Key Looks
It's dark and it's sexy and it's a great look for every age group if it's done well.
There's lots of leather and studs ... this is post recession dressing where we're taking control again and so fashion is strong and powerful. The shoulders are wide and almost pointy - it's that naughty '80's poking it’s nose into current day fashion and for most girls it's gorgeous. Wide shoulders emphasize the waist and make everything below them look just fab ... but be careful to choose bottoms carefully. Too flared a trouser or skirt can make you look the same width all the way down.
There are shades of black, black, black, and grey, both darker and lighter ... this is a sombre and sedate season in the main, with the odd outburst of colour in a season where even the reds are subdued. Before you get too depressed, there are random splashes of brights - try a splash of coral or mustard or even marine blue and then there's lace. Use accents of lace here and there as opposed to all over and avoid using it with leather. Lace is feminine and effective in one or two pieces in an outfit, but un-pretty it by teaming it with a masculine cut blazer or brogue shoes, slicked hair and red lips to make it a knock out look to brighten any cold day.
Footwear
It's another year and the boot still reigns ... but this year sees the resurgence of the over the knee boot which adds to the sexiness of the season and a trend not to be afraid of. If you're a little cautious about invest
ing money into a trend that could be a just a one season wonder, buy one of the styles that has the dome or tie down option, so the boot can be worn over or under the knee giving two different looks an two styles for the price of one!
The other key trend for the season is the brogue and other masculine styled ankle boots and shoes. Juxtaposed with the femininity of the ruffles and sparkles of the season, the more masculine styles toughen up the look which makes it less girly and more rock chic. For those who remember court shoes, this is the year of their return, albeit in a slightly more vampy form. They’re slightly prim and practical and make that racy outfit a little more acceptable and lady like.
Jackets
Look for some masculine styling with the continuing comeback of the s
houlder detail. There'll be padded shoulders a la the '80s but not quite extreme, with detailed and peaked shapes, adding interest to shoulder lines.
The longer line boyfriend jacket is popular, along with shorter tapered designs and there’s a distinctive look running thorough that smacks of the power dressing of times gone by. Goodbye Gypsy and hello bad girl – this is the year of assertive dressing – not by colour but by strong design - particularly around the portrait line from the shoulders to the bust line, forming a frame for the face.
There are crystals, ruffles and rosettes, chains and lots of hardware – jackets are an important statement and are the main event to understudies, skirts, dresses and pants.
Skirts, Dresses and Pants
Balance is the key – choose your jacket and then team it with a skirt or pant that wo
rks. There are many, many variations for winter 2010 – team skirts and dresses with good leggings to create a new look and always choose a style of pant that suits your body, no matter the fashion. Dresses have strong shoulders and sport hems that are either A-line or more bubble style, adding volume to hemlines making legs look good and showing off the over the knee boots.
Leggings
Leggings continue to be a hot item for winter 2010, and they’ve almost morphed into pants. Never, ever confuse hosiery with leggings – weight is all important and leggings should almost be the weight of a trouser. If you’re not sure, put them on and check them out in bright light – you can see through hosiery and unless you are Kate Moss, it’s a pretty gruesome sight for onlookers if they’re worn as a legging! New looks include metallic’s and sparkles along with ruching and texture.
Hats
Fur hats top the bill for winter 2010, with high Cossack styles favoured for the more sophisticated, but for the young, flying helmet and the closer fitting styles which are harder to wear will prove popular. Choose the traditional fur colours or go for brights or neons to brighten up the sombre season – and if you have moral issues around using natural fur, there are very good fakes around that look either natural looking or full on fun.
For the big racedays, don a felt Fedora or a spangled beret – the humble beret or knitted hat can be dressed up admirably with a crystals, rosettes or spangly trims to create drama and give a sophisticated edge to any outfit.
