TRENDS FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2006

If you checked out the shows back in October 2005 like I did then you already know what trends are hot for this Spring/Summer. However, if you didnt manage catch one of the many shows from across the globe, heres the basic trends set to sizzle this Summer. (Source Vogue UK, Feb and personal S/S06 lookbook)

• Dresses especially shift, shirt and babydoll styles. The new style to grab is the strapless - very seductive
• Coats in the form of a trench, fitted or a duster
• Pleated things, especially skirts but not so you look like a librarian or school girl. If you dont like a harsh pleat try draped fabric for a softer touch
• Nakedness - choose colors like greige, buff rose, cream and soft, soft pastels
• Shorts are back - make them teeny tiny or knee length, but they must be tailored
• White is big and the signature color of the season. Add gold for a splash of glitz and glamour
• Plaid, check and gingham fabrics are the key print to look for. Also try a dog tooth but make any print colorful
• Glitz it up with shimmery fabrics and metallic colors. Add beads and sequins just to be flash. Show the gold!
• Utility is hot, comfortable and practical. Pick up dungarees (just don't look like a country bumpkin!) or overalls for the working effect. Add braces and belts for a finishing touch
• Be patriotic in your red, white and blue - wear as stripes for a fab look especially on the 4th of July!
• Add feminine ruffles and frills to anything especially shoulders and shirt fronts. Channel the new romantic in you!
• A classic white shirt is always hot!
• Let out you masculine side by wearing a Tuxedo in classic black. Add frills for a feminine touch
• Lace and crochet add detail and you can make something unique yourself at home!
• Trousers come in many forms this season, so either wear them skin-tight, real loose or sailor-style (high waisted, button fronts, usually in white!)
• Show your intellectual style, by adding something Preppy to your wardrobe. try shirts, polo shirts and ties
• Don't be afraid to flash color this summer. The brighter the better is the rule to follow - try orange, red, blue, green, yellow and purple. Follow the rainbow!
• Swimwear season puts dread into all of us, but try a 50's cut in a monochrome for instant fabulousness!
• Oversize sunglasses are still hot, as are chunky belts, and oversized bags (try a rounded one or a square one)
• Try chunky heels or flat sandals. A wedge is okay but don't do the stilletto, especially on the beach.

Shorter trends come out now and again, but these are the ones to stay this spring/summer.

----------------------------------------------------------------

FASHION WEEK TAKES OVER IN 4 HOT CITIES IN FEBUARY, SO CHECK OUT WHAT WILL BE HOT AND FABULOUS IN FALL/WINTER 2006/7

DATES FOR FASHION WEEK ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• NEW YORK KICKS OFF ON THE 3RD TIL THE 10TH OF FEBUARY 2006
• LONDON'S THE PLACE TO BE BETWEEN THE 15TH AND 19TH
• MILAN OVERLAPS ON THE 18TH TIL THE 26TH
• WE LEAVE MILAN ON THE 26TH SO THAT PARIS CAN BRING US TO A CLOSE ON THE 6TH OF MARCH

MY CATWALK PREDICTIONS WILL BE POSTED AFTER EACH DESTINATION!

XXXXxx