New York Fashion Week: Candy-Colored Tights, Military Jackets, More

Yesterday at the tents there seemed to be two distinct tones for fall. One trended towards the elegant and ladylike, with youthfully exuberant bright hues and jewel tones splashed on coats, evening wear, dresses, and pants. The other was a darker, more austere look, with a dark grays, olives, and neutrals reigning over goth, punk, and military-inspired cuts. Among the many looks, these are some that can be easily translated into your wardrobe this fall.

Bright Tights, Leggings & Pants
Black and gray tights will surely remain an old standby, but this fall’s most exciting hosiery comes in splashy oranges, cobalt blues, and deep reds. Colorful pants and tights were seen from Milly, Tory Burch, and Anna Sui just to name a few.

You can get Spanx Tight End Tights ($26) in lipstick, cobalt or cabernet, all of which feel great, suck you in, and have a rich, opaque color that is right on trend.

Jewel Tone Everything
Thank designers like Brian Reyes and Oscar de la Renta (to scratch the surface) for rich and beautiful purples, blues, reds, and oranges. Nanette Lepore’s boucle coats in burnt orange and cobalt blue were a welcome break from dark and depressing blacks.

A fitted shift like this Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Ruched Faux Wrap Dress ($128) is an ideal choice to mimic the look, with a saturated purple hue, cinched waist, and work-appropriate cap sleeves.

Camel Coats
We’re happy to see classic camel-colored coats on the runways at 3.1 Philip Lim and Michael Kors. With a great cut and fit, these are investment pieces that will be hot for 2010, but will look great into the future.

A simply cut coat, like this Leurette A-Line Loro Piana Wool Coat ($496) will last you for years and will always serve as the perfect neutral to break up winter blacks and grays.

Military Inspired
Search out pants, skirts, and coats in olive green for fall, as this was a common thread from William Rast to Reed Krakoff. Anoraks, parachute pants, and voluminous dresses in this fatigue-inspired hue fit the bill.

This Gap Military Anorak ($79) is a cheap and fashionable way to wear the trend. At this price you could even throw down for a pair of lace-up boots to go with it.

Plaid
Plaid and checkered prints were popular at the Alexandre Herchcovitch and Douglas Hannant shows. The look was seen primarily on coats, pants, and dresses, as demonstrated at Nanette Lepore.

Nail this trend with one feel swoop by layering this tough meets pretty Quiksilver Diversion Dress ($98) over a turtleneck or long sleeve tee.

Love these trends? See all of our favorites from Fashion Week.