By: Katy Durand
Fall is really just an extension of summer in Southern California, as we still surf bareback before work and frequent the beach after school in a temperate 70 degrees. The utter lack of shift in temperature and overall energy makes it rather easy to go with the September issue mentality and align with this idea of new beginnings that poetically comes along with the season fall in the fashion world. However, winter is a different story.
Once November 30 hits, the Anna-Wintour-inflicted pressure flies out the window and something happens to Southern Californianites. The orange leaves vanish, only to be replaced by burnt orange Aritzia super puffs and unmotivated individuals buried beneath them. We are suddenly robbed of the light and breezy fall looks we depended on as we fight to brave the cold that is sub 70° weather - resulting in uniforms. Sweatpants and a hoodie. Leggings and a long sleeve. That’s the fifth time you’ve worn that sweater Katy. I am here to say that this winter season, hibernation uniforms are on the naughty list - only large old men who sneak through chimneys are allowed to wear uniforms this winter. So shivering as we may be, let’s keep our fall energy flaunting as the Santa Ana winds blow and we head into Santa season. It won’t be a white Christmas here, but it could be a white Adidas Sambas Christmas.
This year’s top fall/winter trends that will keep you on track with what’s blowing up in the fashion world, while still remaining feasible for the SoCal local trying to achieve ultimate Southbay chicness:
Bold Shades
Ignoring the color palette normally aligned with the fall and winter months, this season we are moving away from hues of horror. Let autumn be ominous, and may winter be filled with a bright palette because if it’s going to rain, we might as well bring the rainbow. Amazon green and yellow are majorly on the scene, with pinks and oranges not far behind.
Ruched Stiletto Boots
You’ve heard about the mid-calf boot, but have you heard about the mid-calf ruched boots complete with a stiletto heel? The lug sole and over-the-knee looks have had their time in the shy winter sun - fairly new on the scene, this stiletto shoe is ready to bask in the limelight as the boot of 2022 winter. The wider opening does not hug your calf, which offers a more flattering side to mid-calf boots. Serving in suede and leather options, the Revolve Ashlee Booties are a sleek and affordable addition to anyone’s boot collection. Bury me in these boots xx.
Biker Chic
Leather remains a winter staple, yet it’s been a few years since the classic moto and biker style have been worn by the masses. Add an edginess to any look with motorcycle motives, or a finished touch with a more cozy sherpa leather.
Sequins
Good news - that skirt you’ve had since 2012 can make its debut for more than just a holiday party this year! Never was I an adoring fan of the shimmer and over-the-top element sequins brought; however, this season's flapper-esque influence is intricately everything and can work itself day-to-day looks. Neiman Marcus’ silver sequin skirt is everything, but it will certainly empty everything out of your wallet, so if you’re ballin’ on a budget or in this case, dazzlin’ on a dime, check out the EDIKTED’s silver low-rise number.
Loafers
A fall favorite, loafers have yet to give me a private school girl ick and make me feel refined in any outfit I pair them with. Often neutral colors (black, tan, and if you’re feeling really funky: maroon), loafers are a versatile statement shoe pairable with any outfit - whether it be a casual pleated short or a mini skirt and collared shirt combo.
Edgy Preppy
While every it-girl reveled in the “Coastal Grandmother” aesthetic this summer and fall, Grandma is getting a wake up call this winter. It’s time to wave goodbye to our more matronly Massachusetts model and welcome a new side to prep. Ushered in earlier this year by Miu Miu's 2022 Spring Collection, ready-to-wear attire has remained consistent with pinstripes, buckles, and is one of the hottest prevailing trends. Playful, yet effortlessly cool, this vibe takes a contemporary spin on traditional garments, and is achievable without dropping $1,690 on the beloved Miu Miu Sablé miniskirt.
Oversized blazers & bomber jackets
While Southbay winter can get chilly (pause for non-california natives eye roll), most of the time the reality is that it’s not quite cold enough to rock a stylish puffer or sport a wondrous wool coat. But an oversized blazer or vintage bomber can serve as a lighter option for layering in addition to serving some serious street style sass and elevating any day to night look.
Sports Tops & Stilettos
World Cup, but make it fashion. While unconventional, this trend represents what fashion should be - mix and matching pieces that would never be paired together and styling them so the different energies the pieces elicit compliment each other. The love I have for this look bears similarities to my reaction to last week’s sighting of a sheer tutu styled over basketball shorts, as I thought, “I have to have that look.” With a constant stream of media, trends, and a handful too many Instagram influencers on the scene, I think we are all craving any bit of originality and authenticity we can find.