WITH the sales nearing their end and all the investment buys long since snapped up, anyone with their finger firmly on the fashion pulse is turning their attention to their autumn/winter wardrobe. After all, now is the key time to peruse the main trends, cherry pick the must-haves and create a bang-on trend – and versatile – wardrobe.
This coming season, the free, fun-loving girls of summer who skipped up and down the catwalks in floral printed chiffon and neon colours have grown up. Gone are the barely-there micro-mini dresses and strapless prom frocks. There's an air of refined
glamour.
The winter collections show a multitude of inspirations, ranging from catholic imagery through architecture, to all forms of nature and heavy emphasis on contrast, but all with a nod to the feminine.
With so many options to choose from, there will no doubt be something for everyone, no matter what your style preference. Thankfully, the summer trend for colour hasn't disappeared, although the winter palette is far more sophisticated, with the perfect shade of red carpet red appearing on almost every catwalk from Alexander McQueen to Marc by Marc Jacobs.
Whether it's worn head to toe, teamed with black patent leather or dark plum it will definitely make you stand out. Any shade of red will work, even if it is just used to accessorise your look.
The focus on contrasting elements is evident in all areas of fashion, even the catwalk make-up looks pick up on this trend, with models for Giles wearing very little on the eyes and gothic black lips, and vice-versa for the Vivienne Westwood girls.
This soft romantic Goth oozes femininity – delicate lace work and layered chiffon in different depths of black inspire a dark romance.
On the flip side stand stark, minimalist structures inspired by architecture of the concrete jungle. Strong sculptural forms and clean-cut shapes exaggerate shoulders and waistlines, in wool, leather and stiffened silk. Designers like Calvin Klein and Jil Sander keep the silhouette simple with a restrained elegance, where Balenciaga opt for a futuristic androgyny.
Autumn/winter 2008 really is a melting pot of fabulous ideas and inspirations, which will keep all you style junkies out there busy creating new combinations of clashing prints and whimsical accessories.
Dolce & Gabbana, House of Holland, Ralph Lauren and Matthew Williamson have all mixed updated tartan prints together in wild colours to spectacular effect.
Animal print hats with military jackets, full-length taffeta eveningwear with feather trim and the smallest handbag you can find – throw it all together and somehow it works.
If in doubt, invest in a great winter coat. There will be one that encompasses your favourite trend, you'll be able to wear it over anything and as long as it fits you perfectly, you'll look chic whenever you've got it on.
One of the major shifts in trend from summer to winter is the disappearance of the "it bag" and the focus on the "it shoes". There has been a serious lack of the power bag that dominated the summer catwalks and the attention has shifted to footwear.
Winter is a great season for the shoe and boot. Again, contrast is key. It's either flat, bejewelled pumps or sky-high platform stilettos, with Yves Saint Laurent's "Trib Two" black patent mid-calf boot leading the pack.
Whatever your preference this coming winter, there will be a style or trend out there for you. And the high street is already offering a fantastic alternative for those on a budget.
It will be a season for experimentation, too. Mix colour and pattern with patent leather and huge costume jewellery. Buy a few special accessories, such as gloves hats and belts, to modernise your existing garments, but above all, have fun with what you buy.
• Kevin Stewart is fashion advisor for Harvey Nichols The full article contains 652 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
