Fashion trends for Autumn/Winter 2008

A statement coat will be your key piece this season! There's a huge choice of styles from funky and quilted, to dramatic and floor sweeping, or short and nipped at the waist. This winter its official, ‘the waist' is back in. Re-discover yours by cinching in your jacket or dress with a belt - ‘40s inspired leather, ultra wide and patent or belted with a cardigan coat. Chunky zips and leather made a big comeback on the catwalks overseas so update your wardrobe with a leather biker jacket or body conscious dress.

Knitwear also makes a big statement and anything goes from chunky, textured, detailed or fine, delicate and luxurious. As a coat alternative, wrap yourself up in a long cable-knit cardigan belted at the waist with contrasting knitted tights, add ankle boots for a luxurious and warm look this winter.

Purple Power

Update your wardrobe with this seasons hottest highlight color – purple. Everything in the purple family from mauve to violet, plum, wine and amethyst.  Wear this most regal of colours with black and greys for a hot look that is right now and there's a shade of purple for every skin tone, if you're olive skinned with dark hair go for deeper violet tones. Pale skinned blonds and redheads opt for softer lavender hues

Back to Black

This winter sees a return to black as the blinding colour of the summer fades. This winter wear it as separates with a mix of finishes matt, & shiny or embellished. You can wear it with a twist this winter by mixing separates in contrasting fabrics such as PVC, patent leather, satin or velvet for a radical new take on a great classic.

Tailoring

It's the season to get tailored and suited. Think ultra fashionable androgynous looks. Wide leg pants, skirts and jackets that are casual or cropped or cinched at the waist or belted.  There is a style for everyone but for the best look on this Manish style ensure you choose styles that suit your body shape. Double-breasted style jackets suit smaller breasted women.  Larger busts look best in single breasted styles with a low break. Petites think cropped boxy jacket styles and skirts that sit just below the knee.  Tall women look great in longer length jackets belted at the waist worn with the new length midi skirt. If your hip area is a concern avoid the voluminous shaped and full skirts and choose a more streamlined pencil effect.

Accessories

It’s nothing but a shoe thing! - This Winters’ shoe is high and sexy. Platforms or cone heels, Patent Leather and metallics are still strong. The Ankle boot makes a big comeback from a strong showing last year. The biggest trend for boots is the ankle boot and Knee high boots have been given the boot! Yes, the only boot to be seen in this season is the ankle boot. Go for platform soles and high heels.

Bag It! -  The hot tip this winter is Patent Leather bags and accessories, anything from black, grey to purple shades. Oversized is still a huge trend with the accent on detail. Clutch styles also continue to be popular.

Hats are back! – The hat is back and is very now. Styles are peaked, sailor style, beanie or knitted

Belt Up! – If there’s one trend that is huge and I’ve mentioned it a couple of times – it’s the waist so this season get belted. There are so many great shapes and styles to create an instant sexy waist. Wide or narrow worn with a coat or with knits for a look that is very Autumn Winter 2008.

The drama Queen is back – makeup trends see a return to subtle drama using plums and reds on the lips and smokey tones on the eyes. Remember if you are going to do the Red or Plum shades keep the eye muted and soft – think 40’s glam.

 Fashion factors 10 must have pieces this season

      1.      A sophisticated coat or cardigan coat

2.      Think boots – Think Ankle boots

3.      Purple -  a regal addition to your winter wardrobe

4.      Belt slim or wide  

5.      Opaque or knitted tights

6.      A winter hat

7.      Big bag or clutch

8.      40’s glamour – accessorize with leather or faux fur

9.      Knee high socks or leggings

10.    Knitwear as a coat alternative

Source: www.stylehunter.com.au