Now that you've worn out your trendy autumn-colored scarves and Yves Klein blue flats (if you read Fashion For Fall, and took my advice, that is :) and now that the real cold weather has set in, you need to re-vamp your wardrobe to make it a bit more practical. Here are five items for which to keep your eyes peeled. (Hey, an awkward sentence, but, as Winston Churchill said, "Ending sentences with a preposition is something up with which I will not put!") These winter fashion trends are not only awesome and cool (and trendy, obviously,) but practical as well, especially if you live a climate with a harsh winter season...
Trend One - Those Marvelous Maxi Coats.....
At the beginning of this decade, "in" winter coats were a whole lot shorter. But as time has gone on and we are now at the beginning of the year 2012, we find that the length of trendy coats has slowly transitioned downwards until it is almost at the ankle. Fine with me - it keeps you warm, and it looks great on anyone! Look for a classic shade in a frill-free cut and let the floor-sweeping length provide the drama. The shape flatters any body type, and a tie at the waist creates an instant hourglass figure. Military is also in style, so look out for regimented rows of brass buttons and stiff collars. For a coat, neutral colors are always the classiest - go with brown, tan, navy, black, white or gray. Lilac and light blue are just not for you at this moment in history so you'll have to wait for spring. If you're suffering for color, there's always The Scarf...
If you want to know what print patterns are in, all you have to do is take a trip to the zoo this winter - everywhere I'm seeing feathers, fur and snake prints. If you're saying to yourself, 'only a model can get away with wearing those shoes'..... don't think you're getting off that easily. Zoological can definitely be done by anyone. The key is pairing something wild with something dull - such as a leopard pair of flats with an all-black outfit, or a zebra scarf with a neutral jacket (dark denim would be cute - I can see it now...) and swingy skirt. Snake prints generally look best on purses and they are totally cool and just so... snaky. Excuse the pun. Fur is not only for wealthy middle-aged women with poodles - you can pull it off too, with a trendy maxi coat trimmed in faux fur, or a zip-up athletic vest edged with the same. (Think those young snowboarders you see everywhere at Bridger Bowl this time o' year...)
Trend Three - Think Sunset
As for shades this winter... rose, aubergine, eggplant purple, and chocolate brown are setting the style. Yup, in your mind's eye, you should be picturing Godiva, sunsets, pretty roses, raspberry wine, Mogen David, beets...okay, okay I think you are getting the idea. I am thrilled about this trend, because these are wonderful colors to pair with many various pieces, such as dark denim (great fan of this too...) neutral colors, both gold and silver jewelry, and toned-down accessories. These rosy colors are going to be perfect for tops. Keep your eyes open for blouses and sweaters in any fabric in one of these colors - make sure the shade of eggplant/maroon/dark purple suits you, as not all the shades are for everyone. Personally I look better in darker shades of aubergine than light. You need to figure out what coloring is best for your type. Skirts in chocolate brown are always classy, but stay away from maroon skirts or dresses. Stick with tops or scarves in these dusky, sultry hues... they're perfect for dressing up to enjoy a glass of red wine and some chocolate :) (And, in my opinion, an infinitely better change from the mustard yellow and jade green of last season!)
Knee-high boots! I love this trend, and what's more, it's very practical for winter too, especially muddy Western winters, yuk. (Mad face.) In these fabulous boots you can simultaneously be as awesome as a model and as practical as a cowgirl - no need to sacrifice fashion for function or vice versa! Doesn't get much better than that. With long skirts the boots are inevitably going to have to be a little shorter, but you can definitely get away with a knee-length swinging skirt, a pair of printed snazzy tights, and an extremely tall pair of these model boots. They also look ideally sophisticated.with one of those maxi coats. Trust me, OTK (Over-the-knee) boots make you feel powerful, and it's great :) Black, brown, gray.... any neutral color will do, and to be super trendy, pair them with thigh-high socks that stick out of the boots.
Last But Definitely Not Least.... Chunky Sweaters
When many think of "chunky sweater", they think of the 80's, when this piece was a staple. But now it has re-emerged, (as chic trends seem to do,) because it's effortlessly and immediately stylish. "People like easy," as one fashionista pointed out, "and chunky is definitely easy."
Stick with The Chunky in neutral colors like you see in these photos - these styles, with the wide necks, arrays of knitting patterns, belt ties, and loose-fitting sleeves are also good guidelines to follow when searching for the perfect Chunky. Forgo the necklace if it has a loose neck, but substitute it with a pair of dangling earrings instead. When choosing items to accompany this piece, think "Anti-chunky/form-fitting", "minimalist", and "complement." Any partner to the Chunky must not detract from the Chunky's greatness!
Ahhh, I can see you now - in your chic knit maroon sweater partially hidden by a fabulous tan trench coat... with a flouncy slender skirt set off by those catwalk-worthy knee-high leather boots, and leopard spotted bag over one shoulder! Beautiful. Now you're stylishly ready for the swirling winds of winter and all the messy elements that come with it... Bring It On.
