Inspired by Another Era

History suggests that there is a relationship between economic conditions and social mood. When people are upbeat -- and keen to spend -- they often express themselves in a colorful, flamboyant manner. When they are cautious, they tend towards conservatism and pale shades. If there were any doubts about where things are at in the U.S. at this moment, the following article, "Nation's Dark Economy Colors Fall Fashion," by Zoe Fraley, a lifestyle reporter for The Bellingham Herald, should help to dispel them.

Stocks are sliding, banks are tanking and unemployment is on the rise.

For many, this economic downturn is starting to feel like a depression. And this fall, they're going to start dressing like it.

Though the turbulent economy is nowhere near the scale of the Great Depression, that era has provided much of the inspiration for fall dressing: from the sultriness of skirts and pantsuits to the dark spareness of basics that have to be versatile.

"At that point, certain styles had to go with everything," says Shultzie Fay, owner of Fairhaven boutique The Paperdoll. "And now it seems like a lot of things can go with everything."

Because she carries smaller, independent clothing lines, Fay has recently seen a few brands go out of business, and some have cut costs by eliminating extra-small and extra-large sizes. Items are getting less glamorous, less eccentric, less crafty; more basic, more wearable, more sellable.

"The lines are becoming really edited," Fay says. "It's going to be really interesting to see how this plays into fashion."

As is always the trend for fall, things are getting darker and heavier. Gone are the hopeful brights, floating fabrics and lively florals of summer. Back are the structured pieces in muted hues: black, grays, charcoals, browns. But they're livened up with hints of rich jewel tones in ruby and amethyst, and sultry touches of saffron and olive.

"We've had these overflowing looks for a while," Fay says, "and now we have more structure to them."

Though the slim austerity of the 1930s and '40s is key for fall, anyone can find a trend that suits them.

"There are a lot of mixing and matching with decades," says Peggy Platter, owner of downtown boutique Sojourn. "There are a lot of options for a lot of different body types."

Basic menswear looks are flattering on all ages and body sizes, and they're budget-friendly. A fitted pair of black trousers, white button-up shirt and sleek vest are all key wardrobe pieces that will stand the test of time and can form the backbone of many outfits.

As anyone who's made it through a few seasons in the Northwest knows, layering is a chic and easy way to adapt to the ever-changeable weather. Short-sleeve jackets and sweaters with structural collars can bridge the gap between late summer and fall, as can cozy long cardigans worn belted over leggings or open over a dress.

As the darkness falls and the clouds roll in, it's more important than ever to find pieces you love - pieces that will last and bring a smile to your face when other lights grow dim.

FOR MEN

It's time for men to put a dapper twist on their style. Think Oscar Wilde meets Tony Hawk.

"I've noticed a lot of kind of fancy but skater looks," says Lauren Kapp, owner of downtown boutique Paris Texas. "Like a waistcoat and tie, but just going out to Cap's."

The looks have taken a slight collegiate turn and gone a bit darker from the superbright patterns of spring. T-shirts, hoodies and sweaters feature shades of gray with black, blue and plum accents along with the occasional flash of bright.

"There's still the '80s neons," she says. "But they're mixed with subdued '20s drab colors."

To give outfits that extra fall texture, pants and jackets in corduroy add the right plush feel.

JEANS

The most basic of basics is getting back to its roots for fall.

"The high waist is coming down a few inches and the bell is coming in," Fay says. "It's more of a straight leg with a minor flair."

The candy-colored skinnies that made a statement for summer are fading for fall into darker washes, and the once ubiquitous legging is now blending with denim to form a new breed of leg covering.

"Leggings have been so huge and skinny jeans have been so huge," Fay says. "So we're seeing a combo of the two."

SHOES

If the dour darkness of fall is just too black for you, then liven up your outfit with a pair of standout shoes.

As is the usual for fall, boots will be your feet's best friend, and this season there's plenty of style variety.

"Boots, boots, boots like crazy," says Michelle Millar, owner of Mi Shoes downtown. "Lots of ankle boots, lots of flat boots, shearling."

What makes boots new for this season are military- and punk-inspired details, such as buckles, buttons, studs and fringe.

To play up the menswear looks in clothes this season, try a modern take on an oxford shoe, whether it has a ruby red wedge or laser-cut details.

"The sneaker culture influence is huge," says Gretchen Bjork, owner of Left Right Left shoes downtown. "You're seeing that everywhere."

If you find your clothes are just too dark and depressing, use shoes to bring in a bit of color, perhaps with a basic, rust-colored heel. If not color, let your heels add a bit of sculpture and height to a basic outfit.

"Looking ahead at what's on the runways, the heels are getting higher and higher," Millar says. "I literally saw a pair with a seven-inch heel with a two-inch platform on the Internet."

ACCESSORIES

With clothes so basic, accessories - especially jewelry - can take the spotlight this season.

Bold, chunky jewelry add an edge to a spare outfit, whether it's with neon earrings, a multistrand necklace or an armful of bangles.

Purses are also a bit roomier, and stand out in shades of mustard or violet with details such as hardware or ruching. For going out, a clutch with a bit of animal print or theme can be a sassy addition to any little black dress.

Thin scarves add an edge to a basic outfit, and hats help you feel warm and stay cool, especially a knit beanie.

"It's the hat you wear every day," Fay says, "instead of the hat you wear once."

Even if it's as simple as a hat, finding something that can be worn any and every day is more crucial now than ever.

Comments

[Fu]

There was an article on CNN about a week ago about teenagers choosing conservative clothes.

[roger]

It has been my opinion for a long long time that humans are 100% subjective to their environment whether nature or social.Example they want children-or is this desire implanted by nature,can anybody deny erotic subjectivity is imposed by mother nature to propagate the homo sapient species,colors we refer to them as warm neutral or cool again implanted by nature,this desire to belong to the group found in animals is also found in the human animal.Humans think of themselves as # 1 objective & master of all forgetting Mother nature created them.

[Ben Hall]

Great article repost. Sounds like socionomics to me.

[Boom2Bust.com]

I always thought music followed along the same lines. End of bubble-gum pop, boy-bands, Britney and the pretenders to her throne? Hang the DJ, hang the DJ, hang the DJ...