By LIZ GRIFFITHS [email protected]
Liz Griffiths recently moved to the Algarve, after finishing her degree in Journalism and Editorial Design in the UK. She joined the Algarve Resident to assist the editorial team. Her main passions are fashion, travel and vinho verde!
The change of season can be felt in the air. A cover up is beginning to be required first thing in the morning and the summer uniform of a sun dress and a pair of flip flops just won’t do.
The shops are always full of the autumn/winter trends even before the summer is over. This means planning ahead to grab the best looks and buys on the high street even if it may still be warm enough to be bare legged and sunbathing on the beach.
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But what can be expected to be hot for next season that will provide comfort yet lashings of style for those shorter and colder days?
This season, tweed has been given a makeover with winter coats in salt and pepper shades giving the frumpy material a more urban edge. A grey tweed coat acquires an easy elegance when worn with this season’s pretty party dress while tweed shift dresses are a perfect put-together look for the office.
Another material that has had a revamp this season is velvet. The material has been revitalised with glossy colours and sharp cuts. The fabric is sophisticated when worn as a cocktail dress in grape, teal and sapphire shades for the freshest and chicest look.
Following on from last winter, leather is still a hit. It has been used in skirts, trousers and jackets this season.
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Biker jackets are the must have cover up and are surprisingly versatile. Don’t be tempted to store away those summer dresses just yet, worn with a biker jacket, tights and boots they are immediately updated for the cooler season.
The boot of the season is the ‘over-the-knee’. Yes you may be conjuring up images of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman but don’t be too quick to dismiss them. Worn with the correct clothing, the high boot can be surprisingly stylish when worn over jeans or with skirts and dresses where the hemline covers the top of the boot.
Fashion will also be having a love affair with two eras gone by – the 1980s and the 1940s; two decades that couldn’t be any more different.
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The elegant and feminine tailoring that the 1940s brought can be seen in the body skimming tailored suits, pencil skirts and dresses that are ideal for a working woman.
Big shoulders are a key feature, but rather than the bulky padded variety the modern look is somewhat sharper and more angular. Big shouldered jackets are meant to make a woman’s waist appear smaller in comparison.
For a less structured look designers have also been favouring the art of draping. On the catwalks fluid drapes in tones of rose and champagne are a popular choice. The look is very flattering as the drapes of the material will skim over any lumps and bumps you want to conceal.
The colour of the season is purple with all different kinds of shades being seen on the catwalk including regal purple, indigo, inky grape and berry tones.
These shades are best teamed with black accessories, for a day-time look colour blocking your outfit will achieve a more casual approach to the rich and indulgent colour.
Purple satin in an evening dress gives a very opulent feel if you are thinking ahead to those Christmas parties.
