Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Color and Fashion Trends Forecast

Modest opulence takes the stage for fall and winter

In recent seasons, most of us have chosen to make smaller and fewer purchases when it comes to fashion. Along the way, we’ve discovered that we really don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe each season to maintain a fresh look. A few well-chosen pieces that work with clothing we already own are all that is needed to update the collection in the closet.

One of the easiest ways to spice up your look while taking advantage of the season’s fresh colors and styles is with accessories – especially jewelry! It’s a fun, affordable way to enjoy something new without a complete wardrobe overhaul. And whether you’re looking to purchase something trendy or timeless, you can find it here.

But before you shop, check out the latest scoop on this season’s hottest colors and styles…

 
Clear brights and unique neutrals create fresh color palette

“Mindful of consumers’ need for practicality, plus their desire for newness, designers offer many options for women to extend and embellish their wardrobes this fall,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

“Building on the color palette from spring, this season’s offerings include innovative takes on fundamental basics, as well as transporting, lively colors that conjure images of travel and adventure, whether real or aspirational.”


The Fall/Winter 2010-2011 top ten colors

Lagoon represents the turquoise family, (Pantone’s 2010 color of the year) evoking visions of the tropics. It creates an exciting pairing with Lipstick Red, a deeply sensual hue that will likely be equally popular in clothing and cosmetics. Another complement to Lagoon, Living Coral is a juicy shade of soft cantaloupe.

A bit brighter than the usual autumn violet, Purple Orchid brings the joy of summer into fall. Woodbine is a fresh, warm avocado green, perfect for the cooler months ahead.

Reminiscent of a radiant fall tree with yellow-gold leaves glowing in the autumn sun, Golden Glow brightens the palette. Crisp Endive, a soft yellow-green, adds a fresh flavor to the season’s color selections.

Delicious Chocolate Truffle is a rich, plumy brown neutral. Oyster Gray, a classic, lighter take on winter’s usual charcoal, offers a soft hue that will carry easily into spring. The mauvey beige Rose Dust, adds romance to the palette.

Color swatch courtesy of Pantone®

Quick fashion update

The hottest (and also the warmest) trend of them all for the coming season is fur – and it’s everywhere! On boots and shoes, purses and totes, skirts, coats, hats and gloves. Whether real or faux, (which we animal lovers prefer, of course…) it’ll be easy to get your warm fuzzies this fall and winter!

Shoe designs are walking off in all directions this fall. In addition to furry feet, you’ll find lace-up boots, lots of straps and buckles, both stilettos and chunky heels, platforms of all styles, and the return of the pointy toe.

Other emerging fashion trends this season include:

·          capes and ponchos

·          aviator jackets

·          cozy turtlenecks

·          quilted clothing and accessories

·          wide trousers

·          maxi skirts

·          lace for the holidays

·          classic velvet

·          head-to-toe knits

Continuing trends from previous seasons:

·          military-inspired jackets

·          finely tailored menswear looks

·          platform pumps

·          lots of layers

·          fringe and sequins

·          animal prints

And if you can’t get your fashion fix fast enough, Trendstop.com has got just the thing for you! Their mobile app called trendtracker™ sends the latest runway looks, fashion news, trend ideas and inspiration right to your mobile phone. What will they think of next?

 
And the biggest fashion story of the season? The jewelry, of course!

The most effective jewelry pieces for updating an old look are often the biggest. So if your wardrobe needs an style infusion, you’re in luck, because the hottest jewelry styles for the coming season are BIG ones!

Here’s an overview of the most important trends in jewelry for Fall/Winter 2010-2011:

·       Make a statement! – Research on seasonal trends keeps revealing that the “statement necklace” is still the defining piece to own. And it’s just the thing to help you shine amidst a sea of fur and big capes! Fortunately, there’s more than one fashionable way to make a statement with your neckwear. You can do it with a multi-strand necklace, a big pendant swinging from a thick chain, or something big, bold and decidedly chunky!

·          Chunky necklaces – Speaking of chunky, necklaces of big beads and grand gemstones are emerging as the hottest statement pieces this fall. Chunky chains are also popular. If you like a pop of style at the neckline, girlfriend, this is your season! And adding a brand new neckpiece with substance is the easiest way to awaken the subdued menswear outfits in your winter closet.

·          Chokers – The easiest necklace to wear is one that falls at the base of the neck, regardless of its style. A simple, classic strand of pearls circling the throat brings elegance to any outfit, while a lacy cuff that covers the entire neck adds a funky edge to the look.

·          Bold, ornate earrings – Another of the freshest ways to make a statement – and to draw attention to your face – is with oversized earrings. Chandeliers for your ears are still in vogue! Whether dripping with dozens of tiny stones or featuring intricate wire-wrapping, all manner of bold ear adornment is in this season. Especially hot are neck-lengthening silhouettes like gem-encrusted teardrop shapes and multiple crystals dangling from long strands of chain. Some are even long enough to dust the shoulders!

·          Gunmetal and platinum – While gold still has its place in the seasonal scene, the grays have the top spot this fall. Cool, bright platinum (or similar but more affordable silver) adds a flash of light to a dark winter wardrobe. Sultry gunmetal is a perfect pairing for pale shades and deep colors alike.

·          Charming pins – The latest turn on the classic brooch is the oversized pin sporting a flock of charms and dangles. These pins, often bejeweled or decorated with ornate designs in various metals, can be used to gather a scarf, accent a jacket, pop a purse or whatever suits your style!

·          Minimalism – Even while big jewelry is hot, the minimalist trend remains a strong undercurrent. From donning a small, delicate pendant on a fine chain to wearing no jewelry at all, minimalist girls can be themselves and still be in style.

·          Feathered fun – Sure, your jewelry accents your outfit, but can it keep you warm? It can if it’s full of feathers! This straight-from-the-runway trend covers your wrists and neck with feathered pieces that add style without weight.

·      Arm candy – Whether you prefer cuffs, bangles, charm bracelets, woven metal, beadwork, fiber. feathers or chain maille, bracelets continue to be a sweet treat, especially when stacked! Cuffs and bangles really take the cake – or rather, the sweet spot on the wrist – this year, though. Make sure you pick up at least one! 

·       Lay it on thick! – In addition to sporting a stack of bangles, necklace layering is still in style. The latest variation on this theme is the layering of chains (especially long, textured or mixed-link styles). Pendant layering is still hot, as well. For the sequential folks among us, that might mean wearing several similar pieces (all hearts, for example) or complementary ones, such as a group of all silver pendants of a similar size, or even pieces on a theme, like a grouping of suns, moons and stars. For the more abstract souls, layering means anything goes! Knock yourself out!

·       Knuckle busters – Big, bold cocktail rings are everywhere this season. Reeeeeally big rings! (Have you seen the stars on the red carpet lately?) Some rings sport a single, giant jewel-toned stone and others are covered with a pavé of itty bitty gemstones or crystals. Domed rings and those with smooth cabochons are especially hot.

·       Personalized and sentimental – In this fast-paced, often impersonal age where items are mass-produced by the thousands, personalized jewelry is becoming ever more popular. Pieces that carry names of loved ones or words of encouragement on them have much more value than the cost of materials alone. Charms that remind the wearer of special people or treasured life events are also an important trend. And if those charms are personalized, all the better!

·       One-of-a-kind keepsakes – A return to artisan-crafted jewelry has been happening for several years now and shows no signs of slowing down. Jewelry has become a mode of self-expression for many and there’s no better way to express yourself than by wearing a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted piece that no one else owns!
 

So, if your wardrobe could use a breath of fresh color and new life but you don’t want to overhaul your entire closet, try starting with a few new pieces of jewelry! Choose a style or two that are new to you and add them to your wardrobe. You might be surprised at how fresh and new those same old outfits suddenly look!

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures."
-- Henry Ward Beecher