Trendlet: When it comes to accessories, rust never sleeps
Our favorite fall accessories are likely to match Mother Nature's fiery foliage this year. The trendlet Rust, along with its earthy cousins - burnt orange, terra-cotta, and muddy mustard - are spicing up totes, statement jewelry, scarves, and, yes, microsuede hot pants.
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Our favorite fall accessories are likely to match Mother Nature's fiery foliage this year.
The trendlet
Rust, along with its earthy cousins - burnt orange, terra-cotta, and muddy mustard - are spicing up totes, statement jewelry, scarves, and, yes, microsuede hot pants.
Where's it come from?
In the early 19th century, wealthy women, in an attempt to re-create the ancient Egyptian aesthetic, rocked billowy, ivory day dresses. But their shoes, belts, and shawls were different shades of terra-cotta - to mimic the look of the desert terrain.
Fast-forward to the 1890s, and dressmakers inspired by art nouveau were making dresses in olives, mustards, and rusts. (Evening dresses were more fancy and tended to be navy, black, or red.)
In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered King Tut's tomb, and the high-style world (always inspired by exotic excavations) made trendy corsetless frocks in rusty browns.
After World War II, new-look designers like Christian Dior, inspired by the Southwestern color palette, mixed burnt browns and oranges into his collection of ultratailored suits.
In the 1970s, influenced by environmentalism, Yves Saint Laurent and Halston made jumpsuits and fringed jackets in natural rusts, creams, and olives.
For the fall 2015 runways, designers Bibhu Mohapatra and Julianna Bass made glittering, velvety, rust gowns. In fact, rust is the perfect blend of two Pantone fall 2015 colors: oak buff and marsala.
Who's wearing it?
Anybody on the quest for the perfect, vibrant neutral.
Would Elizabeth wear it?
The burnt-orange version of the hue is truly my friend - especially as a lipstick. I'm on the lookout for the perfect pair of rust cords this winter, too.
Should you wear it?
Yes. A chunky rust necklace and cream sweater dress is sweet, and a rust envelope clutch and black pantsuit is businesslike - especially if you slip into a pair of rust pumps. But if you can manage to snag a fierce microsuede rust moto jacket to wear with distressed boyfriend jeans, please opt for the version without fringe. The too-western look will kill your cool-girl vibe.
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Over-the-knee boot, De Blossom, $90; tote bag, Street Level, $88; microsuede shorts, Solstice, $50; all available at Alica DiMichele, the Promenade at Sagemore, 500 Rt. 73 S., Marlton, 856-489-4494, www.aliciadimichele.com.