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Trends

Key trends autumn winter 07/08

Menswear

Autumn winter trends for menswear are simple and classic, key items are a great coat, some stylish knitwear and a slim tailored suit. The colours are rich and strong, burnt browns, inky blues, forest greens and slate greys. A good tip is to not wear a trend head to toe and add a trend led piece to simple basics, like a scarf or jumper

Let it snow

Hit the slopes this season, with chunky mountain boots, alpine inspired knitwear, faireisle jumpers and a warm hats. Team with jeans for a fun stylish weekend look. Just remember don't overdo it, choose a jumper with a hint of pattern around the neckline or sleeves, avoid wearing this look top to toe and leave the skis at home!

Get knitted!

Knitwear as always was a strong trend, this season the knits are chunky, cabled and over-sized wear layered with scarves. Wearing stylish knitwear is an easy and practical way to update your look. The choice is endless from bold retro stripes to classic navy or grey cashmere. Wear over a white t shirt for a flattering look. Remember chunky knits add bulk, a finer knit is more slimming and easier to wear. A great way to interpret the oversize knit look is with a chunky scarf.

Military

Choose items with a hint of military detail, like utility pockets, metal buttons and leather belts. A great piece to buy this season is a military inspired jacket or coat, go for navy, grey or black to see you through the winter. Wear over everything for an instant smart update, add a scarf or leather satchel for added interest. Colours that work well are khaki, dark greens and navy’s. Try a splash of red for a hint of colour.

Suit up

Suits on the catwalk were boyish and preppy. Narrow fitted suits with skinny trousers and ties are back. This season choose a suit in black or grey worn with a crisp white shirt, the overall look is very sharp and smart. Wear just the jacket over a t shirt and jeans for a more casual look.

Mellow yellow

A strong colour to emerge is yellow, though not for the faint hearted this colour works well as an accessory, such as a tie, belt or scarf, wear with grey or denim for an up to the minute look. A good tip is to choose a muted tone such as mustard if you’re not confident with bright colours.

Tone on tone

An easy trend to wear is tone on tone. Simply an outfit based around tones of one colour, such as a sage green suit layered with a forest green jacket. Greys and browns also work well in this way; the result is a polished and complete look.



Womenswear

Autumn winter 07/08 sees womenswear moving towards a simpler ladylike way of dressing, less is definitely more this season. With a strong focus on colour and luxe detailing. The silhouettes are simple feminine wearable and embellished with beautiful trimming. Pencil skirts, pretty blouses, frock coats, and cocktail dresses create a chic modern wardrobe and that oh so desirable hourglass figure. Trousers are worn wide legged and on the waist. Clothes are classic structured and fitted with pleating and ruffled details. Velvet sequins, satin, fur and beading point to an opulent winter, rich with colour and texture.

Colour

Who said winter wardrobes had to be drab? A strong palate of rich jewel like shades emerged from the catwalks. Cobalt blue, claret red and canary yellows. Deep purples and plum, vivid pinks and burnt oranges. Team these strong colours with more neutral base shades like browns and greys for a rich splash of colour in any outfit.

Knitwear

This season experiment with proportion and textures. Try wearing a sleeveless dress over a ribbed polo neck for the office, or wear a long knitted cardigan over a short dress, team chunky knits with soft chiffon or delicate satin, for a look that’s tactile and luxurious. The jumper dress is set to be a winter staple, an easy way to keep stylish and warm. Wear with knee high boots and black tights.

Accessories

Play with proportion from tiny mini bags to huge structured leather holdalls. Waisted belts are here to stay, wear wide to show off a small waist, or skinny under the bust to cinch in a dress, creating the perfect hourglass shape. A simple way to update you look this season is with gloves, shown on practically every runway. Wear long to the elbow or slouched around the wrist. Gloves are simple and affordable and very practical.

Leather lady

Say goodbye to biker chic. Sweet yet tough, classic leather has been given a ladylike twist. Worn as pencil skirts, dresses, frockcoats and even blouses. Colours range from classic black to soft buttery tones. A great investment piece which will only get better with age.

All that glitters

The catwalks were awash with gold’s silvers and bronzes, always a great evening look wear with black accessories. Or choose more muted tones for a stylish vintage look. No woman’s party wardrobe is complete without a touch of shimmer and sparkle. These colours look great with this season’s petrol blues and inky tones.

Pump up the volume

Tulip skirts look great when balanced with a slim fitted top, a tricky trend to wear, this is not for everyone. Remember when wearing volumous shapes don't wear top to toe and balance the look. Team a billowing blouse with slim trousers or a full skirt with a cropped fitted jacket. Always try to show off you slimmest area.

It’s all in the detail

A great buy is a shift dress. This shape suits everyone and can be dressed up or down. Wear with a fitted jacket and pumps for day and with heels and a statement necklace for evening. Choose simple shaped items such as a basic dress or cropped jacket in a block colour, embellished with luxe detailing. For example a fur (faux of course) trim, a bejewelled neckline, bows and beading or even for the very fashion savvy feathers! Yes really!

No ditsy floral prints this season, prints this autumn are bold and striking. Try graphic styles, plaids and leopard print. Smaller prints are usually the most slimming and easiest to wear. A print will draw attention to the item it covers, so if not confident choose a printed bag or scarf, with a plain outfit.

Footwear

Ankle boots dominated the shows worn with black opaque tights and skirts or a dress. Not an easy trend to wear, only attempt these if you have the slimmest of legs, alternatively wear under jeans and trousers. A great pair of knee boots is the perfect winter update to any wardrobe. This season choose brown or black leather with a chunky wedge heel.

 

 

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