Who’s excited for PEOPLE StyleWatch’s September issue? We thought so! That’s why we’re giving you a sneak peek at some of the stylish content headed your way. Our editors tried out the most popular fall trends (already seen on celebs, of course!) to let you know what you should be adding to your closet — and how to wear it. And don’t forget to download the September issue (on stands everywhere Friday) on your tablet … right now!
Courtesy Christina Decker
The editor: Christina Decker, editorial assistant
The trend: Creepers
Main takeaway: Don’t go too high — anything over 1.5-in. is overkill!
Overall experience: When I first found out that I would be trying creepers, to be quite honest I was scared. Ever since I started working at a fashion magazine my clothing choices have become a bit bolder; I’m not afraid to try new styles I wouldn’t normally pick, but creepers? I was sure no matter how they were styled, they would end up looking like a bad, clunky orthopedic shoe. Then this superchic Ash pair arrived on my desk and my eyes lit up. As far as I’m concerned, leopard is a neutral so these could easily become a staple piece in my fall wardrobe. My plan was to keep the rest of my outfit fairly simple and let the shoes be the main event. I started with my white skinnies, added a chambray shirt and topped it all off with my leather jacket to add a bit of weight to the look. The platform sole gives them some edge, but the slip-on style makes it subtle. I loved how they gave my otherwise basic look a bit of a cool-girl vibe. I would wear them with everything from jeans to skirts or even my faux leather leggings from last year.
Verdict: Not only are these totally on trend for fall, but they’re so comfy too!
Courtesy Heather Viggiani
The editor: Heather Viggiani, assistant editor
The trend: Feathers
Main takeaway: Don’t try to take it too casual. Just let it be dressy!
Overall experience: If I had a style motto, it would be: “There’s no fashion problem that can’t be solved by a little leather jacket.” Case in point: The last time I did a “We Tried It” for the mag, I topped off engineer-striped jeans with my cropped moto jacket. And now, while trying feathers, I finally settled on my collarless Maje jacket after putting on countless other topper options. This both proves my motto and justifies my insatiable need for leather jackets of all styles and varieties. (Right?) But seriously, the feather trend is all glammed up and ready for a night out — especially on the hem of an LBD — so I needed that touch of edge to offset it. Simple two-strap mules from Zara, a black-and-white snake-print belt from J. Crew (which I turned around so the buckle is in the back) and a pair of ear cuffs from Bauble Bar later, and I felt like I had put together a slightly-cool-yet-totally-girlie look that I’d wear on my next date with the beau.
Verdict: If you are going for a piece with feathers, pair with cool-girl essentials to avoid looking like you’re in fancy lingerie.
Courtesy Kristen Maxwell
The editor: Kristen Maxwell Cooper, deputy editor
The trend: Printed Moto Jacket
Main takeaway: It’s all about keeping the rest of your look simple and really letting the jacket take center stage
Overall Experience: I’ll admit I have a slight obsession with leather jackets — my closet is full of them! There’s only one catch: They’re all black. So when I was first approached about trying out the new printed moto topper trend, I was skeptical. Just how often does one wear a floral-printed jacket?
Pairing it with jeans was the obvious choice, but I decided I wanted to branch out to see just how versatile it could be. Could I wear it to work like I do so often with my other jackets?
I started with my white Express pencil skirt. It’s been a work staple this summer, and I’ve been trying to think of ways to keep it going into fall. Then I added my fave mint green Zara crop top (which my husband has nicknamed my ‘teenage mutant ninja turtle top’ because of its shell-like texturing). The pastel color picked up the subtle hints of green in the jacket. (Bonus: Lighter colors are still big for fall!) I couldn’t believe how much the design did for the overall look. A plain black one would’ve worked, but the floral print added that little something extra that takes an outfit to the next level.
Verdict: I’ll definitely be welcoming a printed style to my leather jacket rotation — for work or the weekend!
