Witchy Wardrobe

MODA'S OCTOBER TREND REPORT Written by Emily Fleming, PR & Outreach Director

While we may have officially transitioned from summer to fall, October in Madison continues to surprise us by bringing a mix of sunny and 70 and random days of cold wind. Although you may be ready to put away your flip flops and crop tops and bring out the sweaters and boots, the fall season brings opportunities to mix clothing in a way that keeps your closet fresh and exciting. This month, we are opting for darker colors and rich textures but we can still incorporate dresses, skirts and other articles of clothing that may only last us so long until parkas become our main accessory. Here is some of our inspiration for this October’s leading fashion trends:

1Cami Dresses While there are many factors to consider when choosing a dress, to fit this style, try opting for a few specifics. Look for fabrics like mesh, velvet or lace to add a feminine flare. For colors, try deep red, burgundy, emerald green, black or navy. Paired with black sheer tights and black combat boots—and perhaps a statement coat thrown over— your look is complete! 2 Cutout Mesh Tops Playing around with funky cutouts can add a sexy twist to a simple top. The separated sleeves trend has been all the rage and is perfect for when you want to up your look for a night out. Pair with leather trousers, strappy high heels and dangly earrings and your outfit is sure to be a show-stopper.

3Leather Trousers The leather pants craze is nothing new, but a good pair can quickly become a staple for wear with just about anything. Going with a trouser style or straight leg cut rather than a skinny fit can add dimension to your look, and with a tiny tee and a bright red lip, you’re immediately ready for anything. There are many ways to find your perfect pair—you can thrift it or buy new. Although sustainable options tend to be on the pricier side, splurging on pants made from recycled materials provide a quality that’s totally worth it.

4Midi Skirts Midi skirts are the perfect transitional piece and offer many opportunities for layering on top. Try adding a lace cami tank top, a white long sleeve tee underneath and lots of jewelry to complete the look.

5Chunky Black Boots It may go without saying that a pair of chunky black boots can be successfully paired with just about anything, and provide the perfect finishing touch to an autumn style of outfit. Not only are they practical for the colder months, but they can replace both a heel and a sneaker, depending on your need. Doc Martens is one popular example of chunky black boots which can be dressed up because of their platform or used as an everyday shoe. However, there are many other brands and online sellers to choose from when searching for your perfect pair. 8 Black Sheer Tights Sheer tights go with just about anything. Try pairing black sheer tights under a black slip or burgundy dress, then adding black chunky boots and silver jewelry. Sheer tights are also easy to rip, presenting a great opportunity to create a DIY grungy twist to the look.

6Satin Slips Satin slips are versatile and can be dressed up or dressed down to your desire. Opting for fall colors like brown, beige or emerald green can make this staple unique. Try pairing one with a dark-colored long sleeve top underneath and tights, or wear on its own with a red or brown lip and layered jewelry as your accessories.

7Stacked Rings Wearing stackable rings can add a unique element to your look. Whether you get creative with mixing metals or adding in pops of dark colors or black, these rings will add a little something extra to even the plainest of outfits. 9 Red Lipstick Makeup compliments and completes an outfit just as jewelry or an eye catching handbag does—and a red lip is the ultimate makeup statement. While it can often be a challenge to find the right shade of red for your complexion, once you discover the one, it will become your lifelong friend. Red lipstick is intriguing. Paired with an all black outfit, it can make for a sultry and powerful look.

10 Flare Pants A staple for every wardrobe: Flare pants effortlessly elevate any look, adding a bohemian flare. You could opt for a pair of dark flare jeans, a pair with unique cutouts or experiment with fabrics such as velvet and corduroy. While a pair of flares is already a statement in itself, you could throw on a patterned pair with a black mesh top and black boots and have a put together look with just a few items.