Trends: Extra Credit

MANILA, Philippines - The business of fashion is the business of anticipation; we thrive on what’s new, what’s hot, and what’s next. As the seasons change and the beat of the industry thrums on, the status quo remains -- trends will wait for no one. Fashion becomes a fickle beast if you’re not paying attention.

At the onset, s/s 2015 is live and New York Fashion Week (#NYFW) is already in full swing. Deciding between next next season’s obsessions or the revitalization of your current wardrobe, fashion can easily become zero sum: it’s either you win today, lose tomorrow, or vice versa.

To help you game the system, YStyle posits participation in the pre-season for some extra credit. A predetermined sartorial take on the not quite S/S yet not quite f/w (read: rainy) situation. As local retail begins to catch up, we scour the pre-fall 2014 collections for some weather appropriate trends for you to cop.

We’re looking at cutting the conversation short for pants and something a little off-kilter for skirts. A sportif take on cocktail and a collegiate return to form, among others. For this season’s silhouette proposition, the idea is to keep it lazy, easy, and louche.

A knot above

The pussy bow blouse is not the most modern staple but pre-fall 2014 makes a great case for this feminine style. This season it was the bolder, bigger iteration that felt fresh. Mulberry and Valentino championed the oversized trend making for breathtakingly easy results. Grab a silk tie and elevate your outfits with this simple touch.

Key pieces: a silk tie, a pussy bow blouson

Reference: Michael Kors, Mulberry, and Valentino

Editor has it

Channel your inner Anna Wintour and go for the “Editor Jacket.” For pre-fall 2014, designers reconsidered the proportion of outerwear to emphasise a more relaxed and oversized silhouette. As the perfect way to professionalize an outfit, throw a jacket over your shoulders and cop this look. 

Key pieces: an oversized blazer, a cape

Reference: Fausto Puglisi and Michael Kors

The right track

Think ribbed hemlines, drawstring waistbands, and tuxedo-striped trousers--this trend gives pre-fall a much-needed workout. Forget jeggings, update the slim fit jean with a neoprene track pant. Class up those classic knits with heels and take your workout basics from day dressing to evening.

Key pieces: track pants, an easy knit pull-over

Reference: DKNY and Jason Wu

Louche business

For pre-fall, slim and close to the body are officially over. In keeping with this season’s emphasis on ease and nonchalance, the favored silhouette is slouchy and loose. Par elegance, of course. Take cues from Lanvin and Preen and go for a blazer with a relaxed shoulder. Cop trousers with copious leg room. For a quick fix, grab the next retail size up.

Key pieces: a relaxed fit blazer, trousers with a generous leg

Reference: Lanvin, Christian Dior, and 3.1 PHillip Lim

Angular theory

Looking for an alternative to last season’s midi skirt? Pre-fall 2014 found designers rethinking in off-kilter propor- tions -- specifically the wrap skirt. This is an easy trend to incorporate as dem- onstrated by labels Proenza Schouler, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Kenzo. Give your silhou- ette an easy modern update by divvy- ing up hemlines and skirt lengths. From thigh high slits to a major overlap, think angular and severe lines.

Key pieces: a geometric wrap skirt Reference: Altuzarra, Kenzo,

and Proenza Schouler

Plaid possibilities

A fresh take on plaid borrows from the idea of mixed media; the unconventional combination of vibrant checks in one outfit. The effect is quintessentially fashion -- the eye adjusts as designers brought this pre-fall trend to life. Mash up prints of varying scale and explore the possibilities.

Key pieces: plaid terno

Reference: Belstaff, Altuzarra, and McQ

Wide and short of it

As the most emergent silhouette of the season, the cropped pant is the most obvious “get” for pre-fall and fall 2014. Be it an above ankle-length cut pant or the billow-legged trouser, culottes are up for some serious consideration

as a key piece across all labels.

Key pieces: culottes, oversized capri pants

Reference: Valentino and Max Mara

Collegiate cool

For Pre-Fall 2014, a schoolgirl spin-off was in play for a number of labels. From knife pleats to accordion skirts, the ease of collegiate dressing is weather appropriate in sweaters  and Ivy League-approved cardigans. Represent your colors in striped knit looks or a full-on boarding school

monochromatic ensemble. 

Key pieces: a pleated skirt, a crisp button down,

a chunky pull-over

Reference: House of Holland,

Carven, and Jonathan Saunders