The Top Women's Fall Trends from French Fashion Week 2011
The Fall 2011 French fashion week actually happened in the early spring of 2011. Trends from the fashion shows that occurred during that week are just now beginning to make their appearance in the fashion world. Big on the Paris runways during fall fashion week were dots, color blocking, and lace. Dark colors were also a trend presented during French fashion week, as were mismatched patterns.
Dots
Polka dots are all over fashion this fall. The dots made an appearance on the runways during both the Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen show. You don't have to go cutesy-cute when wearing polka dots. McCartney's line featured a definitely adult take on dots, such as a slinky black dress with sheer, dot-covered panels and sleeves. At the Alexander McQueen show, dots covered the skirt of a full, frilly ball gown.
Color Blocking
1970's inspired color blocking was big on the French runways during Fashion Week. Chloe featured a color-blocked skirt and bright yellow shirt combination that looked as if it was teleported directly from the '70s. The Sonya Rykiel show featured a bold use of color blocking, from a red color-blocked sweater and rust-colored skirt outfit to a black and plaid-blocked jacket. Incorporate color blocking into your wardrobe in either an in-your-face way, using bright colors, or in a toned down way, using neutral shades.
Sheers and Lace
The runways at Paris Fashion Week got a bit lovely with the appearance of lacy fabrics and sheers. The Emanaul Ungaro featured short dresses made of lace that left little to the imagination. While these dresses will turn heads, it's probably safe to say that the everyday woman will take a toned-down approach to lace rather than wear such a risqué outfit. Lace and sheer fabric appeared on Paris runways in a more demure fashion, too. Valention's show featured long gowns with delicate, lacy skirts.
Mix and Match
As seen on the runway during the Louis Vuitton show, mixing and matching should be a huge trend for fall 2011. The Vuitton line, designed by Marc Jacobs, featured a grab bag of fabrics and styles. Kate Moss took a turn on the runway in a rubber and lamb jacket paired with a pair of strappy crocodile boots. The show combined a tough vibe with a more delicate, vintage housewife look, pairing rubber jackets with midi-length, delicate floral-print dresses.
Dark or Drab Shades
Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel show during Paris fashion week featured dark, almost drab shades. Models wore grey, black, and white with the rare coat in a dark green or deep red. Valentino opted to skip making clothing in the company's signature red, and instead chose to design using dark and bleak colors, such as a muted dark blue or a washed out beige-gray shade.
Collars
Contrasting collars were big at fashion week in Paris. The Vuitton show featured a dainty dress with an adorable white Peter Pan collar. Miuccia Prada paired a pointy, white collar with a deep mustard yellow dress during the Miu Miu show. While Vuitton's collar evoked the 1940's, Miu Miu's brought to mind 1980's power suits and shoulder pads.
