Top Fall/Winter fashion trends

With new merchandise dropping into the stores over the next few weeks focus in on the essential fashion trends of the season with this run-down of the top Fall/Winter 2011 catwalk looks:

Dries Van Noten, Dries Van Noten, Diane Von Furstenberg, D&G, Prada.

Mix and match – collaged colour, pattern and texture. Mixed either within the garment itself or accessorized with mixed patterned pieces as beautifully illustrated by Dries Van Noten, (this can be difficult to get completely right yourself so be careful!).

Brights – they were big for spring/summer and they’re still going strong for Fall. Tangerine, lipstick red, hot pink, purple, cobalt blue, turquoise and yellow, all calmed down with neutral splashes of dark grey, camel or black. Also important is colour blocking intermixed with bold black and white graphic prints.

Great trend news for our colder climes  – parkas and puffy jackets! From rabbit trimmed neon brights at D&G, quilted nylon from Jean Paul Gaultier to lumberjack checks from Thakoon.

Burberry, Alberta Ferretti, Prada, Alberta Ferretti, Bottega Veneta, Bottega Veneta.

Sixties revival– a distinct trend emerging – cocoon and shift-dress shapes, skinny pants sets, boxy coats, tulip skirted dresses, mod sweaters and beehive hair-dos! Watch out for “Sgt Pepper” inspired military flourishes too.

Polka dots – Marc Jacobs covered everything including his hats and hosiery in dots. Printed, laminated, appliqué and knitted, any size will do. (Click to read How To Wear Polka Dots by Lexi).

Animal prints – now seemingly a perennial theme – leopard, python, cheetah, faux fur and metallic, in more subtle tones they are even on skinny jeans too.

The tuxedo jacket –a la Bianca Jagger. Whether worn casual and sleeveless at Isabel Marant , lacey and long at Lanvin or classically masculine at Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren.

Mui Mui, Mui Mui, Elie Saab, Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs, Mui Mui.

1940’s couture – all very “World War II-era Paris” – long, lean “hobble” skirts, pinched waists, short jackets, bold shoulders and classic camel toppers, nostalgia and elegance. Marc Jacobs topped off this look with modern little pill-box hats strapped at the chin and Mui Mui accessorized her retro collection with matte red lips, clutch bags and hair combs. See my previous blog  “Step up the glamour” for lingerie tips.

70’s Glam Rock – another decade continuing to trend. Biba inspired maxi dresses, flared jumpsuits, stripy sweater dresses, fur trimmed blousons and thigh high boots.

Alice & Olivia, Alice & Olivia, Rachel Zoe, Rachel Zoe, Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg

Fur mania – love it or hate it, it’s big for the season. Whether dyed into bright colored stoles, edging parkas and bomber jackets or used as an accessory as per Alexander Wang with his outrageous mink wrapped sunglasses and fur trimmed metallic loafers.

The Billie-Jean look – stove-pipe pants worn with chunky cable sweaters or cardigans.

There’s also a distinctive masculine/feminine theme happening, either strictly tailored menswear looks and quite the opposite, incredibly womanly looks (as Dolce & Gabbana perfectly illustrated – see my next blog “Girl Meets Boy” for details).

Navajo – miles of fringing (especially on slouchy boots as Isabel Marant), patchwork denim,  Navajo embroideries, knits and prints, blanket coats and shearling-trimmed jackets.

So there are lots of great new looks and all easily wearable too, to get us excited about the forthcoming season. You can see all the beautiful new collections at www.style.com

Have fun!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

All images from www.style.com