Fashion Week trends that should come to Wash. U. (and how to buy them cheap)

| Staff Writer

Fashion Week is in full swing in New York right now for designers’ fall 2015 collections. And though even some ready-to-wear collections may be too avant-garde for casual campus wear (Assembly New York featured many quasi-Pharrell hats and eye-height turtlenecks), many of the trends coming from this season’s collections will transition well to Washington University.

Alas, designer clothing is expensive, and whether or not you have the money to buy it, there are cheaper options that will make you look just as stylish as the people sitting front row at Fashion Week.

Fringe

Who wore it:

Ulla Johnson collection and Ohne Titel collection

Fringe appeared many times on the runway this week. Fringe at the edge of sleeves or the bottom of a top or dress can add eccentricity to any outfit and throw back to the flapper era, adding a touch of class to your outfit.

Where to get it cheap:

“Skirt with fringe” from H&M ($24.95)

“Crochet Pullover w/ Fringe” from Target ($22.99)

Loose Turtleneck

Who wore it:

Victoria Beckham collection and DKNY collection

Loose, slouchy turtleneck sweaters for both women and men’s clothing were seen repeatedly throughout the shows. Oversized wool turtlenecks are an easy outfit when it comes to cold weather. Though they may look plain, you can diversify them with patterned scarves or pants.

Where to get it cheap:

“Wool-blend Turtleneck” from H&M ($15)

Any Old Navy turtleneck (under $20)

Shift dress

Who wore it:

Custo Barcelona collection and Banana Republic collection

Although it may seem counterintuitive, shift dresses can be very flattering since they draw attention to the details of the outfit rather than hugging one’s curves. The best kinds of shift dresses have interesting patterns or colors as well. Lots of designers layered form-fitting turtlenecks underneath shift dresses, which adds a layer of warmth and also gives the pieces more shape.

Where to get it cheap:

“Fringed shift dress” from Mango ($29.99)

“Short Sleeve Plaid Shift Dress” from Charlotte Russe ($26.99)

’70s retro

Who wore it

Desigual collection, Karen Walker collection and Custo Barcelona

This season may see a comeback of ’70s trends like bright flower patterns, bell-bottom pants, paisley, suede material and mild versions of go-go boots. For day-to-day outfits, touches of retro matched with a tame outfit give just the right amount of throwback.

Where to get it cheap:

“Retro Style Dress” from Mango ($29.99)

“HOTCAKES brown/aqua” from Giant Vintage Sunglasses ($16)

Burgundy Hues

Who wore it:

Prabal Gurung collection, Pamella Roland collection and Custo Barcelona

Collection after collection this Fashion Week showed burgundy or dark red colors. Lots of designers even featured multiple burgundy-on-burgundy outfits within their collection. While a burgundy-on-burgundy ensemble may be extreme for going to class, the color can accentuate others in your outfit or make a great element in accessories.

Where to get it cheap:

“Dark Red Square Quilted Tee” from Dorothy Perkins ($9.00)

“ASOS Fisherman Bobble Beanie” from ASOS ($18.34)

Flannel layering

Who wore it:

Perry Ellis collection

Many of the male models sported bright flannel as layering, underneath coats or peeking out beneath other shirts. Bright patterns of plaid work well with toned-down colors like khaki, navy or black and are great for an extra layer of warmth.

Where to get it cheap:

“Arizona Button-Front Flannel Shirt” from JC Penney ($14.99)

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