Guest Post:
Collin - In conjunction with Warehouse
Autumn/winter
Trends
As autumn
squeezes out the last vestiges of summer, and evenings draw in, then that’s the
time to say “what the hell!” Go out and grab some great clothes and go to some
great places to show them off. Especially in the UK, autumn and winter can seem
to drag on interminably, and it’s easy to get a bit depressed, whether you
suffer from Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD) or not. But before you start clicking on your
favourite online stores to order, or before you go on a “dress to winter
impress” shopping expedition, here’ are three tips as to what’s expected to be
fashionable as autumn turns into winter.
Winter and
wrapping up warm fit together like a pair of much-loved gloves and it’s no
coincidence that this week is wool week, the annual celebration of the on-going
Campaign for Wool initiative patronised by no lesser person than His Royal
Highness The Prince of Wales. It started in 2010 to promote British-made
woollen garments and support the wool industry. Noble intentions indeed- but
what can we expect to see on the catwalks?
Well, one of the myths
to explode is that wool is only good for jumpers and sweaters, and then in
traditional arran or cable-knit style. Oh come on- wool is amazingly versatile-
mohair and cashmere yarns can turn heads, and wool can be used for trousers, skirts,
almost anything in fact!
Look at Topshop Unique's cross motif jumper that
has already been deemed a wow, and snapped spotted on Alexa Chung. Traditional?
No- but the wool wow factor is in the red (and black)!
Many people
still think of Pringle when it comes to wool, and it was the house built on
argyle. It was given a kick by designer Alistair Carr who took and shook the V-neck
jumper, updating it in pink neon mohair!
What about
dresses? Well those of you who, like me,
love to dress up in dress in a dress, I have some good news. Hold your breath
ladies… Dresses are back big time! Some fashion
houses are sending the hemlines up, others down. Most of the newly unveiled
dress lines are easy on the figure, and styled to enhance the curves. And let’s
not miss out the new shirt dresses, which are styled to fall just above the
knee or shorter. It tends to be shown with a matching belt, but you can easily
add her own choice of belt, and make your own personal statement- put up or
belt up girls!
OK. You are
sold on a shirt dress… but colour? The shorter and much cooler days of autumn
suggest more muted colours and slightly heavier fabrics. Earth tones are in-
that means tan, brown, maroon, and olive for starters. The ideas seem to have
been borrowed from a Druidical “Earth Mother” concept, but they do go so well
with autumnal leaves falling and that low in the sky orange sun! Watch out for
wrinkles in those thicker fabrics though… although a travel iron in your
handbag would be a little over-the-top!
As autumn
turns into winter, then go for darker browns and greens and add in grey and
dark/royal blues. Fabrics here may include oxfords and twills. If you don’t
want plain and seek a patterned shirt dress, then try herringbone, subtle
dogtooth and wider striped
patterns.
Finally, and I know some
people will hate this- you are going to need a new hat! I know that a lot of
ladies wear hats for protection from cold or heat or even wind- but this
autumn/winter season the hat is being touted as an important, if not
indispensable fashion accessory. You’ll need one not only to keep up with the
Joneses but also to complete your look, and stand out.
Here are
three examples that seem popular on the catwalks recently- fur (yes, fur!)
cowboy (yep, take my word for it! And Cloche hats (my personal favourite). I’ll
pass on fur, but cowboy type hats can look good riding over the right outfit.
While the Way out West Western style hasn’t been popular with fashionistas in
the past, we are told that cowboy hats are going to play a significant role in
the new fashion season.
Cloche hats
are great. They look sexy and have that 1920s decadence of the
Speakeasy, the Black Bottom dance, and, of course… the
recession! They bring a welcome maturity, elegance and sophistication to ladies
of all ages.
