| Forget about January – intuitively, September signifies the start of the real year. September brings with it inevitable changes in the weather, and, of course, an excuse for us to start thinking of changing our wardrobes. It’s time to slip out of those shorts and flip-flops, and layer yourself in some of this season’s best-selling trends. If you feel like curling up with a good book, watching old movies or listening to your favourite tunes, fashion trends for Fall 2004 are about matching your mood, and helping you chill in style.
Fabrics that will keep you warm for the season include: tweed, denim, wool flannel, knits, and crepe. Suede, velvet, cashmere and satin add luxury to the fall material lineup. Men’s classic suiting is coming out in patterns such as houndstooth, herringbone, glen plaid, tartan, pinstripes and Donegal tweed. Other patterns include paisley, animal prints and bold stripes. The colours are either rich jewel tones or warm earthy hues, and include: magenta, purple, red, gold, emerald, olive, espresso, chocolate and charcoal grey.
The Trends
WOMEN
· Bloomsbury: Perhaps the most popular trend of the season, fashion designers such as Marc Jacobs and Miuccia Prada turned to the literary past, receiving inspiration from Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster of the Bloomsbury group. This look is all about mixing and matching classic or vintage styled pieces to create a slightly eccentric look. Different fabrics and textures, such as tweed with satin, fur trim with wool flannel or bold stripes and a small houndstooth pattern, will satisfy your eclectic character.
· The Lady: A woman can never go wrong when she looks polished and sophisticated. Doris Day movies such as Pillow Talk, with leading man Rock Hudson, exemplify a time when everyone dressed just to do lunch or shop for groceries. Collections that celebrate the era of gloves, fur stoles and wearing tiaras to dinner include Michael Kors for Celine, Narciso Rodriguez and Perry Ellis.
· The Soul Diva: Whether you like chilling out to the sounds of Angie Stone or Jill Scott, or kicking it up with Missy Elliot or J. Lo, this season, add a little soul to your wardrobe. This look is all about over-the-top customized glamour that looks great for day or evening. Diamonds, furs, silk and sequins look great mixed with jeans, athletics-inspired pieces or more sophisticated tailored suits. Bling bling collections include John Galliano for Christian Dior, Dolce and Gabanna, and Versace.
MEN
· Napoleon Dynamite: Never underestimate the power of a geek. This look takes its styling from the protagonist of the hit summer movie Napoleon Dynamite. The look is similar to the eccentricity of Bloomsbury, but with a street edge. The blazer and T-shirt combination is separated by another layer. The addition of a track jacket or button-down or zip cardigan updates the look and adds warmth. Instead of jeans, why not dress up with this season’s tailored pant in pinstripe or glen check? The look is chicly geeky. Viktor and Rolf Monsieur provide the ultimate cheat sheet for this trend.
· The Rock Star: The bad boy returns, for yet another season, but this time around he can be grungy or glamorous. To glam up, throw on a velvet blazer with a pair of dark jeans and a slogan T-shirt. Take it down a few notches by ditching the velvet blazer for a military-inspired jacket worn with distressed jeans. It’s "I don’t give a fuck" elegance. For groupie-chick attraction, turn to Dior Homme, Costume National, or Dolce and Gabanna as your styling guide.
· The Great White North: The Great White North: What is winter with out a little Canadiana? The look is total warmth, but who says that function can’t be fashion? Plaid shirts, chunky sweaters, tweed pants, down filled puffer coats and oh yes don’t forget your scarf! D Squared 2, Ralph Lauren, and Pringle of Scotland make you want to dress up and challenge frosty air.
UNISEX
· The Great Cover-Up: In Calgary you need at least two coats to get you through the winter. One for the weeks of deep freeze and another for Chinooks. Don’t be caught without a great cover-up for the season. Show-stopping coats for men and women include the classic trench, the double-breasted topper, the pea coat or the down-filled puffer. Designer inspirations for both genders include Jil Sander, Calvin Klein, Burberry and Costume National.
THE BEST SELLERS
These top 10 picks are available at your favourite retailer and are priced from "budget" to "splurge." So you have no excuse for not dressing for the weather this season.
WOMEN
1. Cropped tweed jacket
2. The brooch, rhinestone or tweed flower
3. The A-line or pencil skirt – below the knee is all the rage this season
4. Feminine blouse
5. Round-toe shoe
6. Shrug, poncho or capelet
7. Tailored pant (tweed, glen check, houndstooth)
8. Cropped jeans
9. Faux fur scarf/collar
10. Show-stopping coat
MEN
1. Velvet blazer
2. Printed graphic or slogan T-shirt
3. Tailored pant
4. Plaid shirt
5. Three-piece suit
6. Skinny tie (solid, striped or graphic)
7. Sweater vest
8. Slim fit jeans (clean or distressed)
9. Double-breasted top coat
10. Tweed blazer |
Copyright ©2004 FFWD. All rights reserved.