Trend Round-Up: Pre-Fall 2014

Pre-fall presentations for 2014 have already gone under way (Chanel's legendary metiers d'art show - in Dallas of all places - recently made waves) and the verdict is in: the pre-fall girl is a sophisticated intellectual who makes a statement but is never gaudy. She likes reading Jane Austen alone in a Victorian library and drinking lattes by the window of a cafe, waiting for the rain outside to stop.

Most important, though, the pre-fall girl is concerned with the details and the materiality of things - her clothes are rich and luxurious but they show rather than tell. 

And of course, these girls are as stylish as hell.

3.1 Phillip Lim | Oscar de la Rena | Akris | Altazurra | Fendi | Jenni Kayne | 10 Crosby Derek Lam

Borrowed from the Boys: Tweeds, pinstripes, shirt fabrics, et cetera. Designers drew from the sophistication of old-school menswear of the early twentieth century and concocted classic, sophisticated, while still easy shapes for women to wear.

Of course, the clothes were not merely men's clothes thrown on women; rather, they adapted aspects of menswear and used them to celebrate the woman. For example, classic khaki trousers keep from being baggy with a tapered crop hem and high waist; a button-down is left unbuttoned over a pencil skirt for a demure touch; shapeless pants or sweaters are given form with skinny belts and feminine pumps.

The overall look is classic and sleek. This girl is not afraid to borrow from the boys but she is also proud of what makes her a woman, and thus she celebrates both.

Nicole Miller | Erdem | Burberry Prorsum | Oscar de la Renta | Pringle of Scotland | Reed Krakoff

Jewel Tones: A more opulent approach draws from rich emerald, ruby, and sapphire tones emphasized by glimmering brocades and soft velvets. There is a strong emphasis on materiality and luxury, celebrating what makes clothes such a beauty.

The great thing about jewel tones is that they are not confined to any one type of "style" or anything; they work with any silhouette and any woman. A rich color is the easiest way to look like a million bucks, and the fabrics used in these collections only enhance the loveliness of these jewel hues.

Opening Ceremony | Fendi | Bottega Veneta | Michael Kors | Akris | Mulberry | Reed Krakoff

High Impact: Possibly inspired by this post from Buzzfeed, turtlenecks have made a resurgence. When you tire of your infinity scarves and feel that you need another way to keep your neck warm in winter, you can turn to a trusty high-necked knit sweater. It appears that the higher you pull your turtleneck up the more stylish you are - or maybe the colder you are; who really knows?