Time for Darien teens to pull out fall fashion

Written by Jackie Winsch, Teen Times Reporter
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 02:00

The leaves are changing, the air is becoming cooler, and fall has finally arrived. Time to put away the colorful maxi dresses and flip flops, and pull out those long cardigans and plaid prints. While it may be disappointing to set aside bright summer colors until next year, the trends and styles for this autumn are so interesting that you won’t even miss those lazy summer days.

Unfortunately, the ending of summer means the start of shopping for warmer, heavier clothes. But sweaters are a great way to add a heavy layer without a bulky, puffy ski jacket. Long sweaters are being seen belted and wrapped, while heavier sweaters can even be used as coats this time of year. Dresses are another way to wear these cozy configurations, whether they are cable knit or cashmere.

This time last year, Uggs were the must-have item of the season. But, this year, all kinds of boots are being seen everywhere. Whether its fringe, leather, or suede, they are one of the most popular items on the market this fall. Hannah Caldwell, a sophomore at Darien High School said that “knee high boots are becoming really popular,” and many students, including Emily Elliott, Nina Preston, and Lauren Ioli, all sophomores, agreed.

Over the summer, floral patterns were being seen on flouncy skirts, but now, in the colder months, the skirts can be seen in all sorts of colors.

“The girls all love the high-waisted skirts,” Colleen McDermott, store manager of Wishlist in Darien, said. “They like to tuck them into the Sugarlips tank tops.”

Jean leggings are also a popular item being sold at Wishlist that shoppers seem to love, she said.

When looking for pants, skinny jeans are the way to go. “One of the most popular trends this fall is skinny jeans with anything from a dark, clean wash to lots of distressing, rips, and even tie-dye. The pants this fall are slimmer fitting, in straight leg or skinny styles to balance the fuller tops,” Erica Killion Van Wyck, store manager of Erica K in Darien, said.

Killion Van Wyck also mentioned how deep purples, plums and fuchsias are being seen everywhere this season.

Victoria Eng, a freshman at Darien High School, commented on how many trends from years ago are coming back into style. “My mom has a lot of older clothes that I am able to wear, like plaid shirts and skinny jeans, because those were popular when she was younger,” she said.

Plaid is being seen everywhere, from flannel shirts to shirt dresses, from headbands to scarves. If it’s plaid, it’s time to wear it.

If you are looking to give your wardrobe a makeover, some of the popular stores for this time of year include Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Old Navy “if you’re looking for the basics,” said Ali Aparicio, a DHS freshman. Forever 21 is the place to go if you are looking for fashionable, trendy clothes, but don’t want to break the bank. Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters are great stores for select pieces, especially their high-waisted skirts this season.

While the days of swimsuits and beach cover-ups may be over, there are plenty of reasons to get excited for the new trends and styles being seen this fall.