Winter 2011 – The ‘Look’
There is a ‘70s feel about fashion this season, mixed in with tradition and the structure of the ‘50s, and this winter is the season of texture and layering. Winter 2011 is an exciting season which turns its back on the modern and the brash, and returns somehow to times more basic, more sustainable, more natural, and more grounded. This is not a frivolous season and the favourites of old will reign – think boucles and tweeds for suiting and Fair Isle and chunky knits for knitwear.
Maybe it’s because it’s been a tough old year for the world as Mother Nature has created chaos in both hemispheres, but fashion this winter feels like the world has returned to its roots. The ‘shiny’ trends in recent seasons have gone and there is a return to handcrafted, traditional looks with a more sustainable feel. Natural fibres, with their coarser textures, imperfections, flaws and earthy character are applauded for their organic value, rawness and distinctive look.
This season’s trends combine the looks and values of yesteryear, with a modern twist of course. Pretty, rounded collar blouses peep out from under traditional tweed and check suiting. They feature hand-tatted looking lace-trimmed georgette or chiffon – not winter weight fabrics, but perfect under the warmth of wool. A key look is rustic and country, with flashes of feminism through the use of chiffon and frills.
Colours
The strongest signature colour of the season is Camel – and while that may not sound wildly exciting, focus on texture and cut. Camel is wonderful backed with Navy or Winter White for a splash of winter luxury or as an escape from our ever present Black. A Camel coat will be the 
signature piece of the season. The trench coat is a strong trend for this winter, but if Camel is just all too much for you, use this important colour in a shorter jacket worn with a skinny belt worn high. And if the insignificance of Camel doesn’t appeal, go for it’s darker cousins Caramel or Mink, which can be easier to wear and kinder to the face as that tan fades!
If you just can’t do Camel invest in Slate Grey - wear it with tartans and tweeds and highlight it with dirty Raspberry, Teal or Mustard to make it more relevant to this season.
Raceday Suits
Black and White in boucle or checks makes winter suiting sharp and Chanel-esque. Combine the roughness of texture with shine in accessories or in a detailed belt, and make the skirt short and sassy - too much texture isn’t flattering, and it needs to be cleverly offset with sharp accessories so the look just isn’t too fussy. The opulence in some of the highlight fabrics will provide that decorative touch to the rougher, chunkier fabrics for suiting and separates – use these with suiting to sharpen up your look for contrasting cuffs or collars.
Fabrics
Leather and suede make a strong statement, with the earthy colours of Tan and Olive a welcome change from Black. Shearling jackets and boots look more formal than they sound when paired with tartans and checks, chunky socks or hosiery, and some lace or shine - this is the season of contrasts and the art of winter dressing for 2011 is mixing them all up.
The eco-fur trend continues – depending on your views, don possum or rabbit for the love of our land, or if your conscience just won’t let you do it, go for the faux alternative or feathers, which feature heavily as capes, collars or gilets.
Hemlines
Long or short – the maxi continues for another season, and the look to wear with the shorter lengths is tough boots and interesting leg wear.
Pants are tapered and patterned and checked and sit on the ankle to sit well with boots – they are a combination of legging and Capri pants, and have a distinctly ‘50s feel – fabulous put back with fine turtle neck knitwear and a round the neck scarf and perhaps a cape to stand out in the crowd and for a really different take on winter 2011.
Hats
A slouchy felt trilby or fedora will give a bit of magic to your winter look and to make it a bit more formal for a winter race day. Trim it with feathers or quills for that country chic look, or go to Grosgrain or satin to add a bit of texture to your ‘titfer’. Beanies are great for winter and go with the chunky knits and the tartan, but make sure if you have long hair to wear your tresses long and curly underneath, or short, with a fringe, to make it less casual and more tailored.
Designers and Stockists
See Starfish, Andrea Moore and Ashley Fogel for designer ready to wear. For this season’s look at great prices see Witchery, Max and Portmans.
Thanks to Starfish, Ultra Shoes, Andrea Moore andMischief Shoes for the photos in this article. Check out their websites:
www.starfish.co.nz
www.andreamoore.co.nz
www.ultrashoes.co.nz
www.mischiefshoes.co.nz
