Fashion is stronger and fiercer this season... There are no smocks, ruffles or lace to be seen. The waist is the new erogenous zone, nipped in with corset style belts. Fuchsia, orange, emerald and kingfisher blue are the four boldest shades for the season, all tempered with grey.
Colour
Call it what you will, a hangover from the summer, but this winter the bright colours are not to be hidden away because the summer has ended. Emilio Pucci put colours together that would definitely turn heads. 'Bright, bold and in your face' are the strongest statement.
Blue – From turquoise to sapphire and amethyst, it’s all about jewel-bright colour. Orange – Blaze a trail in autumn’s fiery colours. Add a hit of bold black for maximum impact. Pink – Whether you wear matte for day or shine for night, team this hot hue with attitude. Green – Take your pick from an array of forest shades but keep the look directional.
Radiant red, fuchsia pinks, outrageous orange, luscious limes and powerful purples will add some serious colour to your winter wardrobe. Add a hint of Grey or even black and you will look amazing.
So find the hue that suits you best but remember, not all colours suit everybody. If you are a bit scared about wearing a bold and bright coat, try a bag or a belt instead, or even a pair of brightly coloured leather gloves.
Belts
After the last season voluminous smocks, the designers decided to bring back the waist . Remember Beyonce on the red carpet at the BET awards in that shiney silver dress with the huge corset style metal belt, dress and belt by Dolce and Gabbana? She made a statement!
Cinched in waists for a neat slim silhouette
It’s all about the waist again this season, whether on coats, jackets or tops. Perfect news for the ladies with the 'pear shape figure'. Think forties glamour and let’s all hale the return of the middle! One thing, just don’t nip in too tight, no extra rolls hanging over the top. For the High Street offering, head to Dorothy Perkins for a huge range of belts.
Coats
The essential cover-up comes in many guises – from short and swingy, to long trenches. Leather is well and truly back. The shops will be full, but wear with care. Gap and Top Shop will not disappoint, but for the ladies who want a bit more luxury try Jaeger for clean-cut pieces in luxurious soft leather. Best of all is the one-button cropped-sleeved tan jacket (£450).
Keep it simple and always above the knee, whether it's wool, leather, satin, print or gabardine. The runways were full of single breasted and double breasted coats and jackets but all with one recurring feature - A waist belt.
Black: Patent, leather or... Anything just black
Think black and maybe even a bit more black. Black is back and the more you wear the better.
Masculine Fashion Is Still In
It’s masculine but with a real feminine edge. YSL got it down to a tee with their fabulous tux jacket dresses, so sleek and extremely elegant. Trouser suits were also a big favourite on the catwalks, with wide leg trousers leading the way.
Big and Comfy Knitwear
It’s the epitome of winter; big, comfy, cosy jumpers worn as dresses. Super-sized stitching versus sophisticated body-con knits. Big, boyfriend-sized sweaters double as cocoons. Body-con tight fit knits in the season’s favourite colour – grey. Men’s cardi’s in XXL, wear them as a dress if you're daring enough.
Bling, Bling... And More Bling
Bling all through the festive season with encrusted jewels seen on tops, dresses and handbags. Oversized crystals, opulent gems and sexy sequins lit up the collections. Don’t wait for Christmas, wear them now and you won’t look out of place.
Glamour
Glamour is officially back! The designer’s obsession with frocks, with this season’s party pieces being the cocktail dress. Full length elegant and glamour was seen at the Gucci show. Of course, the LBD will always remain a wardrobe essential.
The Skirt Suit
There is nothing more sexier than a pencil skirt suit with a pair of high heels... And if your are feeling really adventurous team it with fishnet tights. They are available to suit nearly all body shapes: check out Zara, Marks and Spencer. For that extra sex appeal cinch in the waist of the jacket with a wide corset belt. The high waisted skirt has made an entrance this season too.
Hats
Straight off the catwalk, and into the high street. The beret is the height of absoulete chic. Banish the thoughts of Frank Spencer and Frenchmen on bicycles with a string of onions around their necks! On the catwalks Louis Vuitton got it down to a tee with an overblown shape pulled down like a cap. Looks like it’s time to raid the Kangol shop.
Coloured Opaques
Fast, fun, accessible and easy to wear. The brighter the better and you won’t even break the bank. Make that conservative black outfit stand out in a crowd with a pair of bright coloured tights. Emilio Pucci had shades clashing. Models wore fuchsia pink, orange and yellow with bright pink opaques. Balenciaga just had a flash of luminous hue under an ankle length dress.
Bags and Accessories
Animal print is back, perfect for all glamour pusses – from medium to the oversize. Colour has made it to the accessories. Jazz up a black outfit with bright accessories, gloves, pashminas, and jewellery. Make a statement with Chanel, D&G or Trussardi this season. Look out for high street versions as well.