TOP FALL 2010 TRENDS: #1 SWEATER DRESSING

To wrap up the Fall 2010 trends, I present my #1 trend as Sweater Dressing.  Designers presented this trend in a myriad of ways on the runways. From Chanel’s arctic versions to Jean Paul Gaultier’s Nordic Warrior styles, knitwear was seen in a multitude of stylings.

All levels of the business will be interpreting this trend to fit their customer which is why I chose it as my #1 trend.  As trends can be limiting for particular segments of the market, sweater dressing has a wide range of wearability from a younger customer to older and from cold weather to milder climates such as California.

The FOUR main categories of Sweater Dressing that will be seen at retail are as follows:

1. LAYERED KNITWEAR
2. SWEATERS AS DRESSES
3. SHE’S CRAFTY
4. NORDIC WARRIOR

LAYERED KNITWEAR

Knitwear was seen layered in neutral palettes combining leggings, over the knee socks, dresses, skirts, shorts and sweaters. The key to this styling was using thin gauge knits combined with chunkier knits along with textiles such as leather and boiled wools.  Knee-high and Over-the-knee socks fall into this interpretation which is a dominant Accessories trend for Fall.

Vanessa Bruno

Sonia Rykiel

A De'tacher

Dolce and Gabbana

Yigal Azrouel

Central Saint Martins

SWEATERS AS DRESSES

The 90′s are back in full force and sweater dresses were seen in many varieties on the runway.  From chunky versions at Missoni, to sleek and chic at Michael Kors, a sweater dress should be within every retailers presentation this Fall.

Sonia Rykiel

Sonia Rykiel

Michael Kors

Missoni

ADAM

CHANEL

SHE’S CRAFTY

Rodarte has always been the leader in intricate knitwear, and this season they weren’t alone in their crafty contributions to the knitwear trend.  From spider-webbing to open looped knits and textural fantasies, intricate crafty knits made a big impact on this Fall’s runway.

Rodarte

Maison Margiela

Gareth Pugh

Missoni

Missoni

CHANEL

NORDIC WARRIOR

The last trend seen within Sweater Dressing was the use of Nordic/Fair Isle designs combined with Ethnic references within knitwear. D&G, Jean Paul Gaultier, Rag & Bone, Sacai and many others paved the way for this trend that will be a heavy hitter at retail this Fall.  Everyone from Lands End to bebe and Forever 21 will be knocking off this easily interpreted trend.  High end designers will produce styles with an edge following the lead of Rag and Bone while fast fashion chains will interpret in classic zippered hoodies and crewneck versions to satisfy every girl’s need to be in a Winter Wonderland.

Jean Paul Gaultier

D & G

Rag & Bone

D & G

Missoni

Proenza Schouler

Givenchy

Sacai