Winter fashion forecast
By Amber Christina Phillips
2011 has seen a fun year of different eras of fashion creeping back in, and you may be pleased to hear that two of the main trends that have swooped back in do not require any flares or the colour orange! Amber Christina Phillips gives the wintery fashion forecast… Brrrrr.
New year, new you – right? RIGHT! After a season of masculine fitting jackets, brash colours and loud prints, we can finally wave goodbye to those brave trends and say hello to a more delicate palette. Bold colours are still making appearances on the catwalk, but the trends are a lot more digestible with accessories adding a splash of colour. Making going shopping easier (?)
The incredibly popular album, Ceremonials, by the wondrous Florence and the Machine has infiltrated the fashion place (again!) with translucent chiffon and lace dresses firmly back on shelves. High necklines and exquisite detail is a must for dresses and blouses, and the more detail the better. This princess trend is contrasted really well with bright or gothic accessories. It is important to take note of how your figure looks though. Don’t let a beautiful flowing garment cloud your shape – use pendant necklaces’, high-waisted belts and waistcoats as a way of synching you in.
The colour palette for the ‘Florence trend’ generally consists of nude tones – but that’s very 2009. Go for muted colours instead like a buttermilk, violet or olive (but nothing too wishy washy). Purples enhance green eyes, pinks enhance blue and oranges enhance brown – this is a very general rule – but can work really well if done properly. If you are unsure what colour palette you should be using for your makeup, I suggest going to a specialist from Mac, Bobbi Brown or Benefit - you should be amazed at the difference colours can do.
The other big trend this season is shine. Last year there were sequins everywhere, this year, there will be glitter. Instead of a rather robust looking sequined dress, the catwalk is showing a much more grown-up, sophisticated attempt at that razzle-dazzle appeal. Go for pieces that have good shape, and that have a metallic thread sewn into the material for a look that is timeless. If you want to wear something a little louder, then go for gold! Stella McCartney is a great example of a designer that has a loud High Street collection. When wearing items that shine, just remember that those shadows will highlight any bumps (!) so bear that in mind.
What to avoid this January…
Floral prints
Block colour items: this trend is on it’s way out
Sequins (please!)
Red lipstick (Christmas season kills it)
What to invest in this January
One or two quality coats in the January sale (just think about trends)!
Plum nail varnish
Accessories like bows, pearls and lace
Gothic high-waisted belt
So there you have it, two trends that have almost come full circle but with a demure chic twist. Isn’t fashion just wonderful?
