Prom Dress Looks and Prom Skirts

Prom Dress Looks and Prom Skirts There has been a growing trend for the full prom skirt. It's been gaining strength for a couple of years in the form of casual slouch skirts. Now the prom puffball is a shape to note in both skirt separates and dress styles. By next year I'm sure many coats will have prom style full skirts. As the trend for coats has been toward looser shapes, and A-line fullness in the lower half, so it has become easier to wear a wider or fuller skirt in winter. Short jackets like the biker styles also make it an easy choice for more voluminous skirt styles. Ruched net tutu petticoats that lift and enhance the skirt roundness are now more easily available from retailers. But if you are having trouble locating a 50s style net petticoat, try browsing fancy dress websites with a Google search for 'tutu net petticoat'. Or look for Goth clothing sites and try searching for Goth petticoats. Stiffer fabrics like the brocades used in these two photos left, will of course hold out better from the body than limper fabrics like satin. satin prom dresses will need support of a net petticoat if you want that flower fairy puffball effect. The biker bomber jacket discussed above looks terrific with jeans, trousers, tights and mini or teamed with a full prom skirt or prom dress. It even looks good on a motorbike! You are reading an original Autumn Fashion Trends 2008 article by Pauline Weston Thomas at www.fashion-era.com © Near right - Oasis brocade prom dress TBC. Far right - Oscar de la Renta brocade skirt and biker jacket.

Tapered heels

Tapered heels What: Heels that start thick at the top and taper down, often with a curve, into a stiletto-esque point at the bottom. Seen on: the likes of Burberry Prorsum, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Zac Posen. Verdict: They're a sexy, interesting and modern style which can really spice up an outfit. Not as much a classic shape, so buy them if you intend to get a lot of wear out of them over the next few seasons. Toe shapes Squared-off toes What: It's been a while since square toed shoes have been popular... and it's now their time to return. Before we all start having nightmares of those awful clunky dramatically-square shoes that were cool way back when, take note on the new squared-off shape. It's a tapered in toe with a short blunt nose - rather than a fully squared toe. Seen on: the runways of Calvin Klein, Marni, Christian Dior, Prada. Verdict: A nice, modern alternative to the lady-like round-toe; edgy, but not as harsh as a sharp point. A subtle squared-off toe is a great option in 2008.

Defined Waist/Belted Coats

Defined Waist/Belted Coats Statement making coats dominated the catwalks in Autumn 2008. Luxury materials such as cashmere and satin help create opulent effects. Look out for plenty of pastel coats in soft ice cream colours. The fashion trend for rich damask glossy metallic finishes continues and look out too for fur trims on hems and cuffs. Blues are a strong colour trend for this Autumn 2008. The Bottega Veneta coat near right with its origami like folds of fabric makes an equally bold statement, as does the Celine coat centre. On the far right we have the high street version of the Celine coat and which is from Marks and Spencer Autumn 2008 Womenswear Collection. The more intricate the catwalk construction, the slower the design is to reach the high street. Something has to give, and its usually the quality of finish, yet this high street coat really does bring fashion to the masses. It is shorter than the Celine version, and the skirt has less fullness, but it's hot on trend with light teal blue as one of the strongest fashion colours of Autumn 2008. This maybe the first time that younger consumers have faced a recession. Even experienced shoppers are having to take stock with cost of essentials rising faster than their pay. Consequently the state of the economy is effecting their own spending power, especially when it comes to pursuing the latest fashion trends. Fashion ecommerce sales online may be rapidly advancing, but the high street mall is feeling the pinch. These pecuniary decisions mean female shoppers resisting shopping too far in advance. The cannot afford a hot-off-the-press fashion trend that is way ahead of a season or an event. When shopping in late July or August women were faced with racks of heavier clothing far better suited to a cooler October and November. The whole fashion season distribution system has lost its way. Too many of us find it is now almost operating in the wrong climatic season. Investment Dressing Reader it's time to begin to think about investment dressing. The autumn 2008 fashion season is about beautiful clothes that can be worn time and time again, dressed up, or dressed down. Your carefully considered selection of choice garments can make them become true vintage clothes of the future. Your love affair with a wisely selected garment can also be the start of a beautiful new relationship with your clothes. You are reading an original Autumn Fashion Trends 2008 article by Pauline Weston Thomas at www.fashion-era.com © Consumer Mood Fuelling all of this 'less is more' attitude is the current recession. The reduced footfall in fashion outlets hinges on many factors. It does include a new consumer love affair with thrift plus an eco awareness born out of sheer boredom with possession of too many consumables. To that, add a deep underlying nagging fear we all have - the fear of some maltreated low paid worker of the third world, or even nearer home, who has slaved for hours on a hand crafted dress. Trends & Mini Fashion Trends or Fads Whilst two or three of the strongest trends always emerge as mainstream key fashion looks, the mini trends should not be dismissed. We don't have just 3 or 4 fashion trends going on at any one time, we have lots of mini fashion fads too. The choice and variety of styles and sizing for women is so much greater than ever before, so no one need feel there isn't a fashionable look for them. But this too has dangers, and means that so much choice has left many of us with bulging wardrobes of once 'trendy' clothes, which are hardly worn. We find our hands still reach for the more exclusive and fashionable items in our closets that make us feel expensive. Remember that items that boost our self esteem and make us look and feel 10 years younger get the most wear. So choose wisely from the trends on offer below, and start to think in terms of investment dressing as the next decade approaches. Make the next decade the fashion era you buy quality garments and accessories which help make you feel and look good, time and again.

Opulence & Embellishment. Sequin, Bead, Brocade, & Lace Looks

Opulence & Embellishment. Sequin, Bead, Brocade, & Lace Looks Celebrity Kate Moss, favoured a shimmering spangle shift tunic dress for the Swarovski Fashion Rocks event earlier this year. Of course wannabes hunted for one just like it. Needless to say, every fashion collection seemed to manage to slip in a heavily embellished dress and this gorgeous dress right, in flesh tone is from Blumarine. All the major retailers have sparkling sequin, bead, spangle or Pailette dresses in the Autumn 2008/Winter 2009 ranges. But for this look to be on-trend keep at the knee or higher, and keep the accessories simple and plain in contrast. The brave can buy sequin trousers, while the not so brave can stick to simple sequin additions such as sequin shoes. Cleavage exposure has taken a dive, but in the other direction! Necklines are more modest and provide interest with key holes, peek-a-boo sheers and lace effects. Glamour no longer means show-it-all exposure, but understanding the subtle nuances of statement with style. The stunning lace dress on the far left is from designer Eli Saab. He is a master of sophisticated womanly styling. Clearly the high street rates this style too, and here is a lovely black lace dress near left from Wallis. Wallis Autumn/Winter 2008 - Black lace dress £60/€95. Lace is a sure winner this autumn and was much favoured in Prada's catwalk show. Prada pulled out all the stops with her use of Swiss lace, in fact it's so crusty that was also used to make lace handbags. In my mind there is no doubt that the lace trend will slowly grow and become a huge fashion statement. But Prada's version is not the itsy-bitty pieces of lace trim on the edge of a ruffle. This is lace used to make whole garments in the style of covetable whole lace garments of 50 years ago, along the lines of work by Irish designer Sybil Connolly. Real lace is back in the high street, even though manufacturers won't be able to make the Swiss lace so beloved by Prada. The thickness of it puts it in the passementerie category. But, they will be able to produce jolly good substitutes for the mass market. Watch this lace fashion trend rise and rise in the next 2 years. Gorgeous, feminine, understated, but sophisticated and lace looks await women and the elegant dressing will delight men. HOME

The Architectural Silhouette 2008

Dresses Dresses continue to be one of the trends that women like the best. Girls and women alike have rediscovered the ease of one piece dressing and love the way a dress shows off their feminine curves. Sequin and embellished dresses, lace and leopard prints, red, teal and purple garments are all on the dress agenda for Autumn 2008. The dress can be short and tunic like, knee or below knee, ankle or maxi. There is a dress for everyone, whatever their age and figure. Dresses fall into many styles, but the most popular for Autumn 2008 are likely to be the slim drapery dress shown left, the 60s A-line shift dress, the embellished shift, and the prom fairy full skirt dress. Centre - Black and white Prince of Wales fine check dress by Phase Eight, Autumn winter 2008/9 womenswear. Above right - Sea green satin dress Late Autumn 2008 womenswear by Marks and Spencer. For Autumn 2008, Marks and Spencer also sell a classic V neckline black dress with a similar side swept feature. Note how these dresses for Autumn/Winter 2008/9 all show drapery focusing on the waist or side waist. Look out for Grecian drapery variations. Right - 100% silk black dress by Phillip Lim from matchesfashion.com about £400+. What has generated a fresh look in dresses and long tunics is intense rich paisley patterns and geometric prints, brocades, tartan, satin, lace and sheers and ice cream colours Animal prints are even more to the fore this winter and dresses from evening to daywear, long and short cocktail dresses will give you a feline edge. Each key dress trend is dealt with in more detail on its own page. You are reading an original Autumn Fashion Trends 2008 article by Pauline Weston Thomas at www.fashion-era.com

Tartans - Country Heritage

Tartans - Country Heritage celebrity model of the moment Agyness Henry Holland, of House of Holland, put celebrity model of the moment Agyness Deyn, in this chirpy cornflower blue tartan jacket and mini skirt see picture to the left. The punkiness of this outfit makes it appear innovative and puts it in autumn's must-have category. The high street has picked up quickly on this trend, and you can find plenty of plaid, check mini, prom and longer skirts at major retailers such as New Look. COUNTRY heritage was also a theme at D&G shown far right. For a lower cost alternative try out those at Marks and Spencer, but take care to keep the overall tartan look cute with a sharp jacket or knit. Above left - Agyness Deyn modelling a blue tartan suit from House of Holland. Right - Tartan skirt at Marks & Spencer NO. T62 2782E Price: £70.00 -sizes: 8-20 Short, regular and long. Available: September. Far right - D&G Ladylike tartan style kilt. You are reading an original Autumn Fashion Trends 2008 article by Pauline Weston Thomas at www.fashion-era.com HOME

Tuxedo: Men's 2008/2009 suit fashion trend

Tuxedo: Men's 2008/2009 suit fashion trend Clothing inspired by dinner suits were a major inspiration for women's fashion in 2008, so it doesn't really come as a surprise that the same fashion trend will be prevalent in menswear in 2008 and 2009. Tuxedo elements on men's catwalks: Dries Van Noten, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Kris Van Assche But how will be be wearing it? Certainly not in a semi-formal way, unless the invite requires it. Instead the men's 2008/2009 tuxedo trend will take its cues from the death of the dress code: pairing traditionally formal elements of the dinner suit with fashion pieces. Trend research agency Promostyl got it right in their Men's Summer 2008 Trendbook when they featured dinner suit elements under both their Academic and Spectacle themes. Avoid James Bond's peaked lapels The key for guys is to really know which elements to pick from a dinner suit. The easiest are going to be the satin shawl, satin notched or peaked lapels, or the satin stripe on the trouser leg. Personally I'd avoid a peaked lapel and stick to the shawl or notched lapel, these are far easier to wear. I'd also avoid selecting the formal dinner shirt as an element, despite it being included in the women's incarnation of the trend. And where to buy it? Dinner suits are an absolute bugger to buy, mostly because off the rack suits tend to be made for an older gents figure so finding a slim cut is near to impossible. Keep an eye out, however, for the recommended elements being used by high-end designers; Dries Van Noten men's catwalk serves as a prime example. If you'd like to buy the full suit and mix and match elements as desired, look to Ralph Lauren's Black Label with its slim cut dinner suit perfect for a trim figure. But if you're after something really unique, look no further than your local vintage fashion store. Don't be too averse at making a good investment however. The right dinner suit is timeless, and this trend will be around for Autumn(Fall)-Winter 2008/2009 and Spring-Summer 2009. HOME

Military Trend: Autumn (Fall) / Winter 2008-2009

Military Trend: Autumn (Fall) / Winter 2008-2009 While the luxury bohemian fashion trend takes elements from the Cossack, there's another, sharper military look taking shape for Autumn (Fall)/Winter of 2008/2009. It's a bit Sergeant Pepper; a bit rock; but it's also sleek and it's luxe. Military looks from Temperley, Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen, Derek Lam & Collette Dinnigan. How to wear it Gold detailing and ornate trims set off slick military cuts. In 2009, there are a number of different looks you can create - from rock to edgy-feminine to bohemian. Bohemian Luxe Rock Chic For the ultimate in rock chic, skinny pants or shiny leggings are the perfect accompaniment. Wear with killer heels and a killer attitude. Feminine In 2009 the almighty military jacket can also be played up with a feminine touch. Think Ralph Lauren; a boxy, red military-inspired jacket paired with a floor-length feathered gown. It's impractical, and it works. Bohemian Luxe Nothing compliments the Bohemian Luxe trend quite like a military-inspired piece. Team Gucci's over-the-knee fringed boots with skinny pants, foho prints, and a strict military jacket for a sexed-up bohemian look.

Women's Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Trends

Women's Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Trends Want to keep up with all of women's Spring/Summer 2009 fashion trends? Then make sure you sign-up for our fashion trends newsletter or subscribe to our RSS feed! Key Clothing Looks For The Season Hair Trends: Colors, Cuts & Styles Accessories and Jewellery Trends Denim Trends Colours Spring/Summer 2009 Clothes: Key Looks See-through and sheer fabrics trend In Spring and Summer fashion tends to get a little more revealing; we blame it on the heat, and one's desire to show off. So in 2009 turn to the sheer / see-through trend to keep you cool yet sexy. 2009's sheer pieces are a mixture of the soft and feminine, to the opposite extremes of the hardcore sex-kitten. Click to read more on the see-through/sheer/nude 2009 fashion trend. Women's Hair Color Trends 2009 Swimwear / Bikinis 2009 Find out what swimwear you'll be wearing when you hit the beach this Summer with our Bikinis 2009 trends guide. Which monikinis should you be wearing? And what style of bikinis? And which designer is making the sexiest, must-have pieces? Click to find out. Fringed clothing fashion trend A flow-on from 2008's flapper trend, fringing was a dominant feature of the Spring/Summer 2009 runways. Whether modern and sleek, silken femininity, or showgirl burlesque, fringed dresses in particular should be on every girls to-buy list this summer. Click here to read more on the fringing trend. One-Shouldered Tops, Dresses & Bikinis From single-shouldered dresses to tops and bikinis, asymmetric shoulder-lines have made a huge return in 2009. Showing off one-shoulder in a dress can be subtly sexy and interesting on the eye, and the possibilities for how to wear it are numerous. Click here to read more on the one-shouldered fashion trend.

Love Body

Tuxedo: Men's 2008/2009 suit fashion trend Clothing inspired by dinner suits were a major inspiration for women's fashion in 2008, so it doesn't really come as a surprise that the same fashion trend will be prevalent in menswear in 2008 and 2009. Tuxedo elements on men's catwalks: Dries Van Noten, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Kris Van Assche But how will be be wearing it? Certainly not in a semi-formal way, unless the invite requires it. Instead the men's 2008/2009 tuxedo trend will take its cues from the death of the dress code: pairing traditionally formal elements of the dinner suit with fashion pieces. Trend research agency Promostyl got it right in their Men's Summer 2008 Trendbook when they featured dinner suit elements under both their Academic and Spectacle themes. Avoid James Bond's peaked lapels The key for guys is to really know which elements to pick from a dinner suit. The easiest are going to be the satin shawl, satin notched or peaked lapels, or the satin stripe on the trouser leg. Personally I'd avoid a peaked lapel and stick to the shawl or notched lapel, these are far easier to wear. I'd also avoid selecting the formal dinner shirt as an element, despite it being included in the women's incarnation of the trend. And where to buy it? Dinner suits are an absolute bugger to buy, mostly because off the rack suits tend to be made for an older gents figure so finding a slim cut is near to impossible. Keep an eye out, however, for the recommended elements being used by high-end designers; Dries Van Noten men's catwalk serves as a prime example. If you'd like to buy the full suit and mix and match elements as desired, look to Ralph Lauren's Black Label with its slim cut dinner suit perfect for a trim figure. But if you're after something really unique, look no further than your local vintage fashion store. Don't be too averse at making a good investment however. The right dinner suit is timeless, and this trend will be around for Autumn(Fall)-Winter 2008/2009 and Spring-Summer 2009.

Biker Jackets.

Biker Jackets. Designer Biker Jackets The biker look is sure to be one of the key trends for Autumn 2008/ Winter 2009. Buy into this look now and reap the reward of investment dressing and getting the full benefit of owning a fashionable leather jacket. One of the most inspired biker jackets was from the House of Balenciaga. Zips are not just functional, but used for eye catching decorative effect. I also like the biker version from McQueen and Oscar de la Renta shown below. Far right - Balenciaga biker jacket at about £1400+. Note the designer edge and those extra long sleeves that could be cuffed or worn so nonchalantly overhand. Perfect for Biker Goth looks. High Street Biker Jackets Almost all the main brands and high street shops have their version of a leather biker bomber jacket and many have half a dozen styles. Whilst black is favourite, grey, navy tan, brown and animal print biker bombers are all on the racks too. The collar on biker jackets is frequently fur or faux fur, or the whole jacket can be made up as fur bomber jackets. For a low cost fur, try this fake fur jacket from the BHS Autumn 2008 range. Far right - Fake fur bomber biker jacket from BHS Autumn 2008 range - £59. Leather is of course the obvious choice for the body of any biker jacket, but don't forget denim for biker jackets. ASOS have this great little denim biker jacket, perfect for good weather days beyond summer. Their denim zip detail biker jacket is just £35. Right - ASOS Womenswear Autumn/Winter 2008 Near left - River Island sparkle biker jacket Autumn/Winter 2008/9. Shimmer effects and glistening metallic leather, snakeskin and croc effects all keep shimmer and glimmer in mainstream fashion. Fabrics that sparkle and shine in biker looks give a new edginess to this favourite retro fashion. Following this autumn's fashion trend for tartan plaids and checks, ASOS also have a black and white hounds-tooth biker jacket at £45. But if you prefer a plain biker jacket to hit all the right trend notes add a tartan skirt to your biker jacket HOME

Deep V-Neck Tops: Men's Trend 2009

Deep V-Neck Tops: Men's Trend 2009 Mark my words, Deep-V T-s hirts are going to be the bane of men's fashion trends in Spring-Summer 2009. For that very reason I'm thankful that the Deep V-Neck trend won't be confined to the tee. I can tell you the exact moment it happened. Tania was posting Salvatore Ferragamo's Spring-Summer 2009 collection to the forums and with a few clicks of my mouse there he was. Ridiculously square jawed guy. Or should I say, ridiculously square jawed guy wearing a deep v-neck t-shirt. Scrap that, a plunging neckline. No, worse still: a douche bag neck. It was there in that brief moment of horror that I realised that Spring-Summer 2009 would see far too many young guys showing off their chests. Far too many young guys without a ridiculously square jaw, or the ridiculously defined pecks to boot. Think of all the children saved So for that sake of little children (and my eyes), in 2009 please avoid the Deep V-Neck when it comes to t-shirts. Instead, look to the likes of Neil Barrett and Burberry Prorsum for your calling. Both have taken the Deep V to a much more natural calling: cardigans. You see, you can't really layer a t-shirt. Or at least, I can't really imagine a way it can be done without the wearer looking like a complete twat. "Look at that chap, he's wearing two t-shirts!" or, as is more likely to be the case, "that guy has a wife-beater under his douche bag neck. Weirdo!" But a cardigan is another story. You're almost forced to layer it. Sure, the catwalk models don't need to. Their square jaws, defined pecks, and distinct lack of pubic hair allows them to get away with it. But mere mortals? They'll be able to wear deep v-neck trend to their heart's content. All the time wearing it over something. Think of all the children saved. And my eyes. 2009 Fashion Trends Stay ahead of the fashion, hair and beauty trends in 2009 with Fashionising.com’s constantly updated Fashion Trends 2009 guide. You'll find out the latest on 2009 hair trends, women's Spring/Summer 2009 trends, and more! HOME

Tomato red is a major colour for this coming winter 2009

Tomato red is a major colour for this coming winter 2009 Key colour fashion trends for Autumn 2008 and Winter 2009 are of grown up rich colours of autumn leaves, inky midnight and sky blues, burnt earth tones, or the depth of crushed red fruit berries. Autumn 2008/9 is about new colour, about deep hues with the warmth of the renaissance palette. If you would like to check the Autumn/Winter 2008/9 colour palette then here are the dominant colours: tomato red, plus burnt ochre, cork, putty, sepia, bisque, honey, rich amber, cinnamon and brandy. There is also mushroom, earthy terracotta, auburn bronze, sienna, warm chocolate, crushed damson. Other colours include dusty pink, rose petal, claret, maroon, rich aubergine, blackberry, olive, pistachio, midnight sapphire, gunmetal grey, slate blue and deepest kingfisher teal. In contrast to the autumnal hues, are the winter white and ice cream colour palettes favoured by some designers. The good news is there is a fashion hue to suit every woman in the 2008/9 autumn fashion palette - enjoy your colour quest. The strongest colours trends in the high street for autumn 2008/Winter 2009 are tomato red, purple, teal blue, gold and puce orchid. There is also a lot of grey, blue and olive. Another interesting combination is orange and crushed cherry, frequently teamed with the more sombre neutral midnight inky blues. Above left - Dior tomato red suit. Above centre left - River Island Clothing - Red belted trench coat Mac £39.99 following a very similar line as the Dior suit. Right - Red patent shoe boot £74.99 - Autumn Winter 2008/9 also River Island Clothing Co. Ltd -Stockist for both River Island items - 0208 991 4759. Slow Fashion Whilst blatant OTT bling is fading, this is the season where fashionable excess is acceptable, when it relates to a statement making well cut silhouette and beautiful materials. For Autumn 2008 think slow fashion. Think statement fashion rather than fast fashion. This maybe the first time that younger consumers have faced a recession. Even experienced shoppers are having to take stock with cost of essentials rising faster than their pay. Consequently the state of the economy is effecting their own spending power, especially when it comes to pursuing the latest fashion trends. Fashion ecommerce sales online may be rapidly advancing, but the high street mall is feeling the pinch. These pecuniary decisions mean female shoppers resisting shopping too far in advance. The cannot afford a hot-off-the-press fashion trend that is way ahead of a season or an event. When shopping in late July or August women were faced with racks of heavier clothing far better suited to a cooler October and November. The whole fashion season distribution system has lost its way. Too many of us find it is now almost operating in the wrong climatic season. Investment Dressing Reader it's time to begin to think about investment dressing. The autumn 2008 fashion season is about beautiful clothes that can be worn time and time again, dressed up, or dressed down. Your carefully considered selection of choice garments can make them become true vintage clothes of the future. Your love affair with a wisely selected garment can also be the start of a beautiful new relationship with your clothes. You are reading an original Autumn Fashion Trends 2008 article by Pauline Weston Thomas at www.fashion-era.com © Consumer Mood Fuelling all of this 'less is more' attitude is the current recession. The reduced footfall in fashion outlets hinges on many factors. It does include a new consumer love affair with thrift plus an eco awareness born out of sheer boredom with possession of too many consumables. To that, add a deep underlying nagging fear we all have - the fear of some maltreated low paid worker of the third world, or even nearer home, who has slaved for hours on a hand crafted dress. Trends & Mini Fashion Trends or Fads Whilst two or three of the strongest trends always emerge as mainstream key fashion looks, the mini trends should not be dismissed. We don't have just 3 or 4 fashion trends going on at any one time, we have lots of mini fashion fads too. The choice and variety of styles and sizing for women is so much greater than ever before, so no one need feel there isn't a fashionable look for them. But this too has dangers, and means that so much choice has left many of us with bulging wardrobes of once 'trendy' clothes, which are hardly worn. We find our hands still reach for the more exclusive and fashionable items in our closets that make us feel expensive. Remember that items that boost our self esteem and make us look and feel 10 years younger get the most wear. So choose wisely from the trends on offer below, and start to think in terms of investment dressing as the next decade approaches. Make the next decade the fashion era you buy quality garments and accessories which help make you feel and look good, time and again.