I know it might sound a little cray cray to be thinking about fall 2012 fashion, especially since tomorrow it will be over 60 degrees … in February (cue rapture music). But what better time to reflect upon the upcoming fashions then right after fashion week. (Did I mention I went, because I did and I’m STILL in ecstasy over it).

So there were over a hundred shows, thousands of models, probably millions of attendees. I mean honestly who has the time to go through all that jazz and figure out what is on trend … oh wait, that’s me.

I’m thoroughly excited for fall 2012 fashion … like beyond excited. There were some pretty fierce shows and I felt the need to explain the trends now so you can have months and months to prepare for what I feel to be one of the most intense seasons for fashion.

So here is what you need to start collecting … like NOW … ahem:

Must-Have Accessory: 

Snoods. I know, what the hell is a snood? Well, it is like an infinity scarf but literally sits snug around your neck and is usually made of fur. Everyone from Vivienne Tam to Elizabeth and James showed them on the runway. I actually own one and it is terribly uncomfortable and makes me get overheated quite quickly … but as is fashion. Vivienne Tam showed them in a very interesting way with the models long hair tucked into them. It was pretty in a very abstract way. I’ll give it a whirl.

 

 

 

 

 

Colors:

Well, there was a lack of color … and I LOVED it. Lots of black and white together creating very fierce and classic looks. Rebecca Minkoff, Tibi, Helmet Lang and several others had collections dripping in neutrals. Honest to God, you really can’t go wrong when you buy a piece in a neutral, because neutrals never go out of style … ever. But the runways were dripping in them this season. If you need to throw in some color, anything from soft plumb to wine colors to striking blood-red was raging on the runways.

 

 

 

 

Textures: 

Sorry PETA, but since the colors were so subdued, textures took over. Fur, leather, velvet, mesh, matte sequins and sheer garments owned everything. I’m telling you, women in fall 2012, I would NOT want to mess with them. Fur collars to furry arms on coats and jackets are an absolute must, as was seen in the Jason Wu show. From fur, to sheer to velvet, Gucci is the perfect example of how textures need to be in our closets for fall 2012. Take notes, ladies.

 

 

 

 

Hair: 

Very low-key. Lots of long long hair parted down the center and teased in certain places. Otherwise it was in a very messy pony tail, one you would pull together when you roll out of bed to go to the gym. Honestly, I don’t let fashion week decide my hair styles, but it is good to know we technically don’t need to give a shit about our hair in fall 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

Lips:

DEEP RED. Period. I really have nothing more to say about the topic. When I went to the tents, everyone was rocking a striking red lip. Now here is the thing, it is EXTREMELY hard to rock this properly. Your face can’t look oily and you lips have to be properly moisturized and you can’t really eat, drink, talk to much or kiss anyone … soooo … yeah. Experiment with this look before taking it out on the town. But make it happen.

 

 

 

 

 

Cray Cray Hats: 

I personally don’t enjoy hats. I have a big head and I get over heated and can never work them into any look I am throwing together. But a lot of big designers threw us for some abstract loops with the hats walking down the runway. I mean Yigal Azrouel and good lord … Marc. Jacobs. I mean these crazytown, oversized, Jamiroquai-esque hats. I would honestly wear a hat like that only if I were going to a tea party with the mad hatter because he would think those hats were fabulous.

 

 

 

 

Fabulous Collars: 

I love this trend and might even start incorporating it into my look now. Collars need to be embellished in some way. If the shirt is black, the collar needs to be white. It needs to stand out and pop. I’m not saying run out and bedazzle your collars, but need to be fabulous. Personally, I love the details and the little things and I think this is a really feminine and romantic trend to embrace.

 

 

 

 

 

Favorite Shows You Should Absolutely Watch for Style-spiration: 

1. Marc Jacobs. He was absolutely a show stopper (shocking, I know right). Everything was a bit fantasyland … but drop dead, make you want to rip your hair out gorgeous

2. Diane Von Furstenberg. I mean stop. This is obtainable fashion that I would and will rock from the dresses to the sunglasses that I absolutely DIED for. In fact, I’m going to “Zoe:” I DIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE. 

3. Helmut Lang: Minimalism makes me weak in the knees and honestly this is minimalism talking dirty to me. If I could only have one designer in my closet, it would most likely be him.

4. Carolina Herrera: I mean her clothes are just classically beautiful, but elegant dress wise, she made my heart stop. Seriously if a prince were to ask me to a black die ball … I know exactly what family member I would sell to get that dress (juuuuust kidding … kind of.)

5. Ralph Lauren: Again, a designer I’ve always respected but have always found it a bit too old for my taste. But he won me over with two things: Top hats and sceptres. I will absolutely carry around a scepter in the fall JUST because Ralph said it was okay. But in all seriousness, the collection was menswear for women at its finest.

 

I Swear I’m Not A Slit!: 

Keep those maxi skirts, keep the sheet mullet skirts … hell, keep the maxi dresses … just make sure there is a massive slit going up the side. I’m pumped for the trend. Who doesn’t like an excuse to show a little leg, or a lot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I mean for serious, I scratched the surface here. There is A LOT going on for fall 2012 fashion, but this should keep you busy for the next couple of months trying to either A. come to terms with these trends or B. incorporate them within your already existing looks.

God speed.