Even if our European counterparts are more known for high concept than practicality, the fall 2010 shows in London, Milan, and Paris unveiled a friendlier face of high fashion. Designers still dared to dream, but silhouettes recalled the heydays of super style (think '70s pantsuits and '90s leather and lace) that are easy to love and, more importantly, easy to wear. As always, the runways gave way to their fair-share of the forgettable, predictable, and unwearable, but that didn't stop us from combing through all the other gorgeousness to find our must-have fall 2010 trends of the moment. In fact, here are 10 that can almost make us wish fall would get here a little quicker.
1. Damask & All-Over Appliqués
Is it more furniture or high fashion? Given we're kind of into it, we'll go with the latter.
Above, from left: Christopher Kane; Clements Ribeiro; Balmain; Marios Schwab.
2. Electric Blue
Cast in opposing tones of deep and bright, the season's electric blue felt modern, young, and insanely cool.
Above, from left: Matthew Williamson, Louise Goldin, Burberry, Sonia Rykiel.
3. '70s Suits
Either with high-waisted trousers or blousey Working Girl neckties, the season's "office" vibe was the perfect balance of masculine and feminine.
Above, from left: Gianfranco Ferre, Akris, Salvatore Ferragamo, Balmain.
4. School-Teacher Skirts
Falling just below the knee and paired with heavy black booties, the new skirt length definitely sheds its matronly MO.
Above, from left: Jonathan Saunders, Nicole Farhi, Jonathan Saunders, Pringle of Scotland.
5. Digital Painting Prints—Swirls of color had a decidedly digital flair thanks to Matthew Williamson, Clements Ribeirio, and Mary Katrantzou .
Above, from left: Matthew Williamson, Clements Ribeiro, Basso & Brooke, Mary Katranzou.
1. Damask & All-Over Appliqués
Is it more furniture or high fashion? Given we're kind of into it, we'll go with the latter.
Above, from left: Christopher Kane; Clements Ribeiro; Balmain; Marios Schwab.
2. Electric Blue
Cast in opposing tones of deep and bright, the season's electric blue felt modern, young, and insanely cool.
Above, from left: Matthew Williamson, Louise Goldin, Burberry, Sonia Rykiel.
3. '70s Suits
Either with high-waisted trousers or blousey Working Girl neckties, the season's "office" vibe was the perfect balance of masculine and feminine.
Above, from left: Gianfranco Ferre, Akris, Salvatore Ferragamo, Balmain.
4. School-Teacher Skirts
Falling just below the knee and paired with heavy black booties, the new skirt length definitely sheds its matronly MO.
Above, from left: Jonathan Saunders, Nicole Farhi, Jonathan Saunders, Pringle of Scotland.
5. Digital Painting Prints—Swirls of color had a decidedly digital flair thanks to Matthew Williamson, Clements Ribeirio, and Mary Katrantzou .
Above, from left: Matthew Williamson, Clements Ribeiro, Basso & Brooke, Mary Katranzou.
6. Lace Blouses
No, not exactly a new trend, but one that seems to feel even more appealing than it did last season.
Above, from left: Christopher Kane, Celine, Burberry, Givenchy.
7. Asymmetrical Draping
A little cinching, wrapping, and ruching gave some typical pieces a whole new look.
Above, from left: Osman, Peter Pilotto; Anne Valerie Hash; Richard Nicoll
8. Future Perfect
Oh, if we could only captain our own chic little spaceship in all fall's galactic goodness!
Above, from left: A.F. Vandevorst, Balenciaga, Todd Lynn, Gareth Pugh.
9. Power Paisley
Designers like Tsumori Chisato and Erdem took this old-school pattern to glamorous new heights in either dramatic mini dresses or long, lean gowns.
Above, from left: Clements Ribeiro, Etro, Tsumori Chisato, Etro.
10. Shearling Collars
Christopher Bailey was a master with shearling, and other designers like Erdem and Richard Nicoll were on board, too, giving us shearling collars and details we can't wait to wear.
Above, from left: Burberry, Erdem, Richard Nicoll, Unique.
Didn't get your trend fix? Check out more fall trends now...
No, not exactly a new trend, but one that seems to feel even more appealing than it did last season.
Above, from left: Christopher Kane, Celine, Burberry, Givenchy.
7. Asymmetrical Draping
A little cinching, wrapping, and ruching gave some typical pieces a whole new look.
Above, from left: Osman, Peter Pilotto; Anne Valerie Hash; Richard Nicoll
8. Future Perfect
Oh, if we could only captain our own chic little spaceship in all fall's galactic goodness!
Above, from left: A.F. Vandevorst, Balenciaga, Todd Lynn, Gareth Pugh.
9. Power Paisley
Designers like Tsumori Chisato and Erdem took this old-school pattern to glamorous new heights in either dramatic mini dresses or long, lean gowns.
Above, from left: Clements Ribeiro, Etro, Tsumori Chisato, Etro.
10. Shearling Collars
Christopher Bailey was a master with shearling, and other designers like Erdem and Richard Nicoll were on board, too, giving us shearling collars and details we can't wait to wear.
Above, from left: Burberry, Erdem, Richard Nicoll, Unique.
Didn't get your trend fix? Check out more fall trends now...
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