Slither Into Next Season

It may not feel like it right now, but fall is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Faster than we know it most of us will be freezing our butts off. I hate to think about it, but planning ahead is always a good thing, so let’s just tuck that information away while we are adding to our wardrobes. One fashion trend that will work now and take you right into the cooler months is snakeskin.

Snakeskin works all year long, but because it’s exotic and a little more decorative, it’s no stranger to the summer. What is great about this textile is that it can swing both ways, so if a bit of snakeskin is not already in your closet, I suggest you add it to your fall wardrobe.

Typically it’s the bright shades of snakeskin that are popular during the summer months, but this year things got flipped for a change. Natural skins were popular for summer, and for fall we are seeing all colors of the rainbow alone and used for color blocking. From bright and neon colors to natural shades like black, brown, and tan, snakeskin is white hot. In addition to just being a cool trend itself, wearing snakeskin lets you work several trends at the same time.

You can do some fashion multitasking if you choose a pair of sexy snakeskin shoes, a handbag or an actual garment. In fact, snakeskin has the ability to work more than one fashion era, depending on the item and the style. For example, snakeskin is reminiscent of the disco era, but it can go forward or backwards a decade or two in fashion history. A sexy snakeskin clutch can work a ’40s vibe just as easily as the sleek ’70s.

One feature I really like about reptile skin is that it has a luxury feel to it, even if it doesn’t have a luxury price tag. You can go comfy casual with a pair of driving loafers or add a few stylish accessories to your wardrobe like a reptile skin cuff, ring, or even a simple hair accessory. So although it’s on deck for fall 2012 if you choose a classic style or a personal favorite, you can wear your snakeskin season after season. I tend to go old school with the natural colors, but I have seen some absolutely stunning magenta snakes and purple lizards.