What You Should Be Wearing This Fall/Winter 06

Hey y'all! It's that time of the Summer when we need to be seriously thinking about what we will be wearing from September onwards. With less than two months to piece together your early Fall/Winter basic collection, you need to know what you should be buying and what you should be tossing out or donating toyour local British Lung Cancer Charity shop. So, what are the major trends that we will be following this Fall/Winter? Well ....

- Monochrome is back with a vengence so wear your bold prints and stripes in black and white with pride
- Mix black and white and you get Gray. The color to be seen in this season. All shades and textures go, so wear together. Pleats look hot in gray too! Sheer hosiery is the only must have accompaniment to a cute gray dress.
- Add Bright Red for a statement flash of color to any dull outfit
- Tartan is the statement fabric this season. Any colour combos work just wear it with Highland Pride! Add a Westwood touch by adding punky pieces!
- Smart Chic - ditch the casual daywear and replace it with the new smart chic, think pencil skirts, structured jackets, chiffon blouses for a feminine touch (must be cinched at the waist) and add ladylike accessories such as stacked heels, long gloves and bangles. Tunics are definately the new shirts!
- Street-style is big this season. Think glammed-up parkas and biker jackets, even cashmere hoodies! Leather is the key fabric and layering is a must. Add some hardware to you inner city look such as studs, chains and rivets
- Decadant touches are everywhere. Think brocade, golden embroidery, rich fabrics and historical touches. Think 17th Century France - everything should be gold and so OTT!
- Fur trim is THE thing to keep you warm this Fall/ Winter. Either fake it or go natural - either way it totally HOT!
- Your winter woolies must be knitted chunky! Chunky knit sweaters, cardigans and coats are going to keep you warm. Think Fairisle, Aran and belted long-line cardigans. Hot combo is the chunky sweater and a silk dress - dressed down glamour at its most modern.
- Who would have thought the decade of the season would be the 1980's. Think neons and black think Aveline from Bread and Brenda from Watching! (remember those retro shows?! - Love It!)
- Cut it Boyish! Tailoring has a major masculine edge with slightly short trousers and tuxedo jackets. Keep it all skiny fit! If skinny is not your thing, then wide-leg trousers are the way to go
- The length of the season is Short. Skirts, dresses and jackets should skim your thighs this season. Add opaque tights for a more modern feel (and make you a little warmer!)
- The Cocoon is the shape of things to come. Think voluminous puffball skirts and round-shouldered coats. Wear with the highest of heels.
- Bags come in four must have categories - clutch, structured, oversized and exotic leather. Pick the one or all of the ones that suit your mood and outfit and do not be afraid of color!
- Boots are big this winter - wear them either detailed knee-high or as chunky ankle boots (from cone heels to stilettos)
- Shoes should have super high heels - push that 5 inch boundary! Platforms are also a hot retro way to go!
- Bold jewellery, waist-cinching belts, opera length gloves and beanie hats add finishing touches to you final outfit

So now you know what you should be wearing - go out and bloody get it before someone covets the looks you want! I'll be mostly shopping for the perfect square-heel, tunic and tailored overcoat. The bucket bag will also be top of my agenda and i'll be adding hot pink to almost every outfit!

Get Shopping! Have Fun!
You Know You Love Me! XXXxX

(acknowledgements - Vogue Uk Aug 06)