Winter Fashions

Jan. 3, 2010

Winter Fashions/What to wear as the season changes?
By Kristi Kates
A quintet of looks are the subject of predictions for this winter’s
fashion hit list. From Vogue to CIFF (the Copenhagen International
Fashion Fair), from the runways to the previews at retail, this winter
is set to be all about texture, lush fabrics, asymmetric layering, and
colors both earthy and bright.
Many of this season’s - indeed, this year’s - fashion trends are
hybrids; combining and cross-matching items from each trend is yet
another way to be trendy, yet still individual. But be prepared to be
a bit of a character, too, as a lot of these looks are all about
drama, and about having the fashion bravery to pull it off.

We’ll start with your accompanying seasonal quintet of what not to
wear; your TBA (To Be Avoided), if you will:

DOUBLE AND TRIPLE DENIM:
Yes, the ’80s are still back to some degree, but this one’s
inexcuseable. Do not, we repeat, do not, wear a jean jacket with
jeans. And do not take this fashion offense to the next level by
wearing a jean jacket with a jean shirt and jeans. Unless you’re a
cowboy, this denim overload will not only mark you as hopelessly
unfashionable, you’ll also assist the fashion industry in using up the
denim dye lot, meaning we’ll all be stuck in white pants next spring.

RIPPED/LADDERED STOCKINGS:
Two things sprang to mind when spying this one on the runways. One
being, okay, which model accidentally tore her nylons right before
walking the ramp, and the designer said “Nooo, darling, leave it, it
shall become a trend”? And two being “Really? Are we really going that
far back into the ’80s?” Stockings with runs and tears and ladders
might attempt to give off a devil-may-care vibe, but you really just
look like you need $5 for a new pair of Hanes.

HEAD-TO-TOE TARTAN:
Much like Double and Triple Denim, Head-to-Toe Tartan - while dramatic
in a fashion show - looks absolutely ridiculous in real life. Tartan
is part of one of this fall’s main trends, and is a classic pattern in
reasonable doses; but a tartan jacket and a tartan skirt and a tartan
scarf and a tartan tote bag - especially all done up in different
plaids, as seen on several runways - just makes you look like Bozo the
Clown on a misguided visit to Scotland.

EXTRA-TALL STILETTOS:
Women of shorter stature might appreciate the extra height that heels
provide, and a well-constructed high-heel shoe can also make a slim
leg look more shapely. But the stilettos that were shown in this
season’s collections look both cartoonish and dangerous - wobbly
simply isn’t attractive, and besides, do you really think you’re going
to stay safe running for your flight with your heels resting on a pair
of 5-inch-tall pencils? Moderation, please, shoe fans.

SHOULDER PADS:
One thing will turn you away from this trend faster than a giant can
of Aqua-Net sprayed directly at your eyes. Just take a peek at images
of “Joan Collins in the ’80s.” Subtle padding in garments can add
interesting structure; but the dreaded return of actual oversized
shoulder pads merely means that you’re going to look like you gained
ten pounds, all right at the neck. If you do wear ‘em, get used to
being asked when your next football game is.

And now, your Fall/Winter 2010 fashion “to do” list:

URBAN PREPSTER:
Back-to-school is the feel, especially if your school involved
classmates who were more studious than the norm, and with a touch of
royalty to boot. Speaking of boots, riding boots are a big part of
this look, as are tartan plaids (again, in moderation, please), long
trenchcoats, slim “cigarette” leg pants or leggings, cardigans, thick
miniskirts worn with opaque (non-ripped) tights, and oversized bags
made of faux leather. Think study hall as far as colors; the whites
and taupes of paper and textbooks, the graphite blacks of pencil lead,
and the dark reds and blues of locker paint.

TECHNO SUPERHEROINE:
With technology being more and more prevalent in everyday life, of
course it would continue to surface in our clothing. The pale and flat
tones of computer elements (beiges, whites, blacks) team up with the
secondary layers of techno packaging (bright reds, turquoises, and
pinks) to invent city-wise sportswear with uncluttered lines and sleek
silhouettes. Think graphic-knit, asymmetric cowl-neck tops with any
one of several varieties of plain leggings; short “puffer” down
jackets with more cigarette pants; windbreakers in bright colors; and
patent-leather short boots.

EXTRAVAGANT DANDY:
Colors for this trend are said to be “inspired by the brilliance of
gemstones,” from tinted quartz-golds and deep oranges to aquamarine
and ruby tones. This is the trend of fancy dress, and the fabrics
reflect that, from the fluidity of chiffons to heavy velvets and
embroidery. This is one of the few trends showing a wider-legged pant,
with fitted jersey or cotton tops balancing the look, coupled with
dramatic oiled-cotton “Fisherman’s capes” or long, dark coats. On top,
it’s all about smudged eyeliner and hair with lots of volume; on the
feet, rainboots and more ankle boots.

MILITARY MAIDEN:
Skinny pants or leggings are the perfect legwear for this military
maiden look, which was most often seen worn with flat or heeled
knee-high rock n’ roll boots. Ornate trimmings, gold or silver
buttons, and epaulettes (decorative shoulder pieces, not to be
confused with those awful shoulder pads) combine on boxy, dark-colored
military-styled jackets to put across an almost costumy feel that’s
best worn one piece at a time and toned down with those aforementioned
leggings and a turtleneck; the military jackets can also be thrown
atop other looks for contrast.

EARTH PIONEER:
For people who are most comfortable in earth tones, this is probably
the look for you; part peasant, part bohemian, part Little House on
the Prairie, these clothes are all about simplicity. This “modern barn
spirit,” as the runways call it, features tones of earthy browns,
ochres, and greens, and a few hints of heathered purple. Begin at the
top with flat, controlled hairstyles, which accompany mini-blazers in
plain tweeds or cottons, cowl-necks, embroidered tunics, and crocheted
vests; carry the look to your feet with peasant skirts, cuffed pants,
and drawstring boots.