Fashion Trends

10 Must Have Trends For Fall/Winter 2010-2011

1. Military Fashion

We'll forgive you if your first thought is "Military, again?" Yes, military remains a trend for Fall/Winter 2010 but not as you've previously come to know it. Following on from Spring 2010 the women's military trend turns away from the pomp and ceremony of military inspired clothing we've become accustomed to, and take its cues from 20th Century military uniforms. From army green to shearling lined boots. It's a trend that is far more subtle but no less appealing.

2. Lingerie as Outerwear

A mixture of sexuality and femininity, the trend encompasses everything from exposed bras and stay ups right through to delicate laces. Given it's for the colder months there's also a strong undercurrent of layering lingerie inspired pieces into outwear.

3. Leather Clothing

Yes, it a trend but, hard to categorize. You see, it works in with so many other trends and isn't a style unto itself. You'll wear it with military and you'll buy hot pants made out of it. Nor is there anything new in wearing leather itself. But include it we must, you see the leather trend is extending into pretty much every other trend for the season.

4. Buttoned-Up Collars

Refined sophistication underlies this burgeoning; so store those sloppy boyfriend shirts and revealing open collars. Whether it's a sheer blouse, a crisp business shirt, or an elegant shirt dress...the only way to wear it in 2010 & 2011 is to button it up...All the way up!

5. Cut Out Clothing

Normally a clothing style exclusive to Spring/Summer, the cut out/cutaway made a big impact on the Fall catwalks. And it did so for more than clothing but, accessories as well. Seen in a variety of styles, with the cut out pieces worked directly on top of skin or 'filled in' with sheer fabric, the cutaway detailing can be worked from the subtle to the sexy.

6. Knee High Socks

Given that thigh high boots are on the trend list they can't be worn every day, there has to be an alternative with similar appeal. Hence for Fall/Winter you'll find yourself rummaging through your sock draw and donning a pair of knee high socks, over the knee socks or thigh high socks. From the sporty to the sparkly, to layering of socks over tights. A great pair of socks can add that extra, and much needed eye catching detail to an outfit.

7. Camel Coat

Despite having been popular on the catwalks, the camel coat won't make a strong appearance on the streets until late Winter 2010. The Camel coat is the alternative to the classic trench in 2010.

8. Velvet Clothing

Velvet is loved by many, despised by some but; we think the Fall/Winter revival of velvet presents some great new options for your wardrobe. How to wear it? We look at the four major styles, from the grungette girl to the classically elegant starlet, the vintage-inspired whimsical coquette to the masculine-as-feminine velvet clad Dandy. Quality is key, Colors are rich and it can work for everything from pants to dresses to handbags, to hats.

9. Sheer Clothing
Cut out and sheer? No, we haven't got our seasons mixed up. Yes, sheer pieces are in for the cold months. Yes, we agree that sounds a little strange. But no, it doesn't look strange, anything but. Mixed with fine laces, the sheer trend in 2010 mixes elegance with sex appeal...and isn't that the current, overarching theme to all fashion trends? Have the confidence to mix your sheer clothing with other trends and you look great! Just be conscious of the fact that sheer pieces are revealing, and that means extra care.

What's Hot For Fall/Winter

2010-2011

Color

Runway: Yellow, pink and blue brightened runways around the globe. Even animal prints got a bright update.

Reality: The official "It"color of spring 2010 is yellow, and it's available in everything from greenish-yellow hue to school bus yellow. Although there are plenty of separates and dresses in this sunny hue, the eaiest way to wear bright yellow is to pick it up in bags, or other accessories. Don't be tempted to mix the brights with black with black (too 80's). Pair with white, denim or other brights for the freshest look.

Geometry Class

Runway: From abstract geometric prints to sharp graphic shapes, geomety takes center stage this spring.

Reality: Gometric prints work for everyone if you scale the print to your size (petite women with smaller or more abstract prints, plus size women can carry off the really bold prints). Use graphic prints to spice up your daytime dresses or special occasion looks. Dresses and jackets with boxy cuts take the geometric trend even further, but they are harder to pull off.

Sheer Inspiration

Runway: Models walked the runway with show-it-all sheer outfits.

Reality: The transparent trend can actually be quite modest, when layered over other solid pieces with a nude lining, effect is ethereal. Illusion-top sheer netting dresses are another alternative and can be found at great prices.

Global Influences

Runway: Strong tribal prints, ethnic shapes and earthy accessories fill the runways with mystique.

Reality: Ethnic prints are a classic, but don't limit your global trends to just prints. Try chunky tribal jewelry, obi belts or harem pants. Avoid the costume effect by limiting your global looks to just one or two pieces worn together.

Pretty Prints

Runway: Designers showed girly prints ranging from watercolor florals to butterflies.

Reality: Floral and other sweet prints are perfect for spring's dresses and the look can be either ladylike or boho.

3D Effects

Runway: From origami folds to waist-levels pours, manipulated fabrics were all the rage of the spring runways.

Reality: A little bit of 3D goes a long way. If you're going for more texture than drama, try the baddage dress or any one of its pleated and tiered spinoffs.

Goddess Touches

Runway: Designers add drama with one-shoulder stylings and draped fabric.

Reality: The one-shoulder dress is one of the hottest trends of the season, and one that translates well to real life. Ruching and draping are also Goddess hallmarks and do a great job of camouflaging problem areas.

Borrow From The Boys

Runway: Boyfriend blazers and cardigans, ties, baggy jeans and other menswear looks crossover to the women's area.

Reality: The boyfriend look is at its best with crisply tailored classics with a feminine twist. The key to pulling off this look without appearing too androgynous is to balance menswear pieces with something feminie: a tuxedo jacket over an evening gown, slouchy rolled up men's jeans with a soft shirt.

Pants Story

Runway: Jumpsuits, skinny pants, wide leg and crops, we love our pants!

Reality: The crop (also 7/8 length) pant is one of the the newer looks to take the runway, but it's certainly nothing new to women everywhere who have faithfully worn capris in warm weather for years. The softer legs on jumpsuits, pants and crops give this version of the pant wearability, as long as you keep the volume under control. A great rule is that for maximum flattery the pant should hand in a straight line from you behind! That way it skims over thights without clinging.

Cheap Chic

Runway: Saving money is suddenly chic???

Reality: This spring sees Alezander McQueen's collection for Target and Matthew Williamson's for H& M. Two more desihners that bring affordable wares to the massess. But it's not just designers' affordable lines that are making news: in-your-face consumption and gone in a flash fads are no longer convetable, but, offensive during economic hard times. What works? Eco-anything, reusing wisely, building classic wardrobes that keep you looking great without being obnoxious about it.

Elegance and extreme sensuality will characterize spring/summer 2010. Women will appear attractive and refined in her natural beauty, weather she wears an evening dress or just a tracksuit. Fabrics are very soft, fluid and slippery to better enhance the perfect feminine silhouette. Generous necklines or slits skirts are the secrets of a sensual woman so designers reworked these seduction tools, enhancing slits and necklines with finishing and decoration.

However, the must have of spring/summer 2010 is certainly the mini-dress or mini-skirt. Legs are one of the most obvious expression of a woman's sensuality and this season they shouldn't be covered up. So, over-shirts are used as mini-dresses, belted at the waist and enriched by a pair of high-heeled shoes that further enhance the perfection of your long legs. Stretch fabric mini-dresses are the height of the fashion, decorated with sparkle of made of refined lace for evening wear.

Are you a businesswoman and afraid of being unpractical and uncomfortable wearing a short mini-skirt to the office? Don't worry because you won't risk looking inelegant wearing the beautiful suits with very nice shorts instead of the classic mid-length skirt of the ordinary pair of trousers. you will be absolutely fashionable without losing the elegance and refinement which have always distinguished a professional businesswoman. However, if you don't like wearing miniskirts or mini dresses, there is a solution for you! Spring/summer, trousers will continue to be fashionable but only if they are high waisted and ankle lengths.

T-shirts and shirts will be sheer and enriched by runches and decorations or by tribal fringes, for a more exotic look. It doesn't matter if they are white or colored, but they must be different and original, eye-catching enough to attract attention and admiration to the woman wearing them.

The bustier is the other seductive element which will be incredibly fashionable for spring/summer, because, nipping in our waist line, helps enhance the beautiful shape of our bodies!

Particular attention is also given to accessories, the important details which define the woman's look. Spring/Summer 2010 will be characterized by the use of colorful bracelets, matching or contrasting with the color of the outfit, enormous necklaces made of stones and crystals and by the return of the oversized hats which give a woman a touch of mystery.

Sandals and summer boots will have vertiginous heels with enormous wedges at the front, because elegance does not have to mean suffering and we should be able to walk comfortably even if our shoes are very high!

The handbag will have its own important role this season: elegant and extremely practical, it will be our faithful companion, always at had to hold everything we need to get us from day to night. For spring the most fashionable bag will be the shoulder bag!! Yes you heard right!. After a long period of absence from the fashion scene, the classic shoulder bag, not too big and with a comfortable strap, will be very trendy once again. The shoulder bag is, and always has been a symbol of undisputed elegance and charm, an item which won't ever go out of fashion.

Besides the classic shoulder bag, fashion collections have been animated by the presence of the ever fashionable and beloved tote bag, with a large internal compartment and many external pockets where we can keep everything in absolute order. Its handles should be neither too long or too short so that we can choose whether to wear it on the shoulder or hold it by the handles. Clutches stil l hold their place in our wardrobe this spring, their decoration and fabric strictly matching our outfits for a gorgeous look!

Scarves

In women's fashion, there is one accessory that is often completely overlooked, yet can offer endless possibilities for enhancing the look of your wardrobe. That accessory, of course, is the scarf. Scarves have been a part of women's fashion for millennia, with representations of fringed rectangles of fabric found in Chinese sculpture dating as far back as 1000 b. c.

Throughout history, scarves have been made from a variety of fabrics from heavy wool knits to fine silk weaves, patterned or plain - each style appropriate to its setting or the fashion of the period. Today, fashion scarves are commonly made from silk, rayon or acetate, which offer a lightweight, fluid movement, strength, and a shimmering finish. Other common fabrics for scarves are cotton and wool, which make for a slightly heavier scarf, with structure and often textured finishes. Which makes it a most have for fall/winter!

Scarves come in many sizes and shapes, and many are designed for specific uses. There are bandanas and kerchiefs which are smaller in size (usually 14-16 inches [35-40 cm] on a side), to large shawl-like scarves (which can be up to 48 inches [120 cm] on a side). There are square scarves, rectangular (or oblong) scarves, and triangular scarves. Some scarves have hemmed edges, fringed edges, and fused edges. They can be batik dyed, tie-dyed, silk-screened, have woven patterns, or solid colors. In short, the possibilities are endless.

Scarves can be worn in a variety of ways: as head coverings, shawls, accent pieces, belts, and even as garments. They are truly versatile and can add flair to a style, or be used as a subtle accent. They can be tied, pinned with a piece of jewelry, or secured with specially designed accents. Below are some examples of ways to wear scarves to accentuate your look, the shape of scarf you will need and how to secure them.

Tying the Kelly Scarf

Scarf Style Needed: Square Scarf:

Take the square scarf and fold it diagonally from one corner to its opposite. Place the scarf over the head with the folded edge facing forward. Bring the folded corners down under the chin and cross them, pushing the points back around the neck on each side.
In the back of the neck, gather the folded corners and tie them together, making sure to catch the loose corners of the scarf under the knot being formed. Leave the ends loose, or tuck them under as you prefer. Add a pair of tortoise-shell sunglasses and you'll be ready to slip past the paparazzi.


Tying the Crown Scarf
Scarf Style Needed: Rectangular (oblong) Scarf
Drape the rectangular scarf over the head off-centered so that one end hangs much farther down the body than the other. Gather the ends of the scarf at the nape of the neck and cross them behind the head. Twist the longer end of the scarf to form a "rope" which should be laid along the front edge of the scarf approximately 1-2 inches from the edge (over the top of the head).
Continue the twist around to meet the other, shorter, end of the scarf and knot the two ends together. The ends can be left loose to drape over or behind the shoulder, or may be guided along the back of the head and tucked under the scarf, out of sight. These is a terrific look for outdoor occasions or for anytime you want to create an exotic look and your hair won't cooperate.

Scarf Style Needed: Square Scarf (at least 120 cm square)
Tying the Halter-Style Blouse Scarf:
Take the square scarf and tie a small knot in the center of the scarf. If the scarf has an apparent front and back, make sure the knot is tied on the backside of the scarf. Next, fold the scarf diagonally so that the knot is on the inside of the fold.
Wrap the folded edge of the scarf around your waist, letting the unfolded points hang down. Tie the folded corners at your back. Raise the loose corners of the scarf up along the torso and pass one around each side of the neck. Knot these corners at the back of the neck. Adjust the positioning of the scarf so that the knot is unseen.
The resulting halter/blouse has a shirred look with gathering at the waist, which flatters slim figures, and helps to balance the proportions of pear-shaped figures.

Scarf Style Needed: Rectangular (Oblong) Scarf (at least 80 cm long)
Tying the Neck Wrap Scarf:
Take the oblong scarf and fold it twice to create an "S" fold. Drape the scarf around your neck so that the ends hang down the back. Cross the ends in the back and bring them back to the front. Loop the one end around the other in front and pull the ends back around to the back once more.
Knot the ends at the back of the neck and tuck any remaining length down the back of the blouse beneath the collar. The finished look is sleek and sophisticated.

Tying the Ascot Scarf

Scarf Style Needed: Square Scarf (120 cm square)

Fold the square scarf diagonally from corner to corner. Drape the folded scarf around the neck, passing the folded corners back over the shoulders. Cross the folded corners behind the neck and bring them forward over the shoulders once more.
Draw the scarf to a snug fit around the neck and tie the folded corners together to form a simple knot or bow (your choice).
This scarf-tying style creates a very soft, feminine looking accent to a suit, and is equally purposed for concealing décolletage in low-cut, jacketed dresses, and blouses.

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