Return to 1998 AUTUMN Index
After a dreadful summer, (give or take the odd week) the arrival of Autumn/Winter fashion is probably quite welcome this year. Strappy dresses, dainty sandals and little vest tops just aren't appropriate when the rain is lashing down. With the exception of sumptuous evening wear, new fashions are pretty understated with black and grey predominating. Anything pared down or minimalist is likely to fit the bill as long as the hem falls in the right place. Everything is very wearable but, oh, just a little bit dull. If you feel the need to create a stir, either become a scarlet woman or opt for a sexy black cat suit, Avengers style.
Black is still prevalent although grey is the popular alternative. John Major will be pleased.
Grey may be more poetically described as Slate, Dove, Storm, Shale or Steel but it's still not
a shade for anyone suffering from a phobic loathing caused by years of stylistic suffering in a
grey school uniform.
Studies in Poland and America have found that the habitual wearing of black and dark clothes, to the exclusion of other colours can denote depression. Perhaps this explains why so many people in the fashion industry are barking? If you need cheering up this season, the anecdote is a dash of red. Go the whole hog in a red dress and get a real confidence boost. But no need to follow the examples set on the catwalks of Alexander McQueen and Versace - red contact lenses and eye shadow are perhaps just a bit OTT.
The long skirt is probably the most important fashion trend this season. It completely
changes the proportions of an outfit and is therefore the key purchase if you intend to
update your wardrobe. Knee-length is still an option but ankle length hems are newer
and are therefore a more influential look.
Wide leg trousers give the same visual impression as a long skirt and were popular in the catwalk shows. However, street fashion is favouring a much narrower cut and a pair of pinstripe jeans might be a better buy.
Make room in your wardrobe for a big, chunky sweater with
a soft roll neck. With a curved waist and cropped to the hipbone, they are perfect for casual
dressing. Teamed with the new long skirt and a pair of boots, this is an easy and comfortable way
to capture one of this season's key looks. Look for black or grey with textural detail such as
flecking or ribbing.
Sleeker knitted dresses and separates are also popular and are ideal for low-fuss elegance. Cashmere is the luxury yarn of choice but even mohair is trying to make a comeback.
Think Audrey Hepburn and you get a good impression of the trend for simply
styled dresses and tunics. Slashed necklines and stand up collars are ubiquitous. Clean lines, boxy shapes
and three quarter length sleeves hark back to the late 1950's and early 60's.
For a sexy take on the 60's theme, be inspired by Uma Thurman in the new Avengers film. Emma Peel's Kinky Boots, figure hugging cat suits and low slung belts are guaranteed to create a stir.
Medieval maids, mad monks and Joan of Arc have all provided inspiration to
top designers. Step out as Queen Guinevere in a Versace inspired jersey dress
with long fitted sleeves fluting out over the wrist and a low slung belt. Leather
tunics and silvery chain mail fabric reflect the influence. Simple, fringe-less hairstyles brushed back
from the face are in keeping with the medieval mood. No need for plucked foreheads this century.
For eveningwear invest in a sexy flapper girl dress and keep
warm in a luxurious Poiret style wrap coat. Charleston the night
away in beads, feathers and fringing.
Look out for High Street versions of Carl Lagerfeld's 1920's inspired Chanel suits. Long, narrow skirts with short, cardigan style jackets in textured jersey and tweed. Add a pair of boots (white at Chanel) for a completely up to the minute look.