It’s time to deck the halls – and ourselves! The holiday season is upon us, and that means once again we’ll gather around the ones we love and exchange warm-hearted feelings and a few materialistic pleasures. If a new wardrobe is what you’re after, I have just the stocking stuffer of information you need. Keeping up with the trends is always a must, but this Fall/Winter season the classic look was showcased by all the major houses with attention to tailoring and fit. Their offerings pair the opulence of the 1930s and 1940s with a 1970s flair. Menswear sees the return of riding capes and the always classic three-piece suit, while womenswear re-discovers the elegance of the effortless 40s combined with a 70s undertone. From hats to boots, this holiday style forecast is sure to steer you in the right direction when selecting gifts for that well-deserved fashionista.
Clockwise from Top Left: © Cacharel Fall, © Gucci Fall, © Gucci Fall, © Dolce & Gabbana Menswear, © Ralph Lauren FallHats galore, velvet dresses, parkas, gloves, and uniquely stylized classics dazzled this year. Leather is always in fashion, but it usually gets trendier with colder seasons approaching. Designers have created an array of leather garments by re-stylizing coats and skirts for the runways of Cacharel, Versace, and Trussardi. Total leather look is also very popular. You can choose different types of leather in different colors and create the most amazing and chic looks. The use of heavy gold-toned link bracelets and multi layered chains brings out the wow factor when paired with leather trench coats or biker jackets.
You might be a fan of simple things and minimalism, but there are lots of people who love clothes with intricate design, those that become the focus of your look, and those that look special and unique. The re-stylizing of classics became the “it” trend for every look this season. From knits to leather to fur, you’ll see impeccable execution and a focus on style and fit from this season’s hottest trends. Want to create a stir at your next holiday gala or family party? Try pairing a well-structured overcoat and velvet dress for an updated classic look.
The talented design team at the house of Gucci harkened to the Tom Ford days with an exquisite plunging neckline gown made of leopard printed green velvet. L’wren Scott took the look back to the 30s with beautiful draping and simplicity. And Ralph Lauren went down Kings Road on a Fox hunt. From fun and femininely flirty to structured with a hint of masculinity, you’ll see the winter palette spectrum and the use of heavy materials as if they were silk. Westwood, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, and House of Holland displayed an array of winter accessories that anchor a look to the season. Gloves and hats worked the runways accentuating looks and giving them a twist. Color blocking was still very predominant, but the winter color palette is reigning over holiday fashions this year.
Menswear trends are all about leather, prints, and luxe fabrics like velour. Outerwear is focused on silhouettes and design. Clothing includes suits, suit pants, shirts, turtlenecks, and various sweaters, jumpers, and pullovers. The colors used this season for menswear keep a classic vibe going, from navy blue and the requisite gray to oxblood, brick red, and shades of brown.
Designer brands like Etro offer menswear in bright reds, shades of orange, and jewel tones of purple and green. If you are more into light and neutral colors, beiges and pastels can be found in the collections of Maison Martin Margiela and Jonathan Saunders, with clean structured lines and classic Savile Row tailoring. The love of Bordeaux shades are found everywhere in menswear, from outerwear to pants and shirts and even footwear. It’s a great alternative to black or gray and a great accent color, too. Suits of different kinds can be found in most collections. Salvatore Ferragamo, Canali, and Versace created dressier suits with gray-purple stripes. Prints are all over the designer collections. From colorful plaids to florals, prints can be mixed and matched together or worn with solids. The most interesting and creative pairings were found at Etro, Alexander McQueen, and Christian Lacroix Homme.
Another luxury fabric is velour. It’s used in suits and separate blazers and pants. Changing into a velour jacket after work is a nice way to transform your outfit into an evening look.
Cape-style outerwear is the key trend of the season. It pairs perfectly with suit pants or pleat trousers and jumpers over the shirts. Sweaters, jumpers, and pullovers are a great way to keep warm and stay stylish during the winter season. They also look great with brimmed hats for a refined, hunting-inspired motif. Military style lingers for another season in the outerwear. Balmain, Belstaff, and Canali created super stylish coats inspired by military overcoats. Sheepskin lining was seen inside menswear, and was also very popular on collars and lapels.
Being a fashionista is easy – keep your look true to yourself and never be afraid of pushing the envelope. Wishing you all a warm, happy, and festive holiday season. We will be back in the new year, where we will uncover the newest trends for 2013.
