From the Catwalk to Wall Street

Models walk the runway for Betsey Johnson Fall 2010, February 14, Altman building, New York City.
Photo: Oliver Quillia for CNBC.com
Models walk the runway for Betsey Johnson Fall 2010, February 14, Altman building, New York City.

It may feel like spring in New York City—but fall is in the air. Models have been strutting their stuff for fashion week.

NetNet went fashion forward with The Style File Group Analyst & CNBC Contributor Hitha Prabhakar and CRT Capital Group Retail Analyst Leah Hartman to find out which retailers could profit from the fall trends.

Prabhakar was asked about what she saw on catwalk. Based on Prabhakar's observations, Hartman tells us which retailers will likely benefit—to help get your portfolio all dolled up.

1. Disco Fever

Prabhakar: Most of the collections had an element of 1979 style. High-waited trousers, blousy tie shirts and accessories were a common theme.

They were often paired with oversized sunglasses on the runway. Accessories such as fold over pocketbooks and wedge heels were an integral part of all the collections, getting as much attention as the clothing themselves.

Hartman: Department stores will carry a limited assortment of the high-waisted pants. I'm not sure there will be sufficient consumer interest in them. But, luxury retailers will move them.

As for the accessory play, that's a quicker turnaround if a style emerges or items need to be reordered.

Expects Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom to continue to benefit. Likes fast and forward fashion from Forever 21. It could benefit if something emerges (like a shape of a handbag or style of shoe.)

2. "Nothing comes between me and my…. "

Prabhakar: High-end denim was staple on the runway. No cutting corners here. Luxury material was used.

Hartman: Luxury denim should be fine if the stock market is doing well. But, increased cotton costs could likely depress mid-priced denim area.

3. Pajama Jeans, Too?

Prabhakar: Skinny jeans and jeggings were still a main trend on the runway. But, unlike past collections, the jeans were cropped, darker and more tailored. All the looks had a luxe look and feel to them.

Hartman: The lower end mass market for the skinny jeans and jeggings will continue. Wal-Mart, Kohl's and K-Mart will benefit.

Due to rising cotton prices, we'll see more cropped styles. Not only have jeans and pants gotten skinnier—hemlines are coming up, too.

Also, watch out for lowered thread counts. Designers are trying to manufacture something that can be sold at a price point that won't shock the consumer.

The same kind of thing is happening with high-end men's "the European cut" suits. If designers cut an inch or two out in the width or length, they save money.

4. Paint By Number

Prabhakar: Designers moved away from the typical drab slate grey, black and beige colors of collections past and focused on bright colors such as tangerine, cerulean blue, magenta and emerald green.

Hartman: JCPenney has one of the quickest sourcing responses and should be able to react to the colors. Overall, the department stores are in good shape here.

5. "Fur" Real Or Not

Prabhakar: Fur was a major trend on the runway.

Hartman: If the stock market does well this fall, luxury will, too. We are seeing synthetic furs in colors that could be a much more affordable and PETA-friendly choice.


Stephanie is Squawk Box producer and senior NetNet retail correspondent. Follow her on twitter @StephLandsman

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