Belk ‘s Fall Fashion Preview

I had the opportunity to participate in Belk’s presentation of the fall fashion trends at their media event last week, “Belk’s Fall 2012 Fashion Tour”.  Belk VP of Trend Merchandising & Fashion Direction, Arlene Goldstein, presented the trends Belk has determined to be the ones to watch come fall 2012.  Arlene’s infectious enthusiasm and passion for style left me wanting to hit the racks and begin collecting my fall must-haves NOW! Arlene shared with the audience her catch phrases to define some of the characteristic trends we can expect this fall.  She talked about ways to take our wardrobe from “desk to dinner” and to be unafraid to wear “glitz before six”.  But the message Arlene emphasized was that the fall 2012 trends represent an unpredictable pairing of prints, textures, and colors.  The unifying thread in Belk’s fall style statements is the gaze back to the grown up glamour of the 50′s and the inspiring shapes of the 60′s. Here are the four trends that Belk presented for fall 2012:

Vivid

Calvin Klein

Bold strokes, florals, statement stripes

Rich hues mixed with unexpected neutrals

Head to toe color

Digitized pattern

Mixed prints (think stripes and pattern)

Mod Modern

Jessica Simpson

60′s shape shifts with sleek lines and sharp tailoring

Color blocking and banding

A-line shapes, sloping shoulders, shifts, slim pants

Metal collars, linear earrings, and dramatic cuffs in a mix of materials and finishes

Graphic patterns, geometric shapes

Tuxedo slipper – the new flat!

Town and Country

Michael Kors

Top-notch craftsmanship

Juxtaposition of casual and dressy in the same look

Fur accents, tweed, leather, flannel, quilting, chunky knits, blazers

Western inspired boot

Bold, gold jewelry

My Fair Lady (My favorite)!

Spense

Ladylike and luxurious

Feminine dresses with a hint of nostalgia

Lace, silk, satin, sequins, peplums,

Peter Pan collar

Single sole pump

Metallic detail