is seeing.

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As consumers, we are continually evolving not only in our taste but in our conciseness as well. Sustainability is replacing the word trend!. “We are certainly seeing designers choosing to showcase a selection of really wearable pieces, more so than other recent seasons,” says Elizabeth von der Goltz, global buying director at Net-a-Porter. “This reflects the customer’s desire to make more considered purchases with sustainability in mind by investing now and wearing forever. Our wardrobes will be more hardworking than ever before, featuring well-loved pieces that can be styled in multiple ways and across multiple seasons. Pieces that we will always champion for fall—this season is no exception—are boots, tailoring, outerwear, sumptuous knitwear, and, of course, the finishing touches like a beautiful piece of jewelry.”

2020 has definitely allowed us to reevaluate how we live our lives and how we dress for it. In so many ways, it has caused us to change many long-established habits, like idling away a Saturday afternoon shopping. This is not only a time of adjustment for us, the consumer, but also retail. Both online and brick + mortar have suffered losses and store and site closings. Several different studies report that a majority of consumers will be cutting their clothing budgets in the future. Which inevitably will manifest in fewer people buying less. But, the flip side of that coin is buying quality over quantity and timelessness over trend.

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This atmosphere is challenging for merchandise managers, design directors, and fashion buyers. There is little room for error, and most seasoned buyers are playing it safe. The majority of their open to buy budgets has gone to classic outerwear. The blazer-inspired coat will always look polished and timeless. A moto jacket can be dressed up with a sequined skirt or dressed down with jeans and a tee. Bootie and boot sales are far outpacing heels and flats. Except for the ballet flat, always in style. Without exception, a savvy shopper today is buying basics and seasonal staples.

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Lounging in style

Comfortable wearability. We can certainly add these words to our new ‘at-home’ vocabulary. Say goodby to those loose, baggy sweat pants and bulky sweatshirts. Loungewear has made its debut. The successful launch of numerous lounge collections has brought about a catwalk of selection. The selection is wide-ranging in price point, style, and fabrication. A more fitted silhouette has been the driving force behind the new look in loungewear. Sweat pants have moved out of the locker and dorm rooms and morphed into a more fitted jogger.

There is no making of excuses about how you look in these joggers with a tee and a cardie! It’s a tied-together look. With the elevation of fabrication to ultra-soft french terry, lightweight Supima cotton, and the ‘queen’ – cashmere. “I am staunchly on the team of only wearing soft, stretchy clothing while at home,” says stylist Emma Morrison. Her brand of choice is Leset. Leset is mostly separates, which can be paired together for a matching set. Emma goes on to say, “that wearing monochromatic sweats from Monday to Friday is her way of feeling vaguely professional and to keep some sense of schedule and a little aesthetic pride.” Just as a quick side note, Naadam + Co. is another resource for affordable cashmere in a wide range of styles.

A few things to keep in mind…Take a walk through your closet and see what you have that will work for fall and winter. The cinched belt, narrow or wide, will move last year’s blazer into the must wear column. A great combo is the monochromatic and neutral color pallets; mix up the shades, sand, camel, and buff for a sophisticated look. Try the white ankle boot; it’s fresh and modern paired with a dress, slip skirt, jeans or pants. Below the knee fitted knit dresses can create an elegant, classic style. You could also move this dress to the funky side with the Fry Veronica boot or a leather moto jacket. Perhaps an unexpected look for you, but one that might work! Be brave…

Let us know if you have found fabulous street savvy loungewear. And any ideas on up cycling last year’s blazer. xok