Fall Fashion: Lose the North Face; bring on the animal skin

When we think of the fashion capitals of the world we think of Paris, Milan, London, and now, Chestnut Hill, Mass.? Fall fashion trends are about to hit hard at Boston College: bold colors, hourglass figures, menswear, shades of grey, metallics, animal prints, and jackets of all styles, fabrics and colors.

This season we are starting to see great color combinations of earth tones highlighted by bright colors as well as vivid hues standing alone. Navy blue/violet and black, black, white and red, and fuchsia and purple in particular are especially popular. These shades are making their way into thick-heeled platform pumps, ankle boots, double- and triple-strapped mary-janes, patent leather hobo bags, trench coats, textured tights, and pencil skirts. Emilio Pucci-inspired graphic geometric patterns of neutrals and brilliant shades are also very chic for tops and dresses.

Shapelier figures are en vogue now, too. For a while now belted dresses and tunics have been popular, but now the belts have gone ultra-wide. Extreme belts with double or triple buckles are especially flattering. These cinched waists give the effect of a voluptuous bust line and a bootylicious posterior. An empire-waisted jumper or a belted tunic over a turtleneck or a high-waisted pencil skirt with a crisp tuxedo shirt can also create this same illusion.

Designers are borrowing masculine-inspired pieces and giving them an elegant, feminine twist. High-rise trousers and trouser-cut denim are key pieces this fall. Fit and wide-leg trousers are a must-have, especially tweeded with cuffs. Trousers paired with a rounded or portrait collar on a cropped sweater jacket along with a girly bowed blouse and thick high-heeled, peep-toe, oxford lace-up booties make this boyish outfit distinctly feminine. Now, thanks to this boyish trend, you can beat your guy friends at their own game.

Shades of gray, metallics, and animal prints are finding their way into every aspect of fashion: shoes, bags, accessories, bottoms, tops, and outerwear. Gray is, hands down, the color to rock this fall, whether in suede pewter pumps or a wool turtleneck sweater-dress. Glitzy metallics, rhinestones, sequins, and jet beading are a great embellishment to glam up a pair of skinny jeans, a tank, or a dress to turn heads at your favorite bar or club. Animal skin and print (zebra, giraffe, leopard, snake, crocodile, and feathers) can be found on shoes, bags and clutches, and funky tops. Also, animal fur is a fashionable trimming on trench or hooded coats, though this fad is probably not so popular with PETA.

Outerwear with built-in style are the signature pieces this season. Slim, cropped sweater jackets, trench coats, and parkas are the kinds of coverings to buy this fall. A three-quarter sleeve button up swing jacket with rounded collar and puffed sleeves looks especially stylish layered over a long-sleeve satin blouse. Fancy fashion-forward trench coats are a must-have - tweed, houndstooth, vivid colors, wool, satin, dramatic sleeves, A-line skirts, and finished with a high-waisted belt. Trenches, too, have followed the overall fashion trend of a shapelier, more womanly feel. Wild colored parkas and bubble vests with tie belts or fur-lined hoods are a good basic to have as a transition piece from fall to winter, especially in Boston where we know from experience how brutal the winters can be.

So how can BC apply these fads on campus? Extend the life of your miniskirts by wearing them with bright red, yellow, pink, or purple opaque textured tights with one of your pairs of Uggs. Instead of wearing a drab, square pants suit to a job interview, wear a pencil skirt with a matching blazer, completed with a belt and give yourself a fabulous hourglass figure. Next time you head out to Ana Tua Nua's or MaryAnn's, throw on a pair of trouser jeans with a flirty sequined top or with a pair of snakeskin stiletto heels. Instead of rushing to class, in your boring North Face fleece make a statement in a cropped swing jacket, tweed trench coat, or bright colored parka. Get noticed on campus and out on the town in all of fall's flirty fashions.