New fall fashions will be big, bold and old

Classic, vintage styles are given a modern twist and being reinvented as attic chic.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Consignment stores will be competing with retailers for back-to-school clothing dollars because old is the in fall fashion trend.
"This fall is all about taking what's old and making it new again," says Pina Ferlisi, executive vice president of Gap Design.
"Classic, vintage styles are reinvented with a modern twist."
In other words, if students can't find that perfect tweed blazer in their grandmother's trunk, The Gap this year is featuring what it calls the "attic-chic" look, which not only includes classic English vintage tweed blazers, but also tweed newsboy caps, totes and mini skirts.
"The jacket is a definite focal point this year," says T.J. Maxx fashion spokeswoman Laura McDowell. "Long or short, fitted or boxy, it is an extremely versatile wardrobe piece -- perfect with skirts, pants or even jeans. More than any other wardrobe piece, jackets add polish and sophistication."
Shrunken jackets in denim, corduroy, boucle and menswear tweeds and checks are hot items at Meier & amp; Frank.
Piecing together
Layering also will be popular. "Layering is a key trend as teens can customize a unique look; key layering pieces include tanks, cardigans, T-shirts and ponchos," says Lorraine Hitch, J.C. Penney divisional vice president and merchandise manager for juniors apparel. "While ponchos have had a presence during the summer months, this look is picking up steam and will be a must-have item for back-to-school."
Ditto for jeans.
"The juniors customer wardrobe revolves around jeans," added Hitch. At J.C. Penney they will find authentic vintage with variations in colors, tints, washes and finishes.
Gap and Old Navy are showcasing low-rise and ultra-low-rise jeans, cinched with leather belts, velvet gingham ribbon, scarves or chains.
For guys, khakis remain a mainstay, while girls will be wearing cords. Both will be sporting men's ties, argyle and fine-gauge sweaters and shirts.
Feminine touches
But girls will maintain their femininity with sparkly scarves, decorative beaded handle handbags, plush flower pins, colorful pumps, cuff bracelets, antique broaches and large cocktail rings like grandma used to wear.
"Customers are clamoring for 1950s and '60s glitzy rhinestone brooches and sparkling accessories with a retro look," reports Monica Kelley, owner of Sister's Home Furnishings, a consignment shop with a vast assortment of vintage and current jewelry.
Icy white and colored brooches can be seen adorning ballet wrap sweaters, layered chiffon tops, fitted jackets and clutch purses of the suburban fashionistas who shop at Sister's Home.
"No longer reserved for formal occasions, a stylized vintage brooch paired with modern choker or chandelier earring produces a hip, casual look that doesn't look like everyone else's, Kelley says. "Vintage rhinestone conveys a sense of nostalgia and femininity and adds interest to any outfit."
Starter set
When it comes to rings, the bigger the better, says Kelley. We call this the 'Liberace starter set,' describing a mega-watt 3-inch red dome ring encrusted with shimmering crystals, and a companion oversized faceted Lucite ruby ring with a King Arthur feel.
Cuff watches in bright colors, accented with studs, rhinestones or grosgrain ribbon are must-haves for back-to-school looks.
"No guarantee they'll make it to class on time, but wearing these inexpensive (under $20) large-face watches, students will have no excuse for missing the bell," Kelley says.
What about colors?
Amethyst purple, crimson red, dusty pink, burgundy, mustard, mauve and emerald will be the trend for this fall season.
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