Indian summer is almost over. The cold season is attacking Chicago, making its presence more official every day. Don’t be upset! First, cold weather means holidays, followed by presents and parties time. Second, it’s time to book your flight to the Caribbean, where summer is always waiting for us. But don’t spend all of the winter season there. You still need to come home long enough to wear your new trendy coat and make your girlfriends a little bit jealous.
A classic coat for the office, a fashion forward trench or mackintosh for a romantic date, a practical anorak for weekend shopping… What does the Autumn/Winter season have to offer? Not very much for a radical fashionista, except for maybe coats and trenches, which look like some drunken tailor made them - random shapes of different fabrics sewn together, like the AllSaints brand, very popular in Europe, is the example. Looks very cool, but I guess not so suitable for casual life.
The rest of the styles are very familiar, but with a twist.
Military.
There is no better style than military for outerwear. It’s comfortable, practical and stylish. Almost every fabric will look cool: from denim to luxury cashmere. Double-breasted construction, pockets, decorative, mostly metallic buttons… these are attributes of military style, which always look even cooler with over-the knee boots or slouchy, distressed booties. Army coats this season could be not only khaki, but also cream, navy or red. By the way, let’s say a couple of words about color.
Red.
Bright, clean, reminding us about the best collections of Valentino, red color is a hit of this season! Not only for military style. Last fashion weeks showed to public all varieties of styles in red: from minimalistic classic coats to romantic almost medieval trenches with balloon sleeves, fitted waist and huge collars. Red is extremely popular this winter, so popular that you are not going to be the One, wearing this color, considering the amounts of red outwear in the department stores. That’s definitely the minus for genuine fashionista. Besides, red color is not for everyone and not for every occasion. Chosen with wrong accessories, red could easy look cheap and vulgar.
Leather.
Definitely the hit of the Autumn/Winter 2010. I would say that from not so many creative inventions in fashion trends this year, leather outwear is the most innovative and fashion forward. Long, leather trenches – extremely convenient for Chicago autumn weather – can satisfy those who love leather clothes in general or those who are not in love with leather and usually do not buy it. Designers recommend classic, streamlined silhouettes, romantic creations with laser-cut leather laces, 19th century cloaks with cape, edgy, biker coats with fringe, military style belted coats … Many variations for every style and taste. Most of them are long length. Mini A-shaped, 60s coats are still there, but not so popular like they were last year. Designers and women are tired from this silhouette and shortly, the swing coat will be the history. Instead, we have mini military trenches.
Trenches
Everybody is a little bit tired of them too, but this style will be always popular and will survive any rivulets in fashion industry with seasonal modifications and adjustments or course. Nevertheless, if you are looking for extremely fashionable trench – don’t waste your time. Remember, that they will always be here, becoming almost classic, comfortable type of autumn outwear for every occasion. I will say only that this season color palette for trenches includes beige, khaki, black and grey.
Minimalism
A paradox, but Fall 2010’s minimalistic style seems to be very pretentious. Many designers presented almost too-simple coats without any detailing whatsoever: pockets are inside, hidden buttons, very smooth fabrics, traditional, sculptured shoulder, straight silhouette, and no collars at all. Maybe you suppose to wear them with long, funky scarves, which are very in right now. Anyhow, main peculiarity of minimalistic coats this autumn is the color choice: white, pearl, cream and light nude.
Classic
Always in style, always popular and every woman with any body shape will look good, presentable, elegant and sophisticated in double-breasted trench coat or wool coat. It’s perfect for any dress-code and occasion. Some of new classic variations look more like British tuxedo, which is pretty mush self-explanatory: Foggy Albion style is the huge trend right now. Do you want to be fashionable? Check out what’s cooking in London and not only in London. British style is spreading around the world: traditional tartan plaid, “secretary” blouses with bows instead of collars already settled down in our closets. This season we have British style with a spicy twist: classy, natural and calming grey-camel colors combined with bright ones, for example, red or indigo.
Big collar
This is the brightest detail of Autumn/Winter 2010, which marched to latest runaways from 80s. Large, turned-down collars, wide lapels on the coats – forgotten tendencies of those years. If you are looking for more classic coat, that is not going to be your choice. Coats with large collars look more bohemian, but for the cold weather, particularly coats made from soft fabrics – very comfy and cozy. Combine them with jeans and you will notice the freezing wind.
Animal prints
Definitely, hit of the season. You can see animal prints everywhere: dresses, blouses, shoes, handbags, accessories. Designers even offer the “total animal” look, when the whole outfit including jacket, boots, purse, hat and jewelry, - everything has leopard pattern. It looks unusual and very catchy, but for me a little bit like a Cat Woman costume for a Halloween party. I like animal prints. They are exotic and always draw some extra attention. However, I can’t imagine myself walking down the street all wrapped in leopard, too much… I would better chose something classic and monochromatic for the coat/jacket with animal printed platform boots to make my outfit more “delicious.” However, it’s only my opinion. Autumn coat’s palette is rich, eclectic and anybody can find something suitable for the own taste and style. If you are not devoted to the one, particular style and like to mix and match, visit “Crossroads” on Sherman Street. The concept of recycled clothing allows you to try different styles and maybe create your personal, unique style for extremely affordable price. By the way, read my next article. It’s going to be the full report from “Fall into Fashion” show which took place in Crossroads on October 21. For now, keep yourself warm…
Comments