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Women's Fashion Trends: Autumn and Winter 2011

FASHION has taken a turn for the über sexy this autumn/winter 2011-12. This season has seen the insight of all things weird and wonderful. With a mixture of different styling to recreate the chosen looks for this season. So here it is this season trends:

Fetish Fashion

One of the most striking trends for Autumn/Winter 2011 is the surprisingly named "fetish". Inspired by The Night Porter, this look is not for the faint-hearted wearer (or spectator) - with latex, PVC and leather playing a starring role as the textures of choice in this trend. A mix of straps, sheer fabrics boots in bondage, skirts skin-tight and visible lingerie, along with a dash of mess-with-me-and-I'll-hurt you; this is the trend to bring out the Domme in us all.

There are ways to work this look to say more Style Vixen than Slut. So save the bondage bindings and lace-up corsetry for your naughtier costume parties and embrace the subtler side of this trend with suggestive sheer inserts, leather panels and black lace.

Now when it comes to putting this look together first stop would be to get a nice bra to go underneath the black sheer blouses that would be a good investment for AW11. Sticking with leather, there are quite a few accessories that you can buy to add a bit of extra strike to your outfits. Coco de Mer's beautiful leather harness might be perfect for a spot of pony play, but it could also make a plain white shirt look perfectly "fetish" for the day time.

In addition, Bordello stocks some amazing leather lingerie or, for the smaller budget, why not get yourself a Mint Siren Boot Cuff to instantly change those plain heels into something racier?As for latex... well, it's not just for Lady Gaga. Most designers make some wonderful accessories that would allow you to combine multiple AW11 trends in one go. A brightly coloured bow can quickly be added as a latex belt or a cute rubber hair clip to go with your pencil skirt or tunic dress.

You can create a surprisingly summery slant on the trend by simply limiting leather to accessories only (studded pieces by Felder Felder are ideal). For a floaty and feminine silhouette, combine a backless bodysuit with a chiffon skirt this creates a look of elegance mixed with delicates and demure.  Whilst wearing a sheer but sharply collared blouse (Alexander Wang does a particularly perfect one) over a black bodysuit creates a darkly sexy look which is sleek, chic and very fashion-forward.

Made by Niki have also got a selection of underwear which works as beautiful outerwear, and comes in a summery shades of peaches and cream. Cinching in a silky slip-like dress with a meltingly-soft leather belt and suede stilettos is a great way of tapping into the trend on an understated, sensuous level.

It’s easy to make fetish fashion into something lighter by cleverly accessorizing and tactile outfits with peep-show like paneling are the erotic elements which remain tasteful rather than tacky. Real sexiness lies in the art of suggestion – no need to bring the whip out of the bedroom.

Forties Glamour

THIS autumn/winter 2011-12 the Forties trend has dominated the catwalks with the  figure-hugging, hourglass outfits hair in smooth waves a la Veronica Lake and crimson screen-siren lipstick. Designers including Frida Giannini at Gucci, Alberta Ferretti, Miuccia Prada, Jean Paul Gaultier and Donna Karan have ushered in a season of sheer Forties glamour, complete with furs, pearls, gloves and shrugs all revolving around the pencil skirt.  

Hemlines have dipped to a strict yet feminine knee length that is at once conservative and very alluring. Bringing the trend full circle to autumn/winter 2011, similar reasoning behind what inspired the forties glamour collections still remains "This collection was about the empowerment of women," says Donna Karan in the August 2011 issue of Vogue. "Their words of wisdom and their ability to be strong and take a stand without giving up their femininity."

 So, you too want the forties Old Hollywood glamour look but not at the designer prices? Have no fear, the high street has some fabulous forties garments that are so easy to accommodate your every want and/or need.

Remember key to recreating this look is the following items: versions of skirted suits with over-the-knee pencil skirts, high-waist pleated or A-line skirts , fitted jackets with oversized shoulders and accentuated waists, wide-leg flannel and tweed trousers worn with pussy bow-blouses, fedora hats and berets, trench-like redingotes.

Accessorize’s new AW collection is an Aladdin’s cave of delights with an array of pinks, purples, and blues to compliment one of this season’s key fashion trends – 40s Glamour Best of their new collection includes vintage cocktail rings, hair accessories, fascinators and chandelier earrings.

Winter’s True Colours

Colours are most definitely apart of the trends too. So if you what to know what is "hot" in colours for this cold approaching season keep on reading

1: Soft colours. It is essential to remember that in autumn and winter colours shouldn’t be as bright as they are in spring and summer. But it in no way means you have to go black, grey and brown. You can choose any colour you like but make sure it is more subdued rather than flashy. Or you can opt for soft hues including lavender, cantaloupe, spindrift, or honeydew. Missoni Fall/Winter 2011/ 2012 collection is the best demonstration of the delicate colour scheme. Even pieces which are made to be androgynous look feminine in these tones. Garments in soft colours are stylish and elegant. They look sexy without being too aggressive.

2: Mood-improving bright details. If you think soft shades are dull there is another great colour trend for you to choose from bright details. Add bright accessories to you look, like scarves, bags or hats, find a great-looking pair of boots, or go for one vibrant item that will become the focus of your attire. Be smart to keep the balance. Too many vivid colours in one look in summer is playful and interesting, but in winter it looks vulgar. Keep wearing your lemon pieces as this colour is still hot. Or go for deeper tones.

Orange colour trend is timely as well but be careful with it. Stay away from total orange look unless it is the only thing which can make you feel good. Orange is cool when you know how to make it look cool. Magenta is very beautiful but as with orange there is quiet a fine line between looking fantastic and tasteless wearing it. Be wise. 

3: Burgundy. If you want colour but believe orange, lemon and magenta are too much for you try burgundy. It looks good on almost anyone and adds glamour to the appearance. This colour is luxurious and there is hardly a way to spoil your look with it. Grape can be an alternative for burgundy. Burberry grape looks the best.

4: Shiny colours. For special event you might want something shining. Go for it! Special events need special dressing. But keep a few rules of wearing sparkling clothing in mind to stay in style.

5: Midnight blue. Midnight blue is always safe no matter where you go: office, party, shopping, etc. Play with it, experiment and surprise your friends!

6: Neutral colours. These colours are always fashionable and designers seem to never get tired of creating pieces in neutral shades. It’s simple: neutrals can stay with you forever, they are versatile and can be easily combined with other pieces, both neutral or bright. Black is the best neutral. It’s slimming, elegant and chic. No one can make a mistake by wearing black.

White plays a spectacular contrast with black as with plenty of other shades. And it looks so sweet without any other colours.

7: Prints. In Autumn/ Winter 2011/ 2012 season prints play a significant role. They dilute the monotone scheme and leave a great field for experiment. The safest option is to combine printed items with monotone ones. However, if you are confident about your styling skills you might want to try to coordinate various patterns in one look. Betsey Johnson offers us to combine leopard and plaid. And she even mixes leopard and python. Leopard and python prints have been trendy for many seasons in succession.

Plaid is classic which you can update with modern colours. And if classic isn’t for you, you can be fond of statement prints i.e. bold, vivid and unexpected.