Jul 9, 2010
Jayne Read

1950’s Styling- Big Skirts, Vintage and Floral

This trend features styles inspired by the era of glamour, the 1950’s. Think Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. Many designers have been inspired by the popularity of the fashions in TV show Mad Men. Look out for full, circle skirts and a-line skirts with a longer length, mid-length skirts are going to be big this season. For a contemporary twist choose one in a plain colour or a usual fabric. For an authentic take on this look delve into second hand/ thrift stores and vintage stores.

Prints for this look will be vintage inspired also, think big florals and classic checks. Team these outfits with A/W 10’s must have shoe shape, the pointy toed kitten heel and a granny style hand bag, which are boxy, structured bags with short handles and envelope fastenings.

This trend is an easy one to start piecing together now as many of its key pieces can be picked up second hand or vintage, giving the look more individuality and creative appeal.

Alpine Trend- Leather, Fur and Chunky Knits

One of the cosier and easier wearing trends. The alpine trend will see chunky knits in warm autumnal colours, scarlet red is said to be the must have colour for the fall, fur and leather accessories and warm boots!

Knitwear will feature cable knit detail and Scandinavia inspired prints, such as the iconic reindeer and snowflake pattern as seen in many a Christmas sweater! D&G featured a beautiful example of this trend, teaming chunky knits on top with soft, flowing silk skirts in shades or red and white, with wonderful patterned legwarmers over suede wedge boots.

80’s Trend- Muted Metallic’s and Glamorous Party Dresses

The 80’s has not left the fashion world yet. This fall the 80’s trend will bring (again) lame fabrics and sparkly party dresses; although this time the shades will be more muted, think bronze instead of bright gold. Shapes will be simpler but shoulder pads are still about.

The Maxi dress will hang about in the fall, but in 70’s inspired florals, chiffons instead of jersey. Patterns will be muted versions of the summer, but still fabulous.

To Wear on Top Trends

Capes, gilets and braces will feature on tops for A/W 10. Capes are in store now in lighter fabrics, but for the colder weather pick up a chunky knit as a dramatic alternative to a coat.

Gilets will be around in classic shearling and fur, but for those wanting a more toned down effect they will be available in plainer knits and jersey in a variety of colours.

Braces, will appeared attached to plenty of bottoms, such as shorts, skirts and trousers and have already been sported on the red carpet by the likes of Alexa Chung wearing Philip Lim black trousers.

The must have jacket style for autumn winter 2010 will be the flying jacket, leather with sheepskin lining, following on from the 50’s inspiration and as seen at Burberry Prorsum. The press are preaching this jacket style as being huge, so get ahead of the times and seek them out in vintage and thrift stores!

To get these trends ready now, braces can be picked up from American Apparel in a variety of colours, vintage stores and thrift stores. Gilets can be customised from old tops by removing the arms of garments.

To Wear on Bottoms Trends

Key trouser shapes for fall winter 2010 will be flares, tapered and wide leg. The catwalks have seen 70’s inspired flares in bright colours and in classic camel and browns for Chloe, very Charlie’s Angels!

Skirts will be a-line at all sorts of lengths, kilts/ wrap around styles, mid length and tulip wraps. Again think 1950’s style for inspiration or go for comfort with an Alpine feel.

The easiest way to update a look is with your makeup. This can be achieved through little effort and little expense.