A/W ‘10 is all about simple, elegant looks with flashes of the fantastic – lace, chiffon and fake fur all help to add a hint of glamour to this season’s key trends!
Simple Luxury
Understated chic is the look of the season and one that works for everyone, whatever their shape or size. Simple woolen shift dresses, perfectly tailored trousers and crisp white shirts are the key looks in this trend, topped off with a camel-coloured crombie coat.
Don’t be tempted to over dress this look with fussy accessories or bright colours, as the key to this classic and stylish look is the quality of fabrics – silks, cashmeres and butter soft leathers.
Look out for the simplest shapes in the best quality fabrics.
Mad Men
Autumn’s retro trend pays homage to both the Mad Men TV series and the womanly form. Designers have all looked back to the 50’s and created collections of full skirted prom dresses, cinched in waists, feminine cardigans and corseted tops.
This look is great for ladies with curves as it plays to your natural assets. If you are slimmer or have a more petite figure, opt for sexy pencil skirts and fitted tops instead of the fuller styles.
Pretty Poetess
Summer’s maxi trend has evolved into a prettier and more poetic look. Chiffon dresses are layered over long-sleeved t-shirts and teamed with heavy boots, lingerie style slips are warmed up with chunky boyfriend cardigans and fake fur coats or Gilets.
This trend is perfect for tall ladies and those with more petite or boyish figures.
Glamorous Grunge
High glamour meets low-rent with this sexy take on grunge. This trend is all about mixing modern maxi skirts, skinny leather trousers and lurex trousers with baggy, checked shirts, loose and slouchy knits and layered-up luxe t-shirts.
As this is one of the most adventurous trends, don’t take it on half- heartedly or it could end up looking more trash than flash.
For a more wearable look, stick to mixing floral maxi skirts with a belted chunky cardigan to cinch in the waist and give your shape some definition.
Heritage
Outdoorsy girls will love this trend as it takes the best of the English countryside and gives it a glamorous update. Plaids and tweeds are the key fabrics to look out for, and then offset these with silky camis, feminine blouses and floral chiffon dresses for a softer look.
Be careful not to dress head-to-toe in this trend as it can look a bit costumey. Instead pick one or two elements like a tweed coat or modern Barbour jacket and team it with smart jeans and a feminine top.
Finish off with a super chunky scarf in a rusty brown or burnt orange to give your outfit a pop of colour.
Romantic Lace
This will be one of A/W’s biggest looks and there will be elements of it across all of the trends. From wide legged trousers to fitted shirts, rock chick leggings to girlie prom dresses, there will be tons of lace in the shops.
While the catwalks sent models down the runways dressed head-to-toe in lace in practice this can be a little tricky – not to mention tacky!
Stick to one key item in lace to make a real statement. Curvy girls could go for a fitted lace blazer or fitted blouse, while petite shapes could opt for one of the fitted shirts or mini skater skirts.
Keep the rest of your outfit simple and tonal – black on black or cream on cream.
The Top Ten Wardrobe Updates To Keep You On Trend!
Fitted Trousers – Last season’s shapeless harems are old news as this season’s trousers are perfectly form fitting.
Waists are higher to hold in muffin tops and legs are slim, graduating to a flare – super flattering for all figures.
Pair with heels for an elegant and sophisticated look.
A Camel Coloured Coat – In a simple elegant style, think Donna Karan or Calvin Klein circa 1992.
Pale skins should go for a warm shade whilst those with olive skins should avoid anything too yellow.
A Prom Dress – Perfect for curvy girls, these dresses come in grown up fabrics and are all woman.
A Cape – Practical, cosy and comfy, capes are set to hit the high street this autumn and fit in perfectly with both the Heritage and Simple Luxury trends.
If you are very curvy or large busted then steer clear of capes as they can accentuate your shape,
A Chiffon Maxi Dress – Channel your inner Bohemian in a layered up floral maxi.
A Chunky Sweater – Dig out your old Aran sweater and throw it over your girlie dress as chunky sweaters are key this season.
A Lace Shirt Or Blouse – An instant update to your wardrobe and the perfect way to dress up your jeans for the party season.
A Fur Coat Or Gilet – Fake fur is a huge trend this season and an instant glamour hit for even the most basic of wardrobes. Cinch in chunky styles at the waist with a belt.
A Skinny Belt – Many of this season’s trends call for a defined waist so cinch it in with a super skinny leather belt.
A Ladylike Handbag – Slouchy and oversized bags give way to the more demure sophisticated style with simple structured shapes.
The Season’s Key Colours
Camel – Works well on most skin tones but olive skins should stay away from very yellow camels.
Grey – From heather to charcoal, there a shade to suit every skin tone.
Black – The perennial classic returns with full force.
Red – Perfect to help darker colours pop.
Rusty Orange – Teams with winter greens and warm browns for a modern take on the Heritage look.
Winter Rose – Following on from last season’s coral trend, these warm rose shades will add colour to pale skin.
Winter Greens – Olive, khaki and forest green are a warmer alternative to navy and black.
