Want to get in on a fashion secret?
It may be fall—and that ushers in a whole host of new trends every year, without fail—but it doesn’t actually mean you need a whole new wardrobe.
In fact, what if we told you there’s a better way to buy—by investing in a few new pieces that will keep you in style clear through to spring?
You see, fashion is actually one season ahead of the rest of us, which means all the hottest looks for spring 2012 just sashayed down the runways.
So we snuck a peek, did a little fashion math and—just as we did in our spring-to-fall feature in April—picked out styles that will go the distance, making them great investments for more than one season. Below you’ll see our Venn diagram of what’s hot for fall, what’s cool for spring and the nine trends with staying power.
Better yet, we broke down how to wear each, depending on the season. Read on.
How to Make Them Overlap
Victoria Beckham
1. Orange You Glad? (Actually, We Are!)
It’s a good thing we advocated for orange in your spring shopping list, because it’s back again for another season. Wear it with your fall plaids, and then freshen it up with nudes and neutrals for a cheerful spring look.
Peter Som
2. In Love With Athletic
Mesh weaves, racing stripes and rope jewelry abound. In fact, designers are letting us relax a little in sport-inspired fashions. You can embrace this look in many ways, but we suggest layering on a chic, athletic hoodie—not showing up to work in your yoga pants.
3. Get Sassy With a Slit
This is one way to show a bit of skin and still exude ladylike decorum. Plus, it adds a bit of sexiness no matter what your shape or size. Try pairing your slitted pencil skirt with a sweater in the winter or a light silk blouse for spring. If you’re feeling daring, it’s a great look with a sexy tank when going out on the town.
Jason Wu
4. Put Me in Peplum
This year, peplum will be a household word. With pleats popping from the waist, this girly yet sophisticated trend looks good on runway models and curvy women alike. We love peplum cocktail dresses, but if you want something more versatile, go with a peplum jacket or shirt.
5. Take Note of Neon
Nostalgia for the 80’s is in full swing, as glowing pinks, greens, yellows and blues call out from the fall clothing racks. The trend continues for spring, so grab yourself an eye-popping accessory, like a cheeky necklace or clutch that can be worn no matter what the season.
Rebecca Taylor
6. Peekaboo Crochet Sweaters
Snuggly and saucy at the same time, the loose knit of a crochet sweater lends itself to all sorts of weather and all sorts of outfits. Some designers showed them tossed casually over pants; others had them tucked into skirts. Keep it ladylike and layer your own crochet top over a camisole in the spring, and over a fitted long-sleeve shirt in the fall.
7. There’s Nothing Like Navajo
You can’t walk ten feet without seeing some version of Native American-inspired patterns this fall, and designers will remain smitten come spring. This trend can be worn in many ways: dresses, purses, scarves and capes all look edgy when emblazoned with the earthy, geometric patterns. We like capes as an easy way to transition to and from cold weather.
Anna Sui
8. Prints Charming
An artsy printed dress is in for fall, and you can wear it again come spring. For cold weather, pair with wool tights and chunky heels, and, come spring, freshen the look by wearing sandals or mixing it up with other prints like textured tights, or a light cardigan.
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9. Pop in Polka Dots
This classic pattern is back in stores for fall and shows no signs of leaving once spring arrives. You can’t go wrong with a light, three-quarter-length blouse that you can layer under a jacket this season and flaunt with a skirt or shorts come spring.
Shop smarter: We found amazing fall finds for under $50! Check them out here.
