5 Ready-to-Wear Trends for Fall 2016 and Tips on Wearing the Season’s Best Looks at the Office  

New York Fashion Week inaugurated the Fall 2016 season, in February, followed by shows in London, Milan and Paris. During this design-focused juncture, many women turn their attention to the biggest runways for inspiration and guidance on how to acquire fashionable items for their wardrobe.  However, despite – or maybe because of — the plethora of inspirational material, it can be quite a challenge to easily apply all the trends to one’s individual, personal style.

So SharpHeels took on the challenge of highlighting the prevalent trends seen in during the most recent New York Fashion Week and provide readers with tips on how to best apply them to workplace apparel – and avoid breaking the bank, of course!

Here are our top five favorite trends from this season – and how to wear them in the everyday realm:

Gothic Vibes  
This first trend may appear intimidating, but it can be quite easy to apply. From monochromatic outfits (all black preferred), to bold accessories and makeup choices, the goth look is not hard to incorporate into your daily sartorial routine. We recommend showing very little skin and taking a risk with a darker matte shade of lipstick.  For the office, combine the monochromatic and harsh tones of the goth-inspired look with sportswear pieces like that of a baggy pant or blouse.
Keyword: Monochromatic

Menswear Tailoring  
A menswear-inspired silhouette adds more width and volume to your body  — which may sound less than ideal — but when balanced with a piece or look that elongates your shape, it can make a woman look bold and strong. So we recommend this for both street style and workplace: for instance, a high-waisted trouser and bulky, oversized jacket are great options for the office. We also recommend exploring workplace-friendly colors men often wear including, but not limited to: black, white, brown or navy. Lastly, if this trend resonates with you, this might be your chance to purchase some unique corduroy pieces.
Keyword: Volume

Metallic Glow  
The key to success in mastering this trend is moderation. For the workplace, we recommend limiting yourself to one or two items: i.e. a gold watch, statement shoes, or a shiny top with a darker skirt or trousers should suffice. If you are feeling bold, go for a statement piece, but if this is the case, remember to leave the rest of your outfit components as neutral as possible. This trend is also an ideal one to adopt when transitioning from day to evening: whether you have an after-hours professional engagement or are getting drinks with friends or colleagues, metallics are a great way to dress up your outfit as you leave your cubicle behind. 
Keyword: Moderation

All About the Fur  
This New York Fashion Week trend is a perfect excuse to visit your local vintage shop and make a stop in the faux fur aisle. When incorporating fur into your wardrobe, it’s best to find a bold look that tests your comfort zone yet also invokes a sense of comfort in you (so to speak). The true key to mastering this trend is to conjure a vintage spirit: for instance, on casual Friday, try a fur vest over a long sleeve (kind of a 1960’s look). In fact, a fur vest is a timeless piece, especially if you opt for a neutral color that will allow you to mix and match with a wide array of tones.
Keyword: Vintage

Velvet Chic  
Perhaps one of the toughest fabrics to wear, yet one of the most timeless, velvet can tend to sag, and is therefore very difficult to master. However, its heavy droopiness is arguably what makes this shiny and smooth fabric so chic and unique. That said, no matter your figure, we recommend avoiding bodycon items – instead, try a loose piece that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. Another key to success: wear only a single velvet piece in your entire outfit. Or if you want to play it even a little more safe, we recommend trying a fun shoe that will turn your day-to-day flats into an asset, and a signature part of your office look.
Keyword: Single 

As the list above shows, although most Fashion Week shows might appear to have a predominantly flamboyant and lavish quality attached to them, women can find affordable ways to adopt some of the season’s best trends into their wardrobe. Of course, doing this should ideally allow you to make a statement about your own identity and style, and to provide an avenue of self-exploration.  The most important part is to stay true to who you are, so that you are comfortable in your own skin,  which is a true marker of confidence.