The overall theme of fashion for Fall 2005 is an air of drama.
Black is back, coats are dramatic, and smart tailoring is going
to be huge. Black is back in a big way – well for most of us it
never went away. The stores will be filled with delicious
eveningwear particularly black lace, which is sexier than ever
whether it’s girlie, 80′s retro, boho or red carpet elegant.
This also works well with the next big trend which is Victorian.
Full length skirts, high-necked ruffled blouses and puffed
sleeves are the main features of this look. You can go for
either prim or sexy. Accessorise with boots, hats and gloves for
a total look. Dresses are soft and feminine for Fall 2005.
Velvet in sumptuous autumnal or jewel colours, while more
boho-styled graphic prints will also be around for those of you
who loved your hippy chic this summer and don’t want to give it
up just yet. Coats for this winter will be big and dramatic with
big collars, possibly in fake fur. The big story however is
going to be Houndstooth checks, the bigger and bolder the
better. In fact checks are big in all types of clothes this
fall, including plaids and tartans which appear on everything
from trousers and skirts to bags, shoes and hats. Tailoring is
back as one of the strongest features of Fall 2005 – in
particular the pencil skirt which appears as part of a skirt
suit. Skirts of all types are hot for Fall, straight, wide and
swirly, and for the slimmest of figures only the ‘bubble’, a
tulip shaped skirt which will exaggerate hips, so wear with
caution! National costumes have inspired lots of heavily
decorated ethnic styles, in particular Russian styles, thick
with embroidery and texture and topped off with a furry
Russian-style hat, warm enough for the depths of a Moscow
winter. Peru has also provided inspiration for embroidered
clothes and bright knits. There are many gorgeous accessories
around this season to complete your outfit. Knee high boots,
ideally with laced up details to go with the Victorian and
ethnic looks, and platforms are making a comeback, usually with
a narrow heel. If you prefer flats there will be lots of ballet
pump styles. Metallics in shoes, bags and belts will also be
popular. For daytime, bags can be as big as you like, either
slouchy hobo styles or classic square types. For evening, bags
should be tiny and decorated with tassels, jewels or embroidery.
The detail of the season will be pom-poms on everything from
scarves to shoes, and the hottest color for accessories will be
purple, preferably with studs.