Richard Chai Love Fall 2012: Tailored and functional

For the upcoming Fall season, Richard Chai went more simple (for him) with his designs. Instead of being fussy with too much outrageous fashion details, he reeled it back to debut a collection that was approachable, in the sense that it’d be items you’d actually wear in the chilly weather months. With his classic sense to clean up things with a tailored finish, everything ends up pretty sharp, though that isn’t to say that there isn’t a bit of feminine fashion flair that managed to peek out in a few of the looks.

Most of the collection incorporated this navy and charcoal striped tweed that carried along a very Fall-esque mood, especially with most of the pieces being cut a bit longer than most might have anticipated. The covered-up lengths make them pretty nice though, especially if you’re looking to actually try and stay warm.

There’s also a slight menswear feel that seems to run throughout, making things a bit more interesting.

Something that you won’t be able to make it through the Fall with is a jacket. And somehow Richard Chai has managed to incorporate the perfect balance of tailored volume for the one in the middle. Definitely a eye-catching piece, but you can totally tell that it wouldn’t slack on warmth and comfort. I do like what he’s doing for this portion of the collection, playing a bit with the prints, but it’s still really crisp.

Maybe I just have a thing for jackets, but the second one would be a perfect couple look with the previous one I liked. Actually, the entire outfit is pretty on point - just so fitted and clean. But definitely not boring, especially with the details, like that belt and the layering!

The maxi skirt seems like it’s going to be jumping from Spring to Fall, with these giving off a nice flowy effect. Though the covered up length seems nicely balanced with the tops and their opposite prints/solids.

Slightly more tough with more menswear-esque looks. Not my super favorite, but it may just be the slightly-too-boxy jackets.

I really like this light taupe shade especially with the slicker material. It also brings in more interest, instead of all the dark shades from earlier on. Again, everything looks just so immaculate…but in a good way, of course.

Intriguing layers. Though the bigger eye-catcher was definitely that striped dress - doesn’t it just scream Fall?

Playing a bit more with proportions, the waist cincher of the middle jacket works so well. Though that last look is a bit questionable…a tad too much looseness (though it looks comfy for lounging…weirdly).

No complaints here, just some very clean looks that play off the floral + black combo (girls) and tailored cuts of black and wool (guys).

Ending the show, it goes a bit more girly with a lot of that floral print. Not too crazy about the straight cuts of the jackets (though the belt on the third one helps a bit). I do like the semi-sheer laying on the first look, which is pretty interesting and brings a new way to rock a maxi-esque dress in the Fall.

Overall, a very clean collection that definitely accomplished what Richard Chai was going for - with the approachable design that still has a bit of flair though the functionality for the cold weather was never too far off from any of the looks.

You can also check out the entire collection here at Style.com.