Goodbye Summer (and good riddance if you ask me since it wasn't much of one but hey...I'm not bitter) and hello Autumn/Winter. For many of us the season changes can be confusing, trying to understand what’s new in fashion, what to invest in for your wardrobe, what suits you, your body shape and your own personal style and what you can afford. In other words, how much of the new seasons ‘must haves’ do you embrace, remembering that you don't have to be a fashion victim to be stylish (...or rob a bank for that matter).
It seems that the impending doom of the economic climate has hit the fashion and style scene and created an air of seriousness for the Autumn/Winter 2008 season with strong emphasis on investment dressing. Music to our ears since this is the basis of what we preach! Items now are intended to be timeless, good quality that can be dressed up or down for the occasion, separates will be key and so a great time to choose clothing wisely.
So let's take a whistle top tour of what the key looks are for Autumn/Winter 2008:
- The Seasons Colours
The Autumn season usually brings with it a range of warmer, somber shades but this year, it's all change with hues of a much brighter, richer, vibrant quality with the usual shades being given a lift with undertones of purple, blues & greens. If you know your Pantone colours then watch out for Blue Iris - Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2008 and Royal Lilac. It's inevitable this season what black dominates but also watch out for vibrant reds, beautiful teal blue, purples and earlier in the season, grey. - Coats have strong structured lines and shapes
Undefined waistlines, A-lined swing style - 60s inspired. Still clinching in the waist with defined waistlines and belted or why not accessorise with your favourite belt.
1. Yellow Knickie Jacket - French Connection £160
2. Red Textured Coat - Debenhams Collection £40
3. Charocal Dip Dyed Occasion Coat - Principles £150
4. Oval Buckle Belt - French Connection £25.00 - Shoes to make a statement
The sculptured look continues with footwear with spiky platform heels. Check these out from Top Shop:
1. Senorita Short T Bar - £60.
2. Showtime Harlequin - £65
3. Rizzo Tie Back Sandal - £60
Maybe a bit high for some of us with the heels a little too killer! Look for anything with contrasting heels, straps, buckles and ties and you won't go wrong. Contact Min to find out more about online retailers and high street stores. - Animal prints, fur & lace
It's the season for fur again. Stick to faux furs as there is a plenty of choice in the high street from shawl collars to trimming on clothing. Look our for animal prints: leopard, tiger and zebra...the lot, particularly on footwear and accessories. Beautiful lace will be key for this season and you'll see it feature in the boho and gothic look.
1. Zebra Bow Ballerina - Oasis £40
2. Origami Lace Top - Warehouse £45
3. Animal Print Shift Dress - Oasis £60 - Jackets & Gilets & the Military influence
Leather and/or fur trimmed biker styles and look out for the military pea coat influence in jackets.
1. Burgundy Mongolian Gilet - Top Shop £85
2. Arnas Coat - French Connection £140
3. Black Quilted Biker Jacket - Dorothy Perkins £35 -
- Boho Chic
The boho inspired look is set to be big again for Autumn so look out for all things with a folklore feel about it – think peasant blouses, from floral prints, frilly edges and print chiffons to paisley designs and the fur gilet. This can be a fun fashion to embrace this season where all body shapes and sizes finding something out there. The item you will see the most is the gilet and is the quickest way to adopt the loop. Use it to create a layered look and teaming up with a peasant blouse, dropped waists with ornate belts or cinched in at the waist with jeans tucked in or over dresses or skirts.
1. Ethnic Shirred Top - New Look £16
2. Faux Fur Shrug - New Look £35
3. Paisley Cami - New Look £16 - Dramatic Gothic
Lace, leather, satin sheers are all used to maximum effect to create the
Gothic look and of course...black. The range of looks here vary from the very dramatic metal studs, tassels and neck chains piled high, the more the better, to the sophisticated with bustier dresses, high filly necklines and tailored jackets.
1. Black Cotton Lace Bow Dress - Warehouse £85
2. Stud and Tassel Bag - New Look £30
3. Black Chiffon Ruffle Skirt - Red Herring £20
4. Ink Velvet Jacket - Principles £65
5. Lace & Ruffle Dress - New Look £30 - Heritage & urban sophistication
Out of all the seasons looks, this is my favourite and can again be very easy to introduce into your wardrobe either by one or two staple items or through carefully selected accessories. Like the others, it is a look that can be dressed up or down. Look for country plaids & wools, traditional tartans and checks in this seasons colours. Tweed is big so look out for suits and jackets. This is the era of sophisticated tailoring. A good investment buy is a crisp white shirt (your best white though), which can be teamed with a pair of tailored trousers or this seasons tulip shaped skirts.
1. Scarlet Cegrade Court Shoe – Faith £65
2. Hand painted Check Tulip Dress – Warehouse £65
3. Teal Rose Print Dress – Principles £75
4. Punk Tote – French Connection £55
5. Red & Black Checked Jacket – Principles £85
6. Scarlet Bzoey handbag – Faith £25
7. Checked Pussy Bow Shirt Dress – Oasis £42
8. Neutral Metallic Check Shirt – Principles £45
9. Pleated High Waist Skirt – New Look 25 - Go Big on Accessories
Even though you'll find necklines going higher, that does not mean they are ignored. Lots of layered chains are in this season, wear around the neck and wrist - as many as you dare and can stand! Accessories are big in size this season. We've already mentioned some of the trends in materials and textures and all these extend to accessories from lace to fur to fringing. - Anything that shines
As well as the usual glitz and glitter and sequins that the Autumn/Winter season brings, practically anything shiny goes - that includes patent leather on everything - shoes, bags, coats, belts...you get the picture.
Our final note is a reminder that it with all the new season trends, it is important to be aware of your own personal style, your body shape and proportions and the fact that you don't need to go to the extreme to create the desired look. Remember also to look in your current wardrobe - what's in there that can be adapted. And if it's all too much and you would like to really understand what is out there and how to put it all together, why not book a personal shopping session with Min, either just you or make it a fun day out with friends.
Happy Shopping Ladies!
