The Fall/Winter 2003 Trend Report

Brown. Earth tones dominate this coming season with the khakis, oranges and olives of the past season turned richer and darker with dark chocolate brown as the color of the season. Pattern comes on strong with stripes continuing from spring in darker colorations (brown) and cut on the diagonal (or bias as your fashion word tip for the season!), including forming “V” patterns within the shirt. Pinstripes and checks freshen pants for the season and contrary to your mother, you can mix patterns. The key is scale – combine a small checked pant with a large stripe shirt and you are ready to go!

Military influences are evident for fall with the return of the bomber jacket, especially hooded. D-rings, button tabs and zippers detail shirts, jackets and pants. The cargo pant is still a wardrobe basic with the addition of ankle details, such as a zipper. Look for the ankle to be the new focus of pants with zippers and tabs (remember the 80’s?). A great way to take advantage of this trend is not only with the pant, but with footwear as well. Wear a narrow, tapered pant with a buckle, zip or even tie ankle boot and the sidewalk will be your catwalk!

Denim plays a major role yet again this year with washes and embellishments distinguishing themselves. Look for less gimmicky washes and rinses with an emphasis on overall coloration. The big news in jeans is a return to a darker, simple denim. The other trend in jeans is corduroy. A jean cut pant done in a small cord is a great alternative to denim. Can’t decide? Look for the latest tech advancement that fuses a corduroy overlay that distresses out to reveal denim underneath (go ahead, have your cake and eat it too!)

The easiest way to update your look for season is the newest detailing in shirts. Larger collars with a two-button neck and larger barrel cuff with 2-3 buttons will freshen up even the oldest pair of pants. As with all clothing, a good fitting shirt with the proper neck and sleeve length is key. Fit is always fashionable!

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