What’s Hot For Winter 2011

What to wear and what’s hot in fashion, styling and fashion tips by Vania.

The look for this Autumn/Winter is a repeat of what has been and gone and what has been good and bad in seasons before. What is bad though and what is good this season?

The good news is that most of what is on offer in the fashion world this coming season is wearable. The styles are flattering and can be played around with to create your own unique style. Each season is usually targeted at the older teenager and those body shapes which have well lets say not a lot of shape yet.

As our bodies change throughout our lives, we find we become more and more challenged when out shopping for clothes and fashion accessories. What is too much? What is too boring? What makes me look thinner? What makes me look bigger? What is age appropriate? What makes me look older than I am? These are just some of the questions that go through each shoppers mind.

Then do you come home with nothing but a headache followed by a feeling of depression about your body shape or do you come home with an armful of things that you had wished you hadn’t wasted your precious money and time on. This can be a vicious circle each season for nearly everyone. This season can be different for most of you by getting the right start. Every shape suits different styles and every shape can look great. Learn what works for you this season and how you can finally feel great and look fabulous every time.

Let’s start with what is hot this season, especially for 30′s, 40′s and 50′s. The fashion world has finally targeted these particular age groups so we can all have fabulous but most importantly, flattering pieces this season.

The Ponti Pant

This pant can be referred to as the jodhpur as well. The great news about this fabulous comeback is that for those (not teenagers) that feel that tights are not age appropriate and too revealing due to the fabric that they are made of, these particular pants are flattering. Due to the right balance of elastin (stretch), these pants are usually thicker and tend to perform more like shapewear, but certainly much more comfortable thought. The trick with these like tights is to team them with the right pieces, otherwise they too can look just like a pair of unflattering tights. Learning what suits your shape will help you to choose the correct accompaniments to these fabulous pants. Longer layers and long boots look great with these pants but don’t create too much bulk as this will be very unflattering.

Long Knitwear

Layering is essential for Autumn/Winter but knowing how to layer without looking bigger, shorter and bulky is an art and with the right techniques, it is an essential tool in looking stylish and fabulous this season. Layering can actually make you look smaller if done correctly, it can conceal rather than create unwanted bulk. Another important point to know is how to layer without looking like you are just repeating the same look everyday.

Long Knitwear, tights and boots can look boring and you certainly don’t feel great if you see 8 other women sporting the same look as you so you have to be inventive and add your own signature without creating an unflattering look. It is very easy once you know your body shape guidelines.( read my testimonials for more feedback from clients I have helped look and feel fabulous by teaching them their own body shape guidelines). I love long knitwear because you can hide underneath it but still look great and feel incredibly stylish. Teamed with the right pieces, you can create a jaw dropping look. An important point to consider when choosing a longer piece is the length of the knitwear and your body shape. It is all about creating the right balance so make sure that it does not finish on the widest part of your hips(too short) and make sure that it is not too long so that you drown in the style.

The Leather Jacket

This a comeback that can suit all ages, depending on the style you choose of course. The cropped styles seem to be the look this season so if your body shape suits the cropped, shorter styles then you can certainly indulge in this chic look. Not all body shapes suit shorter styles and in some cases a longer style can be a lot more flattering. There are a lot of great long coats around this season for those of you who need the length to create a fabulous look.

Whether you choose a biker or a bomber style leather jacket, they can both look great layered over a textured piece, like a lace tunic and tights or for an age appropriate look, swap the tights for a ponti pant and a longer piece of knitwear underneath the jacket. Again remember, layering is an art but one that you can certainly learn and use this season. It will give you a lot more options regarding putting different looks together to look great.

The Tailored Jacket

There are a lot of tailored pieces around this season which is great when you have a body shape that does not require extra bulk with unstructured pieces. There are still unstructured pieces around this season but they are not as predominant as in they have been in the past few seasons. That is fashion, there will always be some styles on offer that are more of a distraction than an attraction. At least there is something for every body shape this season and if you find that you can’t find that perfect piece then you may be looking in the wrong store or at the wrong label.

Back to the Tailored Jacket, there are a few things to consider when choosing a tailored jacket. Look at the length of the jacket, look at the shape of the jacket regarding double breasted or single breasted, the type of collar on the jacket, the detail on the jacket (pockets, ruffles, pleats etc) and lastly the fabric and colour. All of these factors are important when choosing a tailored jacket before you take it into the change room. Consider these points versus your current body shape and you will save endless time and heartache in the change room. Once you know how to compare styles to your body shape, shopping becomes quicker, easier, cheaper and more enjoyable.

High Necklines

Higher Necklines are very prominent this season and can look very sharp as they are usually teamed with structure. This means that you will have a tailored piece which generally looks smart to start with and then add a high neckline and you have a super sharp piece. This is great news for the body shape that requires a minimalist look but also gravitates towards a more classic look. This look is great for work and lunch when no cleavage is required or necessary.

The Higher Neckline is not for every body shape though and is not usually flattering on a larger bust-line but there are ways around that to enable a larger bust-line to wear a higher neckline and it comes back to balance. If you are going to make your bust look larger than it is then you need to also minimise it at the same time by adding volume somewhere else to balance you out. Depending on the style of piece you have chosen with a higher neckline will depend on where you have to add the volume. Again this is something that I teach all of my clients who require it, during our shopping trips.

The Tailored Pant

Tailored pants give a sharp look just like a higher neckline does but the similarity does not stop there. Like the higher neckline, keep in mind that a tailored pant will give definition. If your legs are not long and lean then opt for a partially tailored pant so that the definition is more on your waist and bottom than your thighs. There are various styles of tailored pants and like the higher neckline, teamed with the right pieces to create the right balance you can look super sharp for work or play.

When choosing a tailored pant look at the following points. Where is the detail, what is style of the leg (wide leg, tapered or straight) and what is the fabric and colour. For example if the fabric is heavier in a tapered leg then it is going to be more flattering than a thin fabric like silk or satin but that is just one example and there are many more. In short do think about what you are about to try on. If it does not tick most of the boxes (the points above), then chances are you won’t be happy with the garment once you have it on in the change room.

The Waistcoat

Or the Vest as some people refer to it. Talk about classic, this is certainly a welcomed back piece. It really gives a white shirt a smooth finish for work or a basic tee a urban finish. The Waistcoat is great when layering for Winter as it can be teamed with so much to create many different looks. It can conceal an unwanted mid-rift, give a larger bust the very much needed V-neckline and also give an old boring outfit for work a fresh new sharp look.

The waistcoat layered over a tee-shirt dress can also add the volume needed for a lean body shape. Use your imagination with accessories, possibly boots and some long beads, depending on the dress. If it is a printed dress, keep the accessories minimal otherwise it will look too busy.

Shearling And Fur

Popular as always on vests, jackets, coats, knitwear and boots. Fur rarely is left out of winter fashion and adds a touch of glamour and warmth to any piece. It looks indulgent and cosy, adding style to an otherwise boring garment. Fur adds volume and can therefore make a body shape look bulky so do remember to choose carefully when purchasing a garment with fur on it. Think about balance and whether the garment will be flattering on or it may just become unwanted bulk.

Chosen carefully a garment with fur on it can give you that look of confidence and glamour with little effort. Fur is not for everyone but if it is for you then it can update some classic pieces from your existing wardrobe. Leather and fur work really well together as the look of the fur tends to soften the sometimes harsh look of the leather so if you are looking for a different look for Winter then team a leather skirt with a bit of fur for fun. Faux fur is always an option as well.

Lace And Crochet

Texture can really add something to an otherwise boring outfit. This season in a continuation from summer will see lots of lace and crocheted pieces. From dresses to vests and various styles of tops. Lace can look feminine and funky at the same time. It can add interest to solid block colours and does exactly what a great print will do for an outfit, create interest and edge. Texture can also be camouflaging for a body shape in the same way that a print can be. Lace can look great when teamed back with leather.

A Ponti pant with a gypsy style lace top can look fabulous when you add a pair of long boots and a slouchy bag. A little texture goes a long way in when creating a great style. Another option is a crocheted vest worn open over a gypsy style blouse with the same pants and boots. The lace gives the blouse an edgy look rather than the usual stuffy look that it can attract. Putting different pieces together rather than the planned catalogue looks that are advertised to us, gives you your own unique style and by following your body shape guidelines you can create your own flattering looks that won’t make you look like a clone.

Boots

Well, were they really going to be left out this Winter. Each season the selection of different style boots gets wider and wider. There really is a boot for everyone, from long boots to the ever so popular bootie shoe. The bootie shoe can look great on long and lean legs with dresses and skirts. Do be aware if you do not have long and lean legs as these will actually shorten and widen your thighs, lower calves and hips. The long boots are a great option for you instead if you would like to lengthen your legs. Wear the long boots with dresses and skirts to elongate your body.

Boots over jeans are only an option on a long and lean body shape with shorter jackets and gypsy tops. If you need to lengthen your legs but would like to wear jeans over boots then the best option is to balance out your upper torso with longer but shaped pieces. This will avoid the short and dumpy look. The look for this season in boots is glossy patent leather, suede and matt leather. A lot of choice and also a lot of detail so enjoy the look again this season but do be aware of your body shape guidelines to avoid looking like a fashion victim rather than a style guru.

If you are looking for a personal stylist in Sydney then Vania Hayes is the stylist you need to turn to. She is one of the more ‘seen’ stylists in Sydney and works with all styles and budgets. Vania will show you what to wear, can do a makeover, styling, fashion tips, personal shopping and more.