Ask An OC Fashionista: Hottest Fall 2015 Fashion Trends

Fall fashion for adults is just as essential as it is to kids who are going back to school this September. From that hot, hot handbag to the rich colors and fabrics of the season, the newest fall fashion trends will update any wardrobe as the seasons begin to transition. Designer looks and runway fashions are here and now in Orange County. South Coast Plaza’s fashionista expert Debra Gunn Downing breaks down what fashion pieces and accessories are important to welcome into your fall closet.

Debra Gunn Downing oversees marketing for South Coast Plaza with years of trend and fashion experience. Her eye for spotting seasonal style trends translates to the much-coveted fashion look book that every Orange County woman peruses before updating her wardrobe. As one of the premier sources for fashion and shopping, South Coast Plaza is an international shopping mecca featuring over 250 stores and one of the largest collections of luxury and designer boutiques in the U.S. Downing is clear-spoken that this year’s fall trends invite strong patterns, bold ornamentation and plenty of sparkle and shine everywhere.

Think of velvet for more than nights out on the town. Velvet will be shown in everyday basics that will make an outfit on trend this season. It will be completely appropriate to walk into the office in velvet pants, skirts and jackets; both Armani and Lanvin presented the velvet trend in their fall collection runway shows. Don’t limit yourself to black, although it is classic. Shoppers will see beautiful eye-catching hues such as cobalt blue.

Coming off of a summer when women loved wearing pleated skirts, pleats continues to be hot in the fall. If you’re planning on shopping for a new skirt, make it a pleated one for sure. Dior made the big fashion statement showing carwash pleated skirts — sass up the look with a pair of short booties.

Nothing says neo-Victorian era better than a blouse. High-necked, ruffled or lacy, the classic white version can be worn from day into evening with a simple switch up of a skirt or pants. Modernize your Victorian blouse by pairing it with black skinny leather pants or a cropped cigarette style. Stiletto or block-heeled Mary Janes (the shoe of the moment), which were on fall 2015 runways, add sophistication, elegance and height.

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Mixing up textures, patterns and fabrics is a call from the 70s. This year, late fall festival wear is hotter than ever. Patchwork dresses, pants, coats and jeans in various leathers and suedes get the fashion stamp of approval. Sometimes, it's monochromatic, but in other cases, such as Gucci's slip dress, it's colorful.

Look for playful accents on sleeves, collar and shoes. Pearls, brooches and fur accessories are a fashion conversation starter, for sure. Gucci's pair of irreverent bronze-hued mules and Celine's pompom-like touches offer bold ornamentation. If you're buying a scarf, make it skinny; if it's a necklace, make it a choker.

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