Classic (New) Clothing For Pre-Fall 2010

It's time for seasonal fashion. Pre-Fall 2010. Goodness. Does the industry never stop?

New is fine, new drives the economy, new is new. Some of us want to wear clothing that might be called new AND classic. Luckily, some designers oblige. I find it ironic, of course, that they are dubbed, "minimalists." I'd be more inclined to call the rest of fashion, "maximalists." Or even, "over-the-top-ists." Be that as it may,

Not that our ilk won't often revert to navy cable cardigans, Ferragamo loafers, and white button downs. We will. But we, like many, also want to feel that we are participating in the ebb and flow of history. Or its decorative friend, fashion.

For us, in 2010, there are bags,


There are trousers. That's what my mother calls pants. Anyone else out there broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted, short-legged? If so, this is a good look. Wide legs, high-ish waist, vertical columns of color. Trust me.



There are dresses, which perhaps we would wear with different shoes, or without unnecessary sheepskin, but still, there are dresses. Sheaths, in a newish color, or scuba patterns. Scuba. That's new, I suppose, but it reminds me of a Geoffrey Beene color block dress my mother wore in London. In 1968.


And, finally, frocks. As we all have days or occasions when we cannot resist going over the top, we can go monochrome, preserving color serenity amidst structural frenzy. When we are under 25. For a Very Fancy Party.


We will, however, smile. And are unlikely to ink our ankles.

Images: (edited to repair omission of trousers link)
Valhalla Brooklyn bags via Carolyn, No.
Celine Trousers via style.com
Celine Scuba Dress and Calvin Klein Sheath via simple + pretty
Marchesa Purple Ruffles via Couture Carrie

*Columns of color idea from Imogen at Inside Out Style