Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                

Fashion Trends (Ramona)

Download as ppt, pdf, or txt
Download as ppt, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 67

Fashion Trends

Women's Autumn / Fall


2010 Clothing Trends
Autumn / Fall 2010 fashion trends are on the
horizon. With the new season comes a lot of new looks
and, for those that aren't new, new takes on
established fashion trends.
Autumn / Fall 2010 Clothing Trends:

- Military fashion - White tights


- Lingerie as - Women's camel coat
outerwear - Velvet clothing
- Leather clothing - Neo double breasted
- Buttoned-up collars jackets
- Cut out clothing - Sheer clothing
- Knee high socks - Capes
Military fashion

Military remains a trend for Autumn / Fall 2010 but not as


you've previously come to know it. Following on from Spring 2010
the women's military trend, like the men's (below), turns away
from the pomp and ceremony of military inspired clothing we've
become accustomed to, and takes its cues from 20th Century
military uniforms. From army green to shearling lined boots, it's
now a trend that's far more subtle but no less appealing.
Military fashion as a trend is nothing new, But while fashion
trends tend to burn out within a few years, the women's military
fashion trend isn't going anywhere, though like all true fashion
trends, in 2010 the military trend will evolve. Gone (but not
quite) are the decadent lashings inspired by military uniforms of
the Georgian and Victorian eras. Rather, military is now about
functionality and utility. If the 18th and 19th centuries
originally inspired women's military fashion, then it's true to say
that in 2010 it's inspired by the military uniforms of the 20th
century.
Key Elements

Women’s military
fashion runs parallel to
the new men’s military
fashion trend in that
there are several key
motifs:
- Army green is the
color, followed a
distant second by navy.
- A great coat /
military jacket is the
key piece for the
Autumn (Fall) / Winter
wearing of the style.
- If army green is the
trend's color, then
shearling is it's fabric.
And that's because of
it's dual use as a an
embellishment on
aviator boots / military
fashion boots and a
coat's collar.
How to wear it in 2010

For the military fashion trend pick from the two key looks: army
and aviator.
While the army interpretation is all about army greens it can still
be broadly interpreted and we've seen it styled successfully with
everything from cropped shearling collared coats to loose fitting cargo
pants. A word of warning though: we have the odd occurrence of
camouflage print, we'd recommend you avoid it for the time being -
it's simply too soon a come back.
The aviator interpretation of the trend is far less open. It's about
a sleek look with slim cuts. And forget military green, this is all about
darker hues with dark-brown leather jackets.
Lingerie as outerwear
It's not necessarily about wearing your smalls in the street
in the cold of Winter, but wearing underwear as outerwear is
never-the-less a trend for Autumn (Fall) / Winter 2010. 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
outerwear.
The last time we saw a shift
towards lingerie as outerwear
was the 1980s, and while I
exude a general disdain for
that decade I can't help but
admit that certain fashion
elements which emerged from
it do have a place in this decade
and the next. And so it is that
we see various pieces of
underwear return to the fore
as outwear to feature amongst
2009 and 2010 fashion trends.
And in many ways this may
become one of the ubiquitous
fashion trends; one that is
trans seasonal, and one that
emerges as we pay fresh
attention to tights and
stockings as a feature piece,
and not just an accessory,
courtesy of the ripped
stockings trend.
Slips and Camisoles

First emerging on the catwalks in Spring/Summer 2008,


lingerie-inspired garments have their basis in corsetry. Back
then bodices and boning gave way to free-flowing pieces that
took, and continue to take, their inspiration from delicately
feminine lingerie.
Slips and camisoles may just well be the best use of lingerie
as outwear as their intricate detailing and light fabrics often
make their quality on par with dresses one might find on the
high-street. This does have the detraction of making them only
suitable for the Spring/Summer seasons however.
If you're looking to try slips and camisoles as outwear look
to pair it with other fashion trends, such as the sheer fashion
trend. But remember it's a feminine look, so one that is
harder to pair with heavier elements (but not impossible; it's
not too hard to envisage a slip paired off against heavier, shin
length boots). If you're looking to take inspiration from the
catwalks pair the look with bold accessories, leather belts and
chunky heels.
Leather clothing
It's no great secret that the humble leather jacket has
become a wide-spread wardrobe staple over the last few
Winters. As a fashion trend in 2010, however, women's leather
clothing is being taken to a whole new level.
Leather in 2010 can take the form of pretty much any item
of clothing. If you can name it the odds are that someone's
sent it down the runway in leather. Pants, skirts, shorts,
coats, capes, vests; they're all there. Hermes even pulled out
a full leather jumpsuit as part of their aviation-themed
collection.
Leather Underwear

With lingerie as outerwear


a major fashion trend, it's no
surprise that this trend will
move into the realm of
leather underwear. Bondage
elements like harnesses and
leather straps are creeping
their way into mainstream
fashion; while the likes of
even Yves Saint Laurent have
seen daring leather corsetry
pieces hit the runway.
Leather Accessories

While of course leather bags


and belts are nothing new,
leather in other types of
accessories will, in 2010, be much
more common. Leather leggings
were huge on the Autumn
(Fall)/Winter 2010 runways.
How to wear it:
Whilst some collections - like
the afore-mentioned Hermes
Autumn (Fall)/Winter
2009/2010, and Donna Karan
Autumn (Fall)/Winter
2009/2010 - used leather pieces
for a classic vintage-inspired
look, most 2010 leather fashion
pieces fall into the rock-chic and
fetish camps. Balmain epitomised
the look with tiny skin-tight
leather minidresses, as did Miss
Sixty with their zip-covered
leather hot pants.
Buttoned-up collars
Forget the grungy,
layered-over flannel, and tuck
away your baggy, open-fronted
boyfriend shirt (for now).
Fashion, as fashion is wont to
do, has taken a pendulum swing
in the other direction, hitting
on a more refined,
sophisticated look. And so
starting now there's only one
key way to wear your shirt:
buttoned up to the very top.
The brilliant thing about
the done-up collar as a 2010
fashion trend is that it's
simple, requires nothing all
that new and it's trans-
seasonal: start wearing it in
Summer 2010 and carry it
through to Fall 2010.
Buttoned-up collars and how to wear
them

The key to the buttoned-up look is that it should appear put


together, collected. Just as with over the knee socks, its
sexiness is rooted in its modesty and stems from an understated
air of confidence.
But let's not forget: this is an era of overt sexuality where
over the knee boots and see through tops become fashion trends
that leave the catwalk and make it to the streets. Naturally
then, the humble, buttoned up shirt can be made overtly sexual
for the coming seasons. If that sounds like your think, you can
balance out the coyness and pair it with some shorts or a
miniskirt.
If you'd like to keep
things demure, however,
on the opposite end of the
spectrum you can try a
crisp buttoned-up shirt
with tailored high-wasted
slacks (ensure tidy fits
and clean lines) for
sophisticated minimalism.
As for the cut of the
shirt, the buttoned collar
can work with sleeveless,
short or long sleeved
shirts. And be sure not to
forget about the humble
shirt dress either.
Types of collars:

After years of hearing


of boyfriend blazers, shirts
and jeans, your immediate
thought might be that the
buttoned up shirt look is a
continuation on the theme.
Not so. It's not just about
men's business shirts and a
stock-standard collar. There
are many, many different
types of shirt collars from
you to pick from. Some will
work with this trend, and
some will not. Experimenting
is of course key, but to give
you a head start here are our
pointers on just a few:
 Regent collar: what we'd consider today a standard type of
shirt collar you can't go too wrong here.
 Button-down collars: these are pointed collars with small
buttons at the ends. Not your best option - if worn without a
tie they can end up looking too flat.
 Cutaway collar: one that cuts away almost parallel to the
shoulders, with a wide spread. A cutaway collar works best in
high-quality fabric; perfect for doing an immaculate
masculine yet feminine dandy look.
 Contrast collar: where the collar is a different color or
fabric to the rest of the shirt (typically a white collar and a
colored body). Great if you want to add some unique and
interesting detail into your buttoned-up shirt outfit, and
particularly good in a navy and blue combination.
 Club collars: a men's softly-rounded collar that was popular
in early part of the 20th century. A gentlemen would use a
collar pin to fasten the collar down; you could also vary it
with a brooch.
 The Peter Pan collar: a women's collar that's small and
rounded. So perfect for creating a cute, sixties look.
 Tuxedo collars / winged collars: there's no reason you can't
make a tuxedo collar work; especially as a classically
glamorous evening look.
Complimentary trends

Pair a buttoned-up shirt with leather pieces to keep


the look firmly in modern, edgy territory. You can rock up
a shirt by adding a leather biker or bomber jacket, or go
for chic minimalism with a crisp white shirt paired with a
tan leather skirt.
Work a strict buttoned up shirt into an on-trend
military outfit.
Buttoning up can also work perfectly with sportswear
influences. As well as shirts you can also go for sporty
buttoned-up polo shirts. For a complete contrast, pair a
sporty pair of pants or shorts with a high-buttoned shirt
in a sheer or silk fabric.
Pull on some knee high / over the knee socks. It will
inject a sense of playful, girlish sexiness that's balanced
out perfectly by your geek-chic high collar.
Accessorizing the high-buttoned
shirt

A necklace, or layering of necklaces, is the perfect


accompaniment. It could be a simple chain through to a
bold statement piece.
For a variation, try and brooch or pin.
A ribbon wrapped around and tied either in a simple
knot or a bow is an effective DIY accessory. Plus velvet is
a strong option, especially for a night-time look.
One accessory we'd avoid: ties. If that's your cup of
tea look to the ribbon suggestion above or the female
dandy trend. The buttoned up collar trend is above a
visually uninhibited collar and a tie will be far too
dominant.
Cut out clothing

Normally a clothing style exclusive to Spring / Summer,


the cut out / cutaway made a big impact on the Autumn /
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 fabrics, the cutaway detailing can be worked from
the subtle to the sexy.
1. Chloe's interpretation of the trend is subtle, leaning
somewhat towards 2009's exposed stomach look. But it
goes a long way to prove that basic, classic elements such
as a keyhole feature on the back or chest lend themselves
perfectly to the cutaway clothing trend.
2. If Chloe was subtle, then Herve Leger undoubtedly
infused sex into the trend on their Herve Leger
Spring/Summer 2009 catwalk. While the above picture is
a perfect little black dress there are plenty more
examples to be found by following that link and looking
through the pictures.
3. Again with a hint of the exposed stomach trend, Jean
Paul Gautier mixed the cutaway trend with variety of
shapes and silhouettes. The above adds it to a long,
flowing dress perfect for Summer in the Mediterranean,
while you'll also find it in the collection fused onto the
likes of shoulder detailing.
4. If anyone has made a success of the trend then it's
Preen by way of their Preen By Thornton Bregazzi
Spring/Summer 2009 collection; and that success comes
down to the combination of the cutaway trend with the
sheer trend for some heavily sexualized elegance.
Knee high socks
Given that thigh high boots are on trend and that
they can't be worn every day (unless you've amassed a
big collection) there has to be an alternative with similar
appeal. Hence for Autumn / Fall 2010 you'll find yourself
rummaging through your sock draw and donning a pair of
knee high socks. Or 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.
In a year in which
thigh high boots will
be so prominent, this
fashion trend should
come as no surprise.
Normally a humble
accessory that most
women hide, socks as a
women's 2010 fashion
trend will be at the
fore. And whilst
there'll be several
styles of socks popular
in 2010, knee high
socks (and similar
styles) will be one of
the defining looks to
work into your
wardrobe. Best of all,
they're transeasonal
and will be perfect
alongside a number of
other Fall 2010 and
Spring 2010 fashion
trends.
Sock styles & lengths that are in
for 2010

It goes without saying that all manner of socks aren't


suddenly a fashion trend: pair your Louboutin heels with a
pair of gym socks and the fashion gods shall undoubtedly
frown upon you. Rather, to compliment your 2010
wardrobe consider investing in three predominant styles:
- Knee high socks
- Over the knee socks
- Thigh high socks
Undoubtedly thigh high socks will make the greater
statement, but styled correctly any can make an outfit.
How to style knee high socks &
thigh high socks in 2010

Though I'm not a big - Knee socks that finish


fan of rules for fashion below the knee may
trends (fashion trends compliment your bone
primarily come to be structure more than those
courtesy of people knee high socks which finish
breaking the rules) there above the knee. Try both
are some simple pointers styles on
to get the thigh high - Knee high socks that cut
socks and knee high socks off just below the knee are
fashion trend right. more likely to give you a
Pick the length wisely: slimmer look, as going only a
they have to suit your short distance above the
body's shape. knee could result in socks
- If you've got big thighs, that 'bulge' on your knee.
thigh high socks will draw Thigh high socks provide a
too much attention to perfect alternative to
them exposed stay-ups from
2010's lingerie as outerwear
fashion trend.
If you're short, knee high socks that cut off below the
knee are best paired with a shorter hemline to expose more
leg and, thus, imply greater height. The hem should be no
lower than the middle of your thigh.
If you're in a colder climate then knitted socks might
work for you. But avoid chunky and overt knitted socks:
they were last a fashion trend back in 2007, and trends
seldom repeat themselves so quickly.
Avoid pairing knee high socks with tartan and plaid skits
unless you can otherwise avoid the school girl overtones.
The Gossip Girl look for girls is fast becoming a faux pas.
Don't be afraid to layer. Knee high socks and over the
knee socks worn over sheer, patterned stockings can add a
whole new dimension to an outfit.
Nor should you be afraid to color and texture,
particularly if you want the socks to be a focal piece of
your outfit.
Fashion trends complimentary to
knee high socks

Closely related to lingerie


as outwear, thigh high socks in
particular provide the perfect
alternative
Dark thigh high socks
under over the knee boots make
for a strong look
Avoid knee high socks and
thigh high socks with body
suits, but don't be afraid to
experiment with tap pants, hot
pants, and short shorts.
Street style & the catwalk:
who has been wearing them

Gaspard Yurkievich's
Spring 2010 catwalk
featured layered socks with
a combination of knee high
socks over above the knee
socks
Alexander Wang's Spring
2010 catwalk featured knee
high socks that finished
below the knee. Though
some were in grey tones
reminiscent of some school
uniforms, their pairing with
skirts, shorts and hot pants
along with open toed boots,
heels and wedges were a
marked distinction. Most
distinctive, however, were
the cut of the socks. With
an elasticized top,
Alexander Wang's Spring
2010 knee high socks are
backless.
White tights
If there's one major
objection to white hosiery
it's usually that we're all on
an eternal quest for
beautiful, bronzed, tanned
legs... So why would we ever
cover our pins with white?
Easy. Because, if you do it
right, it's such a refreshing
change from the usual dark
winter colors. So for Autumn
/ Fall 2010 / 2011 we
challenge you to step out in
white tights.
How to wear white tights

Firstly, when we talk about white tights we're not


just talking about white, or just about tights. They can
be stark white, off-whites or cream tones. They can be
stockings, tights, or leggings. The rules (in so far as
there ever are any) are simple. Avoid sheer stockings. Go
for opaque block colors. This is the best way to overcome
the never-seen-the-sun look and make it obvious you're
deliberately adorning your gorgeous pins with a fresh,
bright shade of white.

White socks

Obviously another option to white tights are knee


high / over the knee socks. For more about socks as a
trend, follow that link.
Styling ideas for white tights

Classic black and white

You want to wear white


tights but you're scared of
getting too extreme with color.
Never fear - black and white is
your safe option.
- At its simplest, this look can
work with just a black dress,
white tights and black heels.
- If you want to mix it up a bit,
experiment with different
textures or black and white
prints.
- For a more rock-chic take
add in some thigh high boots.
Modern and minimal

A little harder to define,


this is where you work in
white tights with minimal,
modern pieces and - in
particular - with other
current fashion trends.
- White leggings are perfect
for an ultra-modern sporty
look. Keep fabrics to stretch
cottons and jerseys.
- Pair with sleek block colors
but in muted hues, greys or
modern leather pieces.
- Layer over ankle socks to
add color and/or texture to
white tights.
Vintage

You're a button-nosed
sixties Twiggy or Jean Shrimp
ton in a colorful minidress,
white tights and flats. Or
you're a seventies bohemian
Veruschka, leggy in flowing
swirling prints and furs.
Perfect for those two decades
of fashion, think of 60s/70s
fashion icons and you're well on
your way.
- Pair white with nautical navy
and red in vintage cuts.
- Work them in with bold,
bright hues like yellow, emerald
green, orange or purple.
- For sixties looks, go for
minidresses, minidresses,
minidresses. Shifts, wiggle
dresses, baby dolls - just keep
them short.
- For seventies looks add
earthy tones and prints like
paisley or soft florals.
Country chic

You should be picnicking


amongst Fall's yellow leaves,
or curled up with a book in a
country cabin, or flaneuring
through the woods, or... you
get the idea anyway.
- Go for creamy colors.
- Experiment with cosy
winter wool-blends and knits
like cable knit or
herringbone.
- Perfect with a palette of
forest green, beige, tans and
browns.
- Try pairings of tweed,
leather, or plaids.
- Perfect with a country-
inspired cape or duffel coat.
Snow queen

Any cooler and you'd be


getting around in a wicked sled
pulled by wolves or polar bears.
- Best with differentiated
tones, such as varying tones of
off-whites and creams.
- Pair tights with a cream dress
and layer over a cosy belted
knit, wool-blend coat, or soft
white fur.
- For variations, try outerwear
in darker but still neutral tones
like tan.
- For another variation,
introduce pastel tones like icy
blues, dove grey or soft pink.
- For a ski-bunny look try white
leggings or tights with a pair of
fur boots and a Fair Isle knit.
Part of the trick of
white stockings and
tights is finding a pair of
shoes to match. Unless
you're going all black and
white, black shoes can be
too heavy for some
looks. If your outfit is
made up of lighter colors
you have the option of
light brown or tan
leather shoes, soft
metallic particularly
silver or gold, nude, or
light grey. If you're
going for a brightly
colored vintage-inspired
look, don't be afraid to
wear bold colors on your
feet. Navy also works a
treat if your outfit is
suitably matched for it.
Women's camel coat
Despite having been popular on the catwalks, the camel
coat didn't make a strong appearance on the streets until
late Winter 2010. We blame that fact on the fierce weather
that blighted so many seasons. Better in Autumn and in late
Winter, the camel coat is the alternative to the classic
trench in 2010.
Long a staple for men and normally relegated to our
Winter wardrobes, the camel coat featured prominently
amongst women's Autumn / Fall 2009 collections. On the
streets, however, it proved impractical for the season's
coldest days and wasn't worn en force until we were already
on the verge of Spring 2010. But the late appearance of
women's camel coats has done them no harm. Instead, as
fashion shifted its focus from blacks and greys the camel
coat has proved the perfect layering piece for the cold days
we're still facing.
If you haven't laid your hands on one already, do so:
perfect for early Spring, you'll be able to keep it for Fall
2010 as well.
Velvet clothing
Velvet has many enemies.
People who loathe its existence,
wish it was never invented, and
shudder at the thought of a post-
90's velvet revival. I can find that
position mildly understandable;
sure, there have been some velvet
disasters. But for the most part I
fall into the velvet-lovers camp
because there are also many times
when velvet can go so darn right
that it's hard to bear any long-
standing grudge. If you're a hater,
don't turn away just yet - as a
2010 fashion trend, and
particularly as one of the major
fall 2010 fashion trends, the
velvet revival comes in many forms.
Velvet: the looks
Grunge

Remember in the 90s when petticoat


dresses and docs were cool, Courteny
Love tapes were playing on your walkman,
and crushed velvet became the fabric
jour? Well even if you don't remember,
take my word for it - it happened, and
now the crushed velvet thing is back.
Actually, all of it is except for the tape
part. But I digress - if you want to go
velvet-as-grunge by all means pull on your
camisole, docs and velvet circle skirt and
don't even think twice about smudging on
the black eyeliner and letting your hair
get as dirty and messy as a back alley
love affair. If you want to do velvety
grunge with a modern, more sophisticated
twist however, then look to the likes of
Jil Stuart (plush velvet, boots and
beanies) and Alexander Wang (pseudo-
corporate tailoring and interesting cuts).
Mix it up, sharpen it up, add in other
elements of current fashion trends - and
you're well on your way to bringing the
crushed velvet revolution out of the 90s
and into the now.
Elegant

The polar opposite to grungy,


let's not forget how velvet
started out life: luxurious, and
adorning the shoulders of the
regal and the rich. True velvet
made from silk falls and drapes
with an unmistakable elegance,
and that's the look to go for if
you're going to do classic
velvet. For Fall 2010 we saw it
in the frocks of Bibhu
Mohapatra and Dolce &
Gabbana; in the body-hugging
rich red velvet of Antonio
Berardi; the floor-length,
draping, vibrant colors of
Nanette Lepore; the medieval
puffed sleeves at Ralph Lauren;
and the stunning, sweeping
cobalt blues of Richard Nicoll.
Whimsical

When it's not being grunged


up for the street or dished out
on the red carpet, velvet's
been busy getting interesting,
fanciful and even fun. Peter
Jensen put velvet into puffy
little tartan shorts. Zac
Posen's flared-leg hippy pants
and interestingly paneled tops
were another unique take. In
digging through the multitude
of velvet looks from the Fall
2010 runways, however, none
did I love quite so much as
those by Julian Louis.
Executed with an utter sense
of whimsy and femininity,
Louis' subtle velvets in beige
and rich midnight blue have all
the allure of a vintage carnival.
Dandy

One of the most striking


uses of velvet, a perfectly
crafted velvet jacket or suit
creates a to-die-for female
dandy look. Look for historical
tailoring - from Regency era
men's jackets and coats
through to velvet blazers and
suits that were popular in the
60s and 70s. D&G‘ s mix of
velvet waistcoats and jackets
with hot pants or flowing white
gowns was a unique way to mix
it up. Karen Walker created a
midnight blue velvet suit that
hit the modernity nail on the
head; and Rochas brought us
this ruffled black ensemble
(below). The velvet dandy look
is completely opulent yet oh-
so-sharp - don't be afraid to
go a little over the top.
Tips on wearing velvet

- Obviously the more classic the style, the more


longevity. Slouchy crushed velvet minidresses with
spaghetti straps, for example, are all but completely
grunge and you may be best off making these a seasonal
rather than a long-term investment piece.
- Capes and cloaks are awesome, in most any fabric. If
you mix capes with velvet, however, it's a recipe for
turning invisible or getting sawn in half by a magician. I'm
not saying don't do it - just choose wisely or you'll wind
up looking like you belong at Hogwarts.
- If you don't want to go all out on velvet clothing, don't
forget that you can always inject a bit of velvet into your
wardrobe by way of accessories. Headbands, bows,
handbags or gloves are some prime examples.
- And I've said this already but just to be sure...
Sportswear may be in, velvet may be in, but the sum of
these two parts does not equal velour tracksuits.
Neo double breasted jackets

The neo double breast takes simplicity to a new level;


often just with two-buttons, architecturally cut to be striking
and often straying from traditional fabrics. The neo double
breast is a perfect trend let for creating simple yet
sophisticated impact in a jacket.
In recent years we've seen the rise of the female dandy
and the return of double breasted suits for gents. So what
does it all evolve in to for women's Fall 2010's fashion trends?
The neo double breasted blazer, waistcoat and jacket.
Neo double breasted coat at Bottega Veneta Fall 2010
So what's the difference
between double breasted
pieces and those of the neo
double breasted variety?
The cut. Think minimalism
taken to the nth degree.
Nothing fancy, nothing
showy, just a cut so
architectural it can't help
but be striking.

Neo double breast jacket at Givenchy Fall 2010


Sheer clothing

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? Come this
Autumn / Fall have the confidence to mix your sheer
clothing with other trends and key looks and you'll be onto a
winner. Just be conscious of the fact that sheer pieces are
revealing, and that means extra care.
Sheer fabric remains one of hottest fashion trends
for 2010 and 2011, and plenty of people are wearing it. But
it's not all about tight, see-through tops, and dresses that
scream 'look at me'. Run your eyes over both Autumn
(Fall) / Winter 2010 and Spring / Summer 2010 trends and
you'll find sheer fabrics used in a multitude of ways: tight
sheer pieces, layers, and the much sought after delicate,
feminine draping.
Capes
Having made a strong impression in Autumn / Fall 2009,
capes return for this year's colder months. Seen on the
catwalks of Halston and Preen, amongst others, capes in their
various forms will be amongst the most elegant of fashion
trends. And yet it doesn't have to be. Capable of being mixed
up and styled in a plethora of ways, this is a style that will
suit both high fashion and those days when you just want to
throw something on.
But capes and cloaks have existed, in one variety or
another, through much of our known human history. From
early Medieval mantles, to 16th century decorative shawls;
from military officers capes and 1940s fur stoles, to the
fringed ponchos of the 1960s. But since the humble poncho
had its hippie revival, the cape in its more sophisticated
forms has seen nothing of a major comeback on the streets -
that is, until now. The cape is back on the agenda as one of
the major 2010 fashion trends.
Styles

In theory there are more varieties of capes than we


could possibly go into here; but to keep you up to speed,
here's a quick rundown of some of the more common
styles.
Capes / Capelets

A cape in the broader sense is pretty much any form


of outerwear that opens at the front, and has no sleeves
- usually with slits for the arms instead. Capes can be cut
in a full circle, or on the straight. Capelets are any type
of short cape that covers the shoulders. The Autumn
(Fall)/Winter 2010 runways were filled with capes, so
this is definitely a trend we foresee for the coming
colder seasons.
Cloaks

A cloak is similar to a cape


only generally longer - typically
mid-calf but often as long as
ankle-length. Cloaks tend to be
completely sleeveless; rather
wraping around as an outerwear
garment.

Shawls, Stoles & Wraps

These are usually loosely-worn


or wrapped around the shoulders,
usually for evening wear.
Traditionally they've been made
from luxurious fabrics like silk,
brocade, or fur. Kenzo, Jaeger,
and Luella all had their own takes
on the classic fur stole in their
Winter 2010 collections, while
Ralph Lauren had a number of
other evening-wear examples.
Ponchos

A poncho is usually a closed square of fabric with a hole for


one's head to go through. Marc Jacobs was one of the few who
ventured into poncho territory on the Autumn (Fall)/Winter
2010 runways.

How to wear them

Like much of 2010 fashion, the cape best fits into any of
the following looks:
Elegant

Taking inspiration from the loose cocoon styles of the


1920s, through to the fur bubble capes and stoles of the
1940s and 50s; nothing says classic elegance like a vintage
cape. On the 2010 runways look to DKNY, and Valentino -
who's fur-trimmed pieces are the pinnacle of elegance.
Gothic

For rock-chic styling with a gothic edge go for flowing


black cloaks or leather capes. Partly rooted in the
cyberpunk influences which have risen up in the past few
years, yet with more of a Romantic touch. Guy Laroche and
Yigal Azrouel were spot-on with their takes.
Quirky

From flirty, flouncy frills at Chanel; to the French-


clown inspired ruffle-necked cape at Erin Fetherston; to
the wizardly magic of Tsumori Chisato. For the bold and
individual dresser, the cape trend presents an opportunity
to dress up and have fun.
Elegant, Gothic, and Quirky Styles

You might also like