Fashion - Trend Alert
Autumn styles for the new season
Trend Alert Autumn styles for the new season
Taking inspiration from London's autumn/winter fashion week, which was the strongest yet, I will take you through what's "in" for 2007/08. "But it's still hot," I hear you reply! Yes, I know but it never hurts to be ahead of the trends. I will be discussing clothes, accessories, hair, beauty and even menswear, so there will be no more excuses for scruffy Banús boys.
The key items were high waists on skirts and trousers, reaching to just below the bust, while skinny belts were seen on everything from dresses to cardies. Talking of which, oversized cardigans and V-necks in charcoals, greys and blacks were shown by Nicole Farhi and Marc Jacobs. Don't throw out your leggings and tights just yet - the majority of the designers were also showing their take on these.
There was a very feminine and lady-like feel to most collections, so look out for cropped trousers with turn ups, puffed sleeves and blouses with pussycat bows at the neck a la Margaret Thatcher. You can also include wide-legged tailoring, tiny tweed shorts and lots of itchy mohair to this look.
Bags will be bigger (more visits to my chiropractor) and platforms will be higher (I'm already falling over in this season's style). Lastly, it's all about metallics: Paul Costelloe mixed his gold lurex tights and gold shoes with black tunics, so this season bring out your inner magpie.
THE "IT' ITEM
Yes, it is still the dress, and for those of you who still haven't got to grips with the different styles (shame on you), I will give you a helping hand. The only problem with having so many choices is it is easy to make a major fashion faux pas. Should you go for the sack, trapeze or bubble? It is hard to know what type of dress will suit you, so I am going to break it down, and hopefully you will join me in my love affair with "the dress".
The A-line
This dress creates a sharp and chic look. It is less dramatic than the Trapeze dress, but still has a triangular silhouette. The shoulders are narrow, and the top half is slim, finishing with a stiff, flared hem, creating a shape similar to a capital A. Pair with flat pumps or boots, and take through to evening by adding sleek, "boxy" accessories.
The Baby Doll
Inspired by the 1950s short-lace trimmed nightwear, it is a very feminine style. The Baby Doll is generally an empire line, with a thigh skimming hem. This style suits the young and petite and can be worn over skinny pants for a more modest look. You need to be careful with this style as I am getting really fed up with people asking me when I am due.
The Bubble
It is similar to the sack dress, but makes more of a statement. The dress balloons slightly out at the hem and has become a key evening look for this season. To pull off this look, you need to be tall or wear very high heels. For a look that will suit everyone make sure the dress falls just below the knee, rather than the cropped style.
The Sack
This style is oval in shape. It is voluminous around the waist and hip (perfect for my protruding tummy), and tapers above the knee. This is the shape of the season, so there is no excuse for not running out now and getting your very own sack dress. To wear, just add heels. Jackets should be slim across the shoulders.
The Trapeze
Think Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby. You can tell a Trapeze dress by its narrow shoulders and a wide expanse of fabric at the hem. It has two parallel lines at the neck and hem, and two angular seams at the sides. This look suits lithe, small-chested figures best, as the voluminous tent shape will only make your body appear larger.
The Tunic
This style is versatile and flattering. It is a loose-fitting dress and can be worn on its own, belted at the waist or layered over pants. For evening, dress up your tunics with thick tights and heels.
LET'S MAKE UP
The only look I am not looking forward to is bushy eyebrows; think Brooke Shields and you get the picture. Monochrome is big news: try a slick of black varnish or emulate Scarlett Johansson with white (just make sure it is pearlised enough to prevent talons looking Tipp-exed).
Makeup is nude, nude, nude - so boring - though I do like the sixties-inspired eyes. Eyeliner and eye shadow, even false eyelashes, are huge this winter. You will see everything from the Audrey Heyburn '50's flick to the classic '80s full-on eyeliner. It should be kept clean and slightly softened, but not smudged, as rock chic smoky eyes were nowhere to be seen on this season's catwalks.
HAIR FLAIR
Hairstyles varied from completely big and absolutely mad-sized coiffures to bobbed styles and wigs in crazy colours. Some of the models even sported simple pony tails, reminiscent of '90s minimalism. Paul Costelloe featured big hair, very "Barbarella". Manish Arora used bright red wigs in bob cuts, which suggests that the "pob" will still be in, dammit.
IT'S A MAN'S THING
Sorry guys, the skinny jeans are still around. This season's colours are dark navy or stone-washed grey. Stay clear if you are heavy in the thigh department. Pointed shoes and trainers are everywhere, but if your feet are on the large side, the ski look is not advised. Canvas deck shoes (think Vans) are also on the footwear list and boots are back. It's about time!
Plain Cuban-heeled boots in leather or suede look best vintage and dirty; and the same goes for motorcycle boots. Equestrian-style riding boots look great over slim trousers or jeans and more tailored, gentlemanly styling.
