LAUREN BENTLEY
C O N C E P T • E D I T O R • T R E N D D I R E C T O R
ANTHROPOLOGIE
Following are the fashion trends I see for Fall and Winter 2017 and how they can influence the direction for Anthropologie.
Today we're bombarded with choices of what to buy in a market that's over saturated, over stimulated and over optioned. With Amazon and fast fashion brands making shopping more like a blood sport, Anthropologie has to compete in a new way, which ironically is more of an "old" way. After all, you can't learn about the Anthropologie woman by using an algorithm. And where the computer lacks in creating a sense of desire, I'm confident I can define the connection necessary to move a customer to make a purchase through more refined silhouettes and carefully edited collections.
After the past few decades of overconsumption I believe the next overarching trend is going in a
"less is more" direction. People are back to wanting artisanal, boutique, specialty, and "found" as opposed to mass produced products. Anthropologie will benefit from a more focused and
simplified offering to make it feel special. This is especially important today as we recognize our duty as humans to stop wasting our planet's precious resources. And it's no surprise this trend of "minimalism" is being embraced more and more by the next generation.
Anthropologie should be like a woman's best friend. Someplace she can trust as a fashion leader that won't confuse her or overwhelm her but instead help her pair down and re-merchandise her closet with items she can rely on. There's a fine line between disposable fashion and what may live in a wardrobe for several seasons to come. The customer needs to know she is hitting the mark each season with confidence. Anthropologie should provide the opportunity to purchase what is well made, stylish and most importantly flattering.
1
Fall Florals
The pattern trend continues... this time it's opulent decorative prints, painterly florals, a nod to baroque and the dutch masters infused with a healthy dose of chinoiserie. Based on the current political climate and negative economic forecasts, people seem to desire running to far away places (even if they never leave), and satiating their fashion appetites with exotic printed silks perfectly cut in a modern range of silhouettes.
Silhouette: midi trapeze paneled dress, 3/4 sleeve, v-neck, pullover, easy forgiving fit
Fabric: printed silk with velvet trim
Color: dark intricate floral and paisley with burgundy velvet trim
Styling: for day or night with jewelry and mules
Proportions: classic trapeze, balance with bare leg and small heel
Silhouette: l/s wrap over blouse with hidden buttons, cut higher in front
Fabric: printed silk
Color: turquoise and black backed chinoiserie print
Styling: wear with high-waisted pants & skirts, keep it simple pairing with black, white and denim
Silhouette: blouson sleeve jumpsuit, v-neck, side zip, fitted through waist, easy fit, loosely gathered at bottom, long and lean shape
Fabric: printed silk
Color: black backed small floral and bird print
Styling: wear under a velvet kimono with a stacked heel
Proportions: fitted shoulders and drawn in waist provide elegant flow
Silhouette: a-line midi skirt, sits at waist, side zip
Fabric: printed silk
Color: oversized painterly blooms, dark romance
Styling: great with cropped sweaters, delicate tops, kitten heels and booties
Proportions: keep waist defined, shoe shape delicate
Silhouette: harem pant, sits at waist, side zip, waist panel and pleats, stretch ankle cuffs
Fabric: brocade
Color: black backed gold and bronze floral
Styling: off shoulder body suit, or cropped knit top, keep it light and simple, show some skin, the pants are the showstopper
Proportions: waist is defined, pants are full, balance with metallic sandals or low heeled mules
2
Pretty and feminine. This standout wardrobe staple looks great tucked into high waisted jeans, a leather skirt, culottes or layered under a jumper. The high neck, smocking, pintucking, delicate ruffle, and blouson sleeves create the perfect dichotomy of boho and puritan style.
The Delicate
Blouse
The Delicate Blouse
Silhouette: see illustration below. Button front, high neck, ruffled collar and shoulder detail. blouson sleeves, pintucking and smocking from neckline through chest
Fabric: silk, silk blend
Colors: white and black
Styling: tucked into high waisted skirt or pant or worn loose over a fitted bottom
Proportions: balance weight of top with flat front bottom and a weighty shoe/ boot
3
Military Girl
Always cool...The classic work shirt makes a comeback in vintage military hues and softer fabrics lending to a prettier more polished shape. The boiler suit gets re-cut in a sophisticated and more slimming silhouette. The bomber jacket gets bigger and better in a bold assortment of jewel tones, and cargo pants gain swagger and a top spot on the cool girls must have list! Think contemporary utility.
The Classic Work Shirt
Silhouette: l/s button front with patch pockets, double cuffs and button colors to match
Fabric: silk blend
Colors: Teal, classic blue, khaki
Styling: looks best buttoned up and tucked into jeans and classic flat front trousers. Great with a printed silk neckerchief
The Boiler Suit
Silhouette: l/s one piece button/snap up at waist, slightly fitted thru shoulders, loosely tailored throughout. Self belt, straight leg, on seam side pockets, no back pockets
Fabric: 100 % cotton
Colors: army green & khaki
Styling: worn open layered over a pretty cami or buttoned up with a turtleneck or neckerchief.
Proportions: define waist, keep it long and lean, elevate higher with a platform or peep toe stacked shoe
The Big Bomber in jewel colors
Silhouette: oversized collarless bomber. Classic M1A style, 2 side pockets, brass zipper, falls slightly below hip
Fabric: Satin shell with poly fill
Colors: bronze, emerald. sapphire, and amethyst
Styling: looks cool over something sleek and fitted, pair with a refined combat boot
Proportions: balance oversized jacket with slim fitting pieces underneath and pair with heavier soled shoes and boots.
Are Khakis the new denim? Cargo makes a comeback!
The new cargo pant
Silhouette: midrise, slightly slouchy, 2 deep front pocket, 2 patch pockets on thighs, regular length
Fabric: cotton twill
Colors: khaki & army green
Styling: to be worn in place of jeans so everything works, try sporty or girly tops either tucked in or cropped at waist, boots or shoes with a chunkier sole look great
Proportions: show waistline of pant, tuck in tops and balance fullness with some height. keep it long and lean
4
Athluxe -Shoulder envy
The athletic casual trend still going strong - this time with an elevated approach combining smart fabric technology with unexpected embellishments. Last seasons sporty logo sweatshirt gets refined with delicate jewel beading tastefully applied to the shoulders. A subtle nod to the 80's. Yes you can wear track pants with cashmere and heels.
The Embellished Sweatshirt
Silhouette: l/s classic crew sweatshirt, slightly oversized
Fabric: cotton jersey - can also be sampled in cashmere
Color: black, white, heather grey with embellishment ideas pictured in images above
Styling: looks great with track pants, jeans - dressed up or down with sneaks or sparkly shoes
5
Fun Faux Fur
A cool quick way to elevate an outfit. A faux fur jacket cut in a flattering silhouette looks great over everything. A real showstopper in unexpected colors to pull both day and night looks together. Seen everywhere on the runway and the streets during fashion week this season.
The Chubby
Silhouette: l/s, hidden hook closure, side pockets, cut below the hip.
Fabric: faux fur (polyester)
Colors: midnight blue, cypress green, aubergine
Styling: a great topper with jeans, jumpsuits and longer dresses
Proportions: chunky top needs to be balanced with slightly weighty pieces below, boots complete the balance
6
Wearing the pants
Culottes are on trend in warm autumnal shades and soft winter weight fabrics. The go-to pant for purists and die-hard fashionistas alike.
Menswear-inspired trousers tailored in classic grey flannel to have the perfect amount of slouchiness for a borrowed from the boy's vibe. Take the minimalist approach on top or swap in something girly. Both styles are versatile wardrobe mainstays!
Winter Culottes
Silhouette: see image left. Sits at waist, single pleated, on seam side pockets, side zip closure, cropped below the knee
Fabric: wool gaberdine
Colors: teal, mustard yellow, burnt orange, black
Styling: looks great with chunky cropped sweaters and tucked in patterned blouses, knee high boots and sculpted heeled shoes stand out
Mensey Trousers
Silhouette: see image left, sits at waist, single pleat, tapered leg, dropped crotch, back and front pockets, turn up hem, zip fly
Fabric: wool gaberdine
Color: charcoal and heather grey
Styling: looks great with tucked in blouses, bodysuits, cropped sweaters, belted, with loafers or a pointy shoe
Proportions: balance full trousers with more fitted pieces to emphasize fluidity, a small heel to elongate the leg
7
Gypset
Once the caftan was reserved primarily for beach vacations, but now easy to wear in cooler temperatures layered over a turtleneck with knee high boots for day, or evening with jewelry and heels for instant gypsy chic. Sophisticated silk prints in bold contrasts like black and white fit both office and date night. Laid back glamour.
The Maxi Caftan
Silhouette: l/s pull over, v-neck, on seam side pockets, seam detail and yoke below waist, easy fit, maxi length
Fabric: printed silk
Colors: cream with black graphics, black with cream graphic prints
Styling: looks great for day over a turtleneck with velvet flats and at night with slouchy leather tall boots
Proportions: when layering keep underneath pieces fitted (l/s body suit/leggings) and balance long length with a weighty shoe/boot
8
The Princess Dress
Pretty as a princess... silk, satin and a touch of lace. Ballerina influenced frocks in soft shades of pink, ivory, yellow and black. Classically cut shapes with the waist commanding center attention. A ribbon of velvet or intricate metallic braiding detail pulls it all together. The hem is finished with a delicate ruffle for the perfect amount of flounce. Dresses to love for many occasions and seasons to come.
The Charlotte
Silhouette: princess lines, v-neck, side zip, built in braided gold metallic belt, jewelry sleeves, delicate ruffle trim at neck, sleeves and hem, below the knee length
Fabric: silk chiffon
Colors: canary yellow, black and petal pink
Styling: wear with a velvet slingback or a decorative satin mid-heel
The Kate
Silhouette: illustration left, bateau neck, princess lines, side zip, jewelry sleeves, lace detail at neck, waist, cuffs and hem, midi length
Fabric: silk chiffon
Colors: black, ivory and petal pink
Styling: wear with decorative heel or satin bootie
Proportions: cinched waist balances the flouncy midi-length hem, ground with a high heel
Shoe Show
9
It's time to put the Stan Smith's and simple flat slides aside. Fall shoes will command a lot of attention compared with seasons past. Prepare for graphically sculpted heels, kitten heels, pointy toes, tons of sparkle, velvet and decorative embellishments. An urban cowboy influence as well as refined combat boots were spotted on the street and runway not to mention winter white, the return of the slouchy boot and lots of brightly colored silk/satin styles for day and night. A season for the bold!