New York Fashion Week: Trends in women's wear

A new generation of fashion designers comes into its own with fall looks that are stylish, wearable — and affordable.

With mid-priced collections as upscale-looking and lavishly detailed as those on the New York runways for fall, who needs to pay top dollar for fashion?

So much of the excitement during the New York Fashion Week shows that wrapped up on Thursday was about the so-called advanced contemporary category of labels that cost less than high-end designer collections without sacrificing style. Among those creating a buzz: Rag & Bone, Tory Burch,Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim,Helmut Lang, Theyskens Theory and even theJ. Crew Collection. (The entry price for advanced contemporary collections is about $295, and the most expensive pieces are around $1,000, which is closer to the entry price for high-end designer collections.)

"These are the designers of the future," says Stephanie Solomon, fashion director of Bloomingdale's. "When you think of the old guard, ofKarl Lagerfeld, Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren, as much as I respect them, they are not spring chickens anymore. These designers are going to usurp them. And they are making clothes with beautiful quality, innovative fabrics and silhouettes. In the future, I envision an entire level of our store based on these up-and-coming, talented designers."

These more affordable, accessible lines offer head-to-toe dressing, with accessories and outerwear. And they hit on all of the trends seen this week, including sleek, minimalist tailoring; Asian influences; black-and-white graphic schemes; and bright color-blocking. Key pieces for a fall wardrobe? A pair of statement pants in a colorful jacquard or print and with a tapered silhouette, worn over a pair of pumps (Manolo Blahnik forJ. Crewperhaps?); a shift dress or a pencil skirt that hits below the knee; and a fun swing coat or fur accessory in an eye-catching texture and hue.

We saw the return of the suit (albeit a nontraditional sort of suit), including the camel and cream color-blocked karate jacket belted over trousers at 3.1 Phillip Lim, the wrap-front blazer and black jeans at Helmut Lang, and the pink schoolboy blazer and pants atJ. Crew. In addition, sweater dresses made a comeback at Kimberly Ovitz and the Rachel Zoe Collection.

TheJ. CrewCollection, which is slightly more expensive than the basicJ. Crewofferings, is the chain store's version of advanced contemporary. And it is looking darn good.

Creative director Jenna Lyons and head woman's designer Tom Mora have ratcheted up the sophistication level, offering more tailored looks in edgier fabrics. Nordic sweaters topped tinsel tweed, python or pleated-leather skirts, and pants in metallic jacquards or scarf-print silks were paired with the pointy-toed Manolo Blahniks. Color-blocked clutches and totes trimmed in curly lamb fur rounded out the picture.

Burch's collection was more polished than ever, full of ladylike, embroidered tweed jackets and skirts, tulle and chiffon dresses with organza flower appliques, crinkled leather jackets and structured frame bags with plastic paillette and tortoise details.

There was a lot of eye candy — rows of pearls on the collar and cuffs of a cardigan jacket and matching pencil skirt with organza eyelet hem, jeweled flower buttons on a gold lamé coat and sequins dusting a houndstooth plaid skirt.

Rag & Bone designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville are also proving to be a formidable force on the New York fashion scene. Their fall collection was English countryside-meets-the-Raj, with layers upon layers of rich-looking pieces, including motorcycle jacket-tailcoat hybrids, jersey dhoti pants, tweed wrap skirts and coppery Lurex knit sweaters, plus all the must-have accessories (such as herringbone platform riding boots) that keep fans coming back to the brand.

Stylist-turned-designer Rachel Zoe was inspired by the London rock 'n' roll scene of the late 1960s, and her collection was a balance of the glam and the wearable, with all the Hollywood entrance-making maxi dresses and shaggy faux furs that fans have come to expect from Zoe, alongside flared trouser suits and velvet tuxedos, gaucho jeans and melange sweater dresses.

Zoe's line is barely a year old, but is well on its way to being a success. Come fall, it will be in 300 stores. Another advanced contemporary star is born.

Trends based on Alexander Wang new collection

Chambray and Denim

Denim and chambray (a thin, denim-looking fabric) are hot for spring. While jeans are the ultimate all-American look (no surprise that’s a trend), a chambray skirt or romper adds a fresh spin on the old classic. Wang’s collection utilized denim button-ups, distressed jean shorts and skinny jeans in both dark and light washes. Depending on the specific piece, denim can be the perfect backdrop to a great jacket or the main focal point of a look (a la a crisp denim shirt paired with a white skirt) – the combinations are endless

Things to keep in mind while shopping for denim:

• A denim shirt is at the top of my spring shopping list, but it’s not something to impulse buy – you’ve got to find the perfect fit and fabric first.
• Chambray is great because it’s not as heavy or bulky as actual denim – it will also breathe easier when the weather begins to get warmer.
• In terms of fit, be weary of shirt with a ‘boyfriend’ fit. Although an oversized shirt is right on trend this season, you don’t want to look like you’re swimming in it!

Product Information: Canvas Handbag – Forever 21, Romper – Charlotte Russe, Bubble Skirt – Delias, Boyfriend Shirt – Old Navy, Denim Short – Victorias Secret

Pretty Lace

Lace can be a tricky embellishment to work with – too much and you’ll resemble a doily, too little and there’s really no point to it. The trick is to find a piece that has the perfect balance of whimsy and sophistication. Alexander Wang utilized lace details to add a spin to the classic khaki and white-tee combo and it really did make a difference!

When shopping for lace accents:

• Always keep in mind the sheerness of different fabrics! Some tops may look opaque but when tried on are completely see-through.
• Start out slowly. This is always one of my tips, because it’s so important. Don’t jump right into a trend and purchase a head-to-toe lace outfit. Dresses are easier to get away with (see the ASOS dress below), but with separates, try to pair one lace fabric with a neutral.

Product Information: Urban Outfitters, ASOS, ASOS, Roxy

The New LBD

One of the things I loved most about Alexander Wang’s Resort collection was the twist on the LBD (Little Black Dress). Although a fitted dress with long sleeves isn’t anything new, the shoulder cut-outs from his collection added an unexpected and edgy touch.

A long sleeved black dress in a comfortable fabric (think jersey or cotton) is also a perfect piece for any occasion. Pair it with tights, pearls and flats for a classic sophistication or gold jewelry and great heels for a night out.

A few things to keep in mind:

• If you’re planning on wearing your LBD to work, keep length in mind – even the perfect dress can be inappropriate in the wrong setting.
• Just because it’s a black dress, it doesn’t mean that every style will flatter everyone. If you’re self-conscious of your hips, don’t go for a dress with pockets. In contrast – if you’re athletic and want to add some curves then a dress with loose pockets at the hips will create shape!
• Keep your existing wardrobe in mind. Do you have a go-to pair of silver heels? Don’t buy a LBD with gold accents that you’ll want to get new shoes to match with! If you own a ton of necklaces that you love to wear out, stay away from dresses with detail around the neck – those gorgeous necklaces won’t get worn.

Product Information: ASOS, ASOS, Macys, ASOS, ASOS

Nautical Accessories

Nautical pieces are by far my favorite trend for this year. Nautical stripes are classic and jewelry with anchor or rope motifs allows you to have a little bit of the beach with you no matter where you are. Another bonus is that the trend is based on neutral colors such as navy blue, white and khaki – all easily mixed and matched with other pieces in your closet. What are your thoughts on the nautical trend?

Make the nautical trend your own:

• For a classic look – keep it simple. A fitted white tee with thin navy stripes paired with jeans is a comfortable and chic look (with a nautical touch).
• Have fun with these pieces! As evidenced below, there is nautical jewelry for both high and low impact. The best way to get inspiration to fit your style is to find looks online. It may be hard to picture a striped cardigan being young and fresh, but check out Forever 21’s lookbook and you may just change your mind. It’s all about research – which hopefully this column helps you with!

Product Information: Rope Necklace – Anthropologie, Chain Bracelet – Banana Republic, Sailor Knot Bracelet – American Eagle, Faux Leather Satchel – Nordstrom, Rope Bracelet – American Eagle, Nautical Buttons –Urban Outfitters

Canvas and Linen

Wang’s Resort looks featured both linen shorts and skirts paired with white t-shirts, tank tops and lightweight jackets. Linen and canvas are the perfect fabrics for warmer weather and exemplify comfortable elegance. Although for a lot of us the warm weather is still a couple months away, stores are beginning to stock their spring lines and it’s never too early to start scoping out the selection!

Some tricks of the trade for finding your perfect shorts:

• Although I prefer in-store shopping to shopping online (I just love the experience of digging through the racks), sometimes that perfect pair of shorts may only be available on the web. Check out the looks below – it’s clear that Victoria’s Secret is a go-to stop for affordable linen shorts. So don’t shy away from buying online – just take your time to make sure you’re getting the right size!
• Find the right balance of comfort and style for your lifestyle. If you want to be able to dress up your shorts for the office, you’ll want to look for a different fit and fabric then if you were looking for a beach cover-up.

Product Information: Victoria’s Secret, Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, Victoria’ s Secret

Chunky Cable Knit

I took a few liberties when interpreting Wang’s sweaters – I’m not sure the white sweaters in his collection (which show more skin than fabric) would really work in the average college student’s wardrobe. However, chunky cable knit sweaters do – and fit in well with the all-American and nautical inspiration throughout the collection.

Like most of the trends I highlighted in this column, this too can be translated to any style. A crew-neck sweater with a button-up underneath is perfectly prep. Need something edgier? Look for an oversized, off-the-shoulder sweater and pair it with skinny jeans and heels as fashionista Lauren Conrad did.

Things to keep in mind while sweater shopping:

• As with lace, always try things on to check for the sheerness of the fabric (obviously the thicker the knit, the less you’ll have to worry).
• Keep in mind what you’ll wear the sweater with. Pairing an oversized knit with a loose skirt won’t be flattering on anyone. On the flip side, if you live in your jean-leggings, don’t purchase a tight sweater to pair with them – try to keep your separates balanced.

Product Information: Nordstrom, American Eagle, White House Black Market, Alloy

Tying it All Together

Go back and take a look at the entire collection, keeping in mind the six trends outlined above. Recreating it on a budget seems less overwhelming doesn’t it? The trick is to first break it down to the basics, then figure out how to incorporate it into your own personal style. What are your thoughts about the collection? Which pieces do you like and which are you not a fan of?

Alexander Wang - Designer Bio

Fashion wunderkind Alexander Wang has taken the industry by storm. Born and raised in San Francisco, Wang moved to New York City at eighteen to try his hand at designing clothes. After just one year of studying design at Parsons and interning at Teen Vogue, Wang launched an eponymous collection his sophomore year, immediately winning fashion editors over with his selection of perfectly crafted cashmere sweaters. Now, having expanded his line to include a full range of ready-to-wear pieces, from distressed boyfriend jeans and shrunken vests to, of course, covetable cozy cardigans, Wang has continued to make a name for himself with his signature "model-off-duty" style. With a growing cult embracing his street-smart approach to dressing—including catwalk queens (friend Erin Wasson is his in-house muse and runway stylist) and downtown dwellers alike—Wang may just be the coolest kid in Manhattan.