Pre-Fall 2015, A Field Guide

In-between collection seasons (as in, those that fall between the traditional runway seasons of Fall and Spring) can feel cumbersome because like a gin and tonic, they sneak up while you’re focused on the floral zing — a reprieve from the lingo that pervades an onlooker’s mental space and a veteran’s physical time. Leave enough time for a substantial accrual, though, and boom: you’re wasted. Completely covered in the chartreuse-manufactured, albeit highly stimulatory smog that is a month’s worth of slideshows. And with profound inebriation always comes one thing: a hangover. If the baked potato doesn’t work (which I reckon it won’t because this hangover is a metaphor), a field guide to navigating Pre-Fall should do the trick.

So, if you loved The Matrix but hate Keanu Reeves, consider the black leather tunic and pants of Maiyet as paired with a white t-shirt.

If you’re thinking about culottes but haven’t made the plunge yet, let Rachel Comey’s fourth foray into establishing herself as queen of the silhouette help you put your pedal to the metal and let your fupa fly.

If you need something to talk about with your visiting French pen pal, do keep in mind the sharp return of a newly-directed Sonia Rykiel, addressing specifically the suede and shearling cape and frayed white jeans of a Francophilic Penny Lane’s modern conception.

If you’re going to work, hate your suit, but know you’ve got to put one on, cull inspiration from Thom Browne’s multi-layered adaptations and declare with gusto: I wear the cropped pants!

If your uncle keeps telling you, “You’ve just got to shake your tail feather,” redirect him to Thakoon’s collection (then tell him to STFU while you stare in bewilderment at its corresponding genius poplin tie neck).

If you’re into turtlenecks and have cited Susie Salmon as a style icon, rejoice in both those elements’ pervasiveness as interpreted by J.W. Anderson.

But if you’re still on a 90s kick and would rather kill yourself than give up your cropped rib knit, high five Calvin Klein, then strap a stuffed animal around your turtleneck hair.

Or, you know, don’t, because Rosetta Getty said corduroy.

If you’re a chef but bad with knives and find that you’ve ruined too many sweaters, buy them pre-slashed down the middle, like Derek Lam suggests.

If you’re not a sailor, or a champion of the illusive pussy bow, give Chloé a chance to convert (or is pervert?) you.

And, of course, if by no stretch of a dictionary’s imagination can you be deemed a sparkling member of Amish society despite your propensity for both covered ankles and wrists, laud Creatures of The Wind and their sequined ankle skirt. They’re…the…Ant Farm!

Images via Style.com