We’ve got some great advice on how to you can adapt these looks to your wardrobe – easily. Just try one, two or more of the trends. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they’ll bring your look bang up-to-date.
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Shoulders – The 80’s trend continues with perhaps one of the biggest throwback looks – shoulder pads (remember Alexis and Crystal!).
Expect to see them in jackets, dresses and even blouses. Shoulder pads can be a great way of adding structure to your body, but make sure that you define your waist to avoid looking boxy.
If shoulder pads are a step back too far for you, opt for an exaggerated puff sleeve on a soft blouse instead.
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Biker Denim – Denim is a major trend this autumn and takes up where summer’s distressed looks left off. Black or grey denim is key and go for worn, distressed or studded styles for a chic biker look.
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Tough Luxe – This look mixes edgy with feminine for a tough but luxurious trend. Leather is one of the key components but it has a more stylish than kinky look.
A slim leather pencil skirt teamed with a white blouse can achieve this look for any age or you can funk it up with some leather-look leggings.
The easiest way to achieve this look is with accessories – a studded cuff or a heavy chain necklace will toughen up even the chicest of outfits.
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Coco Couture – Hot on the heels of the Chanel tribute film, expect to see tweed suits making a comeback. Classic tailored tweeds will be given a modern twist with cropped military jackets, mini dresses and boyfriend blazers all getting the Coco treatment.
This look can be a little twee when worn head-to-toe so break it up by wearing a cool jacket with jeans, or toughen up your mini with a leather biker jacket.
- Cocktail Party – This season’s dresses will be all about the glamorous and frivolous. The 1980’s influence is reflected in mini skirts and asymmetric shoulders, plus there are a myriad of bold jewel colours to choose from.
This is a great trend for anyone who wants to make a big impression, but avoid ruffles and frills on your more generous parts!
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Utility – The perennial military trend rears its head again this season, but gone are the naval-inspired brass buttons and frogging in favor of a more pared down utilitarian look.
This is a great day time look and can be teamed with denim or slim chinos for a feminine take on the boyfriend look.
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Print Story – Prints are bold and wild this season. Expect to see brightly hued geometrics, coloured leopard prints and bold checks in favor of anything floral or feminine.
Wear them clashing or head-to-toe if you are brave. If you’re after a more stream-lined look, just team one brightly patterned garment with a solid black one for a dramatic look.
Petite figures should avoid oversized prints as they may swamp you, and curvier girls should go for black back prints for a slimming effect.
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Velvet Dreams – Velvet is another trend that makes a comeback this season, but it shrugs off its frumpy image with cute cocktail dresses and bold devore stripes.
This is a trend that is best kept as an evening look and works well for some of this season’s party dresses.
However the look can be toned down with a fitted velvet blazer – choose a tuxedo style and layer over a shift dress.
Key Wardrobe Essentials for A/W ‘09
- Black Distressed Jeans
- A Statement Sweater – avoid overly chunky knits if you are curvy
- A Boyfriend Blazer with Shoulder Pads
- Thigh-high Boots
- A Statement Skirt – the shorter the better
- Camel Coloured Coats – a versatile colour that suits almost every skin shade
- A Cocktail Dress – in a bright jewel colour
- Skinny Chinos – this season’s key alternative to jeans
- A Sequined T-shirt or Vest – wear it in the daytime to dress up your jeans.
- Leather-look Leggings – only for the very young or the very brave!
- A Leather Jacket – biker styles are hot
Colours – What’s In!
- Hot Pink – great for darker skin tones
- Electric Blue
- Light Grey – fantastic for pale skin
- Pillar Box Red
- Purple – There’s a shade for everyone
- Black
- Mustard – Avoid this colour if you have a yellow based skin or a sallow complexion.
