Throughout the spring of 2010 there has been a profusion of
bright colours such as shocking fuchsia pink. You are also
likely to notice fashion garments in ultramarine, and especially
in that colour which some call turquoise and others say sea
green. As ever, Pantone is the authority on fashion
colours and they define each hue with a reference number that is
globally recognised.
The most important fashion colour contender for
2010 is TURQUOISE.
This is the year to get the moody blues into your wardrobe.
Examine colour combinations involving vibrant turquoise and lagoon through
to deep cobalt or
Klein blue. Also, cornflower blue Amparo blue through to
inky sapphire are all on the hot list of blue tones for 2010.
The profusion of blue
based accessories in bags, shoes and jewellery reflect this love
of all the blue colours, especially marine blues that verge on
the myriad tones of sea greens. Turquoise is a colour that
flatters most skin tones looking just as good on redheads,
blondes or brunettes. Adding a small touch of contrast
highlight in the form of orange coral (its
opposite on the colour wheel), can make
this intense colour buzz with even more life.
So that you can see the importance of turquoise here are the Pantone colour swatches for
these very similar marine blues for Spring/Summer 2010 and
Autumn/Winter 2010/11.
Above Left - Pantone Colour Turquoise - Summer 2010 - PANTONE
15-5519 Turquoise.
Lower Left - Pantone Colour Lagoon - Fall 2010 - Very similar, but a
richer more
autumnal tone - PANTONE 16-5418. See more
turquoise on the key trends page.
With its extravagant print and rich colours, this Betty Barclay
dress below far left, expresses a wonderfully exotic attitude.
Effective drape styling at the front shows off the
waist and neckline. The figure-hugging style makes this
an eye-catching dress ideal for any occasion. The digital
print with the teeming tribal and animal markings looks bang up-to-date
with the marine blues colour mix. Since this material has
a content of 92%
Polyester and 8% Elastane it will pack, travel and instantly recover
to keep you looking ultra groomed.
Below Left - Betty Barclay Collection "By the
Sea" Draped Dress ₤90/€100 IRL, Clutch Bag ₤70.00/€75 IRL.
Bottom Centre Right - Jaeger Semi Precious Stone Collar £85 -
This semi-precious blue agate quartz crystal collar combines the
natural beauty of the sliced stone, to make a fashion forward
bib necklace. Here is modern jewellery for the contemporary
woman. In this necklace the blue agate slices show
gradations of deep blue to
turquoise and these agate slices are suspended within linked rings of
shiny golden toned metal.
Centre Left - Short Turquoise Cocktail/Prom Dress - Very.co.uk.
Top Centre Right - John Lewis Collection Turquoise Cuff - £20.
Top Far Right - Turquoise Retro Quilted Long Strap Bag - Chain Ribbon
Handle, £6 Matalan SS10 -
Accessories at Matalan Stockist Tel: 0845 330 3330.
Bottom Far Right -
Turquoise Flat Ballet Leather Bow Pumps - £59.95 - White Stuff
SS10 - Footwear - Stockist Tel: 020 7735 8133.
If Jade or Turquoise was the gemstone that came to
mind when looking at the colour swatches above, then Blue Agate
was the stone that came into my mind
when I saw Pantone's Amparo blue further below.
Left - The rich tones of a slice of Blue Agate. The dress
right with its flowing marble
effect print has the same hypnotic movement of the agate
striations.
Right - Elégance - Flowing, Pure Silk Dress, £289. Gold
Chain Belt, £59. Decorative with Beads/Crystals, £199,
also Elégance.
Easy flat ballet pumps in
bright colours make holiday sightseeing a breeze. These blue
ballet flats are a simple, but effective way to add the latest new fashion
colours into your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Pop
them into your bag as spares and lift any outfit out of the
ordinary. Below Right - Tamaris Blue Suede Flat Ballet Pump
- £39.99. Tamaris Spring Summer 2010.
Amparo Blue is a very distinct pure blue, while
it has a
deep richness, there are fewer cobalt or royal tones in it. Amparo Blue
PANTONE 18-3945
shown centre below is Pantone's top bright blue for 2010. Below: Top
Row Centre - Amparo Blue - PANTONE
18-3945 Spring Summer
2010.
Jane Norman has lots of garments in stock that
hit this heart-stopping blue note. The Jane Norman model above
left wears a blue one shoulder zip corsage dress.
First Left - Jane Norman Dress £40, Zip Back Lacquer Heel
Platforms £35, Diamante Mix Hoop Earrings £6.
Top Row Right - This smudge tie dye pleat side skirt has all the
elements of fun summer skirts. Jane Norman
Summer 2010 - Deep Elasticated Printed Tulip Skirt £35. The Jane
Norman Vintage Floral Print Knee
Length Skirt bottom row is £32 and the Crochet Draped Hem Short Sleeve Cardigan
£28, beside it is also Jane Norman Spring Summer 2010. Above
Far Right - Marks & Spencer bring bright chic looks
to this utility inspired summer safari dress with blue pockets.
M&S Portfolio Electric Blue Dress
£49.50.
The more intense true blues have a rich
intensity that delights and owes much to the brilliance of
fabulous gemstones like Sapphire, Tanzanite, Lapis Lazuli. Right
- Ungaro Catwalk - Blues hitting the depth of gemstone
brilliance.
»
Blue double denim may be a fashion micro trend right
now, but for me the relaxed summer look of denim, tie dye or batik is
sharper when worn singly and is less intense if paired with white. The lovely tones of these blues
below team well with denim or Broderie Anglaise white lace pieces.
Below: Top Row Left - M&Co Boutique Dip Dye
Asymmetric Top £35 - Ladieswear Boutique M&Co Stockist Tel: 0800
0317 200.
Top Row Centre - Matalan SS10 High Summer & Swimwear - Be Beau
Ikat Blue Animal Jersey Halter Top, £12, Be Beau Denim Hot
Pants, £12. Matalan Stockist Tel: 0845 330 3330. Below
Top Right - Red Herring at Debenhams - Denim Shirt £28/€43, White
Ruffle Dress £35/€54. Middle
Centre - NEXT Wood Bangles £10/€14.
Above:
Bottom Left - Hush Puppies Katsia Wedge Royal Blue Leather
Sling Back Wedge High Sandal £50 - SS10 Hush Puppies Women's
Collection - Stockist Tel: 020 7860 0460.
Bottom Centre - Blue Brogue Shoes by Schuh.
Bottom Right - Tamaris Blue Patent Wedge, £54.99.
Whether
you prefer slip-on sandals, ballet pumps, wedges, flat brogues, or high warrior woman footwear,
you will discover that every
fashion range has a colourful bright blue based shoe. Kitten heels are
making a comeback so snap up any you see in blue.
You
can't go wrong if you continue to invest in the viola-blue
tones. See how they can be mixed with prints, like this
tribal influenced occasion dress with its animal zebra pattern
and in lovely colours the effect is dazzling. Far Right - Frank Usher SS10 Silk Print Dress,
Black Wide Bow Detail Waistband.
Floating chiffon and silky fabrics appear not
only in garments, but also in footwear as ribbon trims and
corsage appliqués.
Near
Right - Bertie Bow Tie Occasion Shoe - San Antonio £75 - Bertie
UK Stockist Tel: 0207 258 3605.
Pantone, the colour specialists, also named Violet as
one of the top core colours for the spring summer 2010 colour
palette. Near Right - Spring 2010 - Violet - PANTONE 16-3320.
Last autumn's
Purple Heart of 2009 from
Pantone blends beautifully with the violet. Also in this Autumn 2010
Pantone Palette is a wonderful slightly deeper purple
orchid, which is on the top ten list of Fall colours. Below
Right - For Autumn 2010/Winter 2011 -
Purple Orchid - PANTONE 18-3027.
It looks
as though purple colours are here to stay
for some years as everyone loves the colour so much.
Buying into violet and purple
orchid styled clothing will help you transition the seasons more
easily. Purple has been really admired
since about 2006, and I have made numerous comments on my
purple fashion
page.
Maxi dresses have developed quite a fan base and are the ultimate
luxury holiday piece. Somehow just packing one floaty maxi dress
into your luggage, helps transport you to more exotic places,
before you have even left the house!
Both images left are the same empire bustier maxi dress by A|wear. A|wear - Eclectic Paradise - Purple
Printed Maxi Dress €68/£60.
A|wear say 'Paying tribute to
McQueen & DKNY, dresses come in both short & long this season.
The 100% silk maxi dress takes prime position in a flowing
chiffon bandeau shape…think vivid purple & jade green tones,
worn simply with flat sandals & an oversized bag.' For A|wear Stockists
Tel: 00 353 1
4724900 or buy at A|wear online.
There are many rich colours in this unusually patterned T-shirt,
there is an attractive mix of purple, brown, lilac and silky gold. The
lilac-coloured jeans calm the busy top, whilst creating a fresh,
updated and appealing pop of colour sherbet pastel look. Below Far Left - Betty Barclay "Sporty Glam" Bright Print
T-shirt in easy care 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester, UK ₤45/€50
IRL. Lilac Jeans in 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane,
UK ₤90/€100.
Centre Left - Short One Shoulder Corsage Lilac Dress by Jane Norman.
Top Centre Right - This sugar almond lilac top is ideal
for a beach holiday, making a great swimwear cover up, or a
relaxed top for a more special evening - Lilac V-Neck Top
- Freemans Clothing £18.
Bottom Centre Right - Bow Chiffon Chain Tied Gladiator Sandal -
£28/€42 Evans Accessories.
Bottom Far Right - This 100% George at Asda Viscose tie-dye
violet dress has an embellished neckline with a racer back, drawstring waistband and
a dip handkerchief hem. The dress available in sizes 8 to plus
size 24 is
also machine washable and costs just £16 at George at Asda. Pick it up
with your groceries or buy it online at Asda.
To wear this racer-back dress to best effect you may need a special bra, so if
you are on a very tight budget consider doing a Houdini, and use
the Bradini strap connector just £3 from Bhs. The Bradini no-see bra strap
connector is invisible, clear & extremely
comfortable to wear! The clever hook'n loop converts any bra
into a racer back, so straps won't show on sleeveless tops and
dresses. The Bradini is available in select Bhs stores. BHS Stockist Tel: 0845 196 0000.
For other bra solutions try the
Wonderbra.
Colour houses worldwide produce colour charts for textile/clothing
manufacturers and most frequently they use the Pantone
numbering system to portray their chosen colours. For some time the green family of rich gemlike tones has been growing in
global popularity. Maybe it's the eco nature of green
associations, but I like to think it's just because green is such
a wonderful glowing, rich, gemstone colour that vibrates with
life and freshness; I love it because being fair it
really suits my colouring.
Think of emeralds, jade, peridot and green amethyst
jewellery pieces and you quickly capture the green mood of the
moment. Both these green dresses also have ruffle pleat frill flounce
trims. Flounces and ruffles are part of the pretty romantic
fashion trend for Summer 2010.
Above Left -
Kaliko Origami Shift Dress £80 Kaliko.
Above Right - Frank Usher SS10 Collection Green/Lime Taffeta Strapless Dress
& Frill Detail, Bolero Jacket. This is just the showstopper outfit a mother
of the bride may be seeking for an
afternoon into evening wedding. This
ruffle and flounce trend is proving to be popular with women who
like to show their love of more womanly feminine fashion
lines. Both of these dresses have just the right amount of frill to
make them look sophisticated rather than fairy doll prom girly.
Mother
of the brides mostly compete with lots of well toned younger
female
wedding guests, so a stunning little jacket is perfect for covering up
arms that don't have the firmness they once had. Feeling
comfortable for the whole day at any special occasion,
anniversary or birthday is the key
to feeling good at the time, and later recalling the event fondly.
When the garment is occasion-wear, an appropriate jacket,
which enhances the upper body curves rather than drowns out
shape, makes an outfit
feel exceptional. Feeling confident in strong bold colours will also make for unforgettable photos. Colours that bring the face alive will
fetch
compliments pouring your way. You will always remember
that special clear blue, green, violet or hot pink dress that did so much
to lift the tone of your skin, or highlight the colour of your eyes.
Hmmm ...but
would you recall an abstract murky mufti camouflage digital print
or utility chic outfit with
such fondness a decade later, even if it was silk?
The key to success when wearing cool blues, sea greens and lime is to be bold, and juxtapose
large chunks of bright block colours together. Other colour
schemes of tangerine,
coral and tomato red set against
fuchsia pink and magenta create maximum buzz for the onlooker.
Right - Ungaro Catwalk SS2010 Bold.
The effect is electric, but stunning when coral and orange are teamed with
a strongly competing shocking fuchsia pink. This Ungaro cropped pink jacket and skinny orange trousers was a catwalk
show pop of colour and in contrast to all the pastel and flesh
tints also being paraded at shows.
Some micro fashion trends pass by unnoticed by the majority. Other
fads hold the imagination of fashion followers and hang
on for years as consumers refuse to drop a look they love. Boho
and ethnic styled fashion was a true fashion trend of the
noughties. The Twentens continues this love of exotic and
decorative looks with vibrant beachwear, kaftans and maxi
dresses.
The generation who grew up in a world of urban anonymity
cocooned in black and grey are now rediscovering the bright and
vivid colour combinations of another era.
These glowing holiday dress examples show lots
of seventies influence and bring 'flower power' back into our
lives. One even comes from the delightfully aptly named colourfulfashion.com. Left - Savage Culture Alicia Short Dress, £119.95 at
ColourfulFashion.com.
Near - Phase Eight - Martina Maxi Dress £99.
SS 2010.
Soaring
temperatures need sensational colours and vivid prints. These
outfits all reclaim Boho looks with novel modern colour twists and colour
combinations that would have seemed scary ten years ago.
Left - What a show stopping red.
This is Pantone's Tomato Purée from its top ten spring
colour list - PANTONE
18-1661 - Spring Summer 2010.
Many women find the idea of a whole expanse of fabric, such as
a dress or coat in one strong colour, difficult when the hue is
unfamiliar to them. An easy way to adopt brighter colours is
with the short shrug or waisted cardigan. These cropped cardis in Spring's top ten colours are also from
colourfulfashion.com
- love them - these are must-haves for 2010.
Near Right - Yumi Cindi Floral Lace Frill Skirt & Uttam Hot Pink
Maya Cropped Cardigan, £38/£39.50 - Yumi at ColourfulFashion.com.
Summer Vintage at Yumi. Uttam Stockist Tel 01297 444110.
Far Right - Uttam London at ColourfulFashion.com - Coral Orange
Mia Cropped Cardigan, £45.
Coral
is one of the best warm colours to buy into now this
summer.
Near Right -
This paler pastel soft coral for SS 2010 from
Pantone is Fusion Coral -
PANTONE 16-1543.
Far Right - For Fall 2010, Pantone has named Living Coral 16-1546
as its coral of choice. As
you can see from the colour squares, the autumnal coral far right is just very slightly deeper
than the Fusion Coral of summer.
Dresses
and Macs based on coral,
orange and
tangerine tones, and worn as the sole colour are right on-trend.
The coral red Mac left and this coral decorative zipper cardigan are
both from Monsoon - Monsoon Coral Gigi Mac £85/€144 Eire - Monsoon
Fusion Summer 2010.
Near Left - Coral Clematis Cardigan £45/€76 Eire - Monsoon
Fusion Summer 2010. The contrast hardware - zippers and buttons
continue the fashion trend for focal interest.
Ever since
Michelle Obama, at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration
Ball, gave her seal of approval the one shouldered evening dress
has taken hold in
women's wardrobes. A year later the style is still a fashion favourite
with women who realise the one shoulder strap offers just a bit more
reassuring support than a full on strapless bustier
piece.
Right - Coral Eveningwear Dress from Vera Mont "Summer Melody"
Style No. 2218/3961 - Dress Material:100% Polyester - UK ₤190/IRL
€190. Spring/Summer 2010 - Vera Mont Stockist Tel: 020
7411 0322.
Vera Mont Say "Fashionable coral always creates a good mood:
asymmetrical straps in a Roman tunic style and hems of varying
lengths make this dress unique. The gathered bandeau elements
around the bust create a very feminine outline and the unusual
colour adds a touch of freshness."
How right they are, this really is a dreamy colour like the
glowing spray rays of a hot equatorial sunrise.
Gold and yellow have added a
fresh life to the
colour palette. First we
had the iridescent shimmering materials, then the metallic brocades, and now
we have a lovely mellow yellow.
The
last of the bright colours in the Pantone palette is Aurora shown
near left.
Near Top
Left - Aurora
PANTONE 12-0642 -
SS2010.
Yellow
mixed with black, or set against white, can look striking
especially in border prints, stripes, block colours or used in
contrast piped combinations. However, be careful of overdoing this
look and making the bumble bee or
wasp effect! Select carefully.
Centre Left - Top by Kaleidoscope.
Right - Hobbs SS2010 - Yellow and White Striped Skirt and White Cropped
Jacket.
Left - Ungaro Catwalk Cropped Yellow Jacket.
As you see Aurora is a very pretty yellow, the colour
of summer sunshine and buttercups.
Jackets and blazers, like those above, are always wardrobe
workhorse items, but
for a softer look this pretty feminine yellow open cardi looks like the ideal easy cover up for a
summer dress or easy skirt; see near
right the cardi from GIVe. Equally this cardigan could go well with a pair of your
favourite jeans, or cropped summer pants.
The soft cowl neckline short sleeved top beside it, is also
by GIVe. and many women will appreciate the modesty of the cut.
Nothing is worse than tugging at a top all day, constantly pulling it back
into position because a bra or too much cleavage is
showing. Fine when you intend the look to be underwear as
outerwear, but mortifying when the intention is to have a clean
uncluttered line. This garment looks thoughtfully designed to
make for fuss free dressing.
Near Right - Canary Yellow Shrug - GIVe - Bloomsbury
Collection. GIVe Stockist Tel: 0844 3351001.
Far Right - Lena Top £35 Canary Yellow Draped Neckline Tee -
GIVe - City Chic Collection.
You may be wondering who is behind the new label GIVe. Well none other than fashion innovator, design guru and retail legend George Davies. His
motivation? To bring cutting-edge style and affordable luxury to
British women. I'd like to tell you more about GIVe the 4th
retail venture for George Davies, on another later page. But for
now, all you need to know is that there are three ways to shop with GIVe: online at www.give.co.uk,
in one of 14 department stores around the UK, or in one of
the 8 stand-alone GIVe stores. GIVe Details Tel: 0844 3351001.
Gold metallic looks and brocades have stood the test of
time in the noughties. Now in 2010 gold has gained new prominence
as an ultra chic colouration. Dazzling
colour effects can be achieved with the use of the gold-tones and
similar metallic colours.
There are glossy gold tones in
glittery gleaming lames. This heirloom chic look progresses to
copper burnished tones for fall 2010. Near Left - Gold dress
£24.99/€29.99 - TK Maxx Spring/Summer Womenswear 2010.
Please See
footnote as styles vary per store.
»
Just because you are a plus size, does not mean you can't be
glamorous. Today being an outsize or XXXL does not mean being a
fashion outcast. In 2010 the plus size market is well catered
for with companies like Marks & Spencer, Simply Be and Fifty
Plus ensuring women have a modern selection of clothing pieces
from which to select their perfect outfit. Plus size
specialist fashion boutiques like Beige Plus have beautiful
clothes and offer a broad range in sizes 16 to 28. Some of the
companies mentioned on my Plus Sizes
page may offer tips about plus size fashion shops near you.
Above Far Left - Plus Sizes 16-28 - Glamorous Old Gold Sequined
Hoody - Beige Plus Stockist Tel: 0207 935 3999.
Neutrals
Taupe, cream, monochrome black, white and neutral grey act as a
foil for the bolder shimmering colours. Neutral fashion pieces are never very far away from any fashion
story this season.
Right -
PANTONE 16-1219
Tuscany.
Near Right - PANTONE 12-1107 Pink Champagne.
GIVe Betty Cardigan £59, Statement Dark Beige Cardigan
With Sequin Button Detail - GIVe Uniquely Vintage.
GIVe Stockist Tel: 0844
3351001.
Silver, soft grey, cream, beige, café-au-lait
and ecru are colours that still work anywhere whether rain
or shine. White is much harder to wear when rain is in the
air. Somehow on
dull cloudy summer days neutrals just seem to blend in better.
This striped shirt dress from Hobbs is summery, but would look
good on the dullest of days when a floral alternative would seem
too optimistic. Its crisply dressy, yet could be casual at the
same time dependent on the informality of the accessories you
select.
Coloured
leathers, especially stone-toned leather skirts, jackets and
dresses will see you through summer. Coloured leather and suede
currently have more cachet than a black leather piece, and the
high street has plenty of examples of leather dresses and skirts
in these café-au-lait neutrals. Footwear in stone or other
natural colours will work with many of your summer outfits, and
neutral footwear always makes the legs look longer.
Near Left - Marks & Spencer Autograph, Dusted Pink
Leather Evening Dress £149.
Left - Hobbs - SS10 Heritage & Artisan Collection - Calder
Leather Jacket, £349, Avon Blouse, £119, Kennet skirt, £199,
Austell Brogue Tassel Court, £249.
Far Right - Hobbs NW3 Stripe dress,£169 Hobbs Spring Summer 2010
Clothing.
Neutrals add a more business like air to
clothing, so are welcomed for formal settings, but for a fresh 2010 wardrobe
update, neutrals also work well with the sherbet tones. The neutral tones
meld into many of the soft pastels with the soft pinks shown
below getting a great deal of coverage.
Pastel sugar sorbet colours are so 2010, and the colour trend has
roots in the soft neutral flesh tones of blush and creamy peachy
colours shown here.
The
sherbet colours include pink, peach, banana, citrine lemon,
apricot,
lavender, eau de nil, mint green, gooseberry, jade and of course, aquamarine. Think of
delicate pastel sorbets, sugar almonds, sweet peas, milky
blancmange or cream fool desserts.
These barely pink blush dresses are a lovely
illustration of summer occasion wear. They are also a good
fashion example of decorative shoulder interest with the
rose/floral corsage 3D decoration and the lace yoke emphasising
the neckline.
An underlying fashion trend for some years has
been for a pale flesh soft blush, and its latest manifestation
has been the fashion look of
'underwear as outwear' pieces. Whatever the design pattern,
these soft hues are often found artfully placed in the natural construction
sections of a dress or top. See and read about
Underwear Worn As Outerwear.
Details Above Left - FEVER Ivy Dress Nude £69.99, Fever Designs Chiffon
Corsage Draped One-shoulder Pastel Peach Silk Dress.
Centre - Phase Eight Grosgrain Ruffle Dress £120, SS 2010.
Right -
River Island Pink Dress with Detailed Yoke.
Romantic Pretty Sherbet Fashion Colours 2010
This is a girlish romantic mood
and a fashion spiced with ice cream pastel colours.
Sherbet colours make the prettiest dresses and silk lace camisoles.
Envisage
scallop edges, satin, lace, flounces, ribbons, bows and soft
tones of shell pink. Black on pink blush see through lace bra
effects add edginess.
Picture champagne tones, diaphanous floating dresses, washed
parachute silk with flattering, pretty girlish looks. Plisse
fabrics, chiffon, cloque, lace and Chantilly lace help create fairytale
frocks with frothy frills, frou-frou ruffles and flounces.
Right -
Jane Norman Summer 2010 Tiered Ruffle Dress £60.
Left - Littlewoods Ballet Look Skirt & Vest.
Sweetshop pastels, candy floss, sugar fondant, cupcake
colours, girly glamour sugar and spice are all part of the new
pretty. But pretty is not always edgy, so you may need to harden
this look by bringing it back down to earth with
utility touches for the modern world.
The dress - is still with us and Mad Men sheath dresses in
Betty Draper & Christina Hendricks style pack the rails of
retailers everywhere. Body con hugging fabrics and body con cut dresses use a multitude
of fabrics that pull and push the figure into hour glass shapes. Sometimes the
dresses conform to early sixties longer lengths, and at
other times the dresses are way above the knee and appear to be
straight out of 1966. Bold brights are
as likely as pastel sugar colours or whites for eye catching
figure defining dresses.
Right - A woman in white - a white lace dress from Jane Norman Spring 2010.
Jane Norman Lace Bow Scoop Back Dress
£30/€39, Cross Body Studded bag £12/€16, Quilted Pumps With Studs
£20/€26.
One step from monochrome is the 'Woman in White' look.
White is terrific on hazy summer days. White can mean
instant yacht cult glamour, or alternatively 80s Essex girl, it
all depends on how
you play it. The choice is yours, but just be careful the
footwear matches the rest of your outfit, as footwear and
skirt lengths can make or break the Woman in White look. Wear
white too
short and you'll be in chav territory, look too tanned and the
contrasting glow of white will make you
look passé.
Far Left - Elégance Spring/Summer 2010 - White Cotton Blazer,
£159. White Cotton T-Shirt with Gold Motif, £59. White 7/8 Length
Jeans, £89. Stockist Tel: 0870 990 9904.
Centre - Debenhams Womenswear SS10 - Betty Jackson Black, White
Belted Dress £65/€101.
Right - Warehouse - Traveller Turn Up White Chino Trousers
£40/€52, Scarf £28/€ 36 White Crochet Cami Fairtrade Lace Trim
Waistcoat £35/46.
»
The Woman in White wears her whites with a natural skin tone.
Those tones could be pale pink, café au lait or chocolate, but
she leaves real or fake tans at home. Choose a footwear
colour near your skin tone, it will serve you better than
white shoes which can make feet look and feel very large. Soft
shell pink, silver, natural tan and black patent can all work
well with white. Tan leather accessories may work for you
wear white accessories fill you with dread. However, flowing white trousers can be an
exception where white footwear
works well.
If you feel it's not worth investing too much money in new white
garments,
consider some staples such as a perfectly cut white shirt that
proportionately suits your body form. Or opt for a good quality
white T-shirt or vest by a mid range design house such as Marc Cain or Nicole Farhi.
Monochrome Mixtures - The new monochrome has been around for
decades - how new
can this get? Well, now it includes
black with silver grey.
Monochrome black and white have an extra layer of tonal
variation with the soft grey hues that give
the bold monochrome contrast look a new air. Animal prints
in particular are frequently worked in black/white/grey with an uplift of white instead of the usual golden
natural animal colours.
But the monochrome look gaining the most followers is that of the
spotted print. Spots come in all sizes from pinhead to huge
saucer like circles and ovals, and they are most effective when worked in black
and white. Hemline bands in either black or white also create
optical length illusions that women love - the dress and skirt
shown here both appear
short, yet look closely and you see the fabric reaches the knee.
This outfit left has been jazzed up with a bright tomato red
Hobo bag and skinny red heels. Any strong 2010 colour like
Amparo Blue, Turquoise or Aurora Yellow will help transform last
years monochrome pieces into more dash than cash looks.
Left - Precis Petite - Precis Chic - Monochrome Spot Linen Skirt
£79.
Right - Printed Sleeveless Black Polka Dot on White 50s Dress
from Apricot SS10.
The rise of orange based coral red. One
noticeable colour seen to be a rising star in 2010 is an orange
based light coral red. This rosier orange tone is very different
from the hard more yellow based orange colours of the 1970s. The
current orange hues are a warmer blush tangerine tone than
the cooler, harsher 1970s orange.
Near Right - Vest - Appliqué Bow by Apricot SS10 Ladieswear
Centre - French Connection Summer 2010 Summer Shadow Dress
£50. This French Connection draped dress is made from orange
gathered jersey and features a side wrap strapped tie waist in
keeping with Grecian Goddess themes.
IMPORTANT BRIGHT COLOURS FOR 2010 Turquoise
Cobalt Blue
Cornflower Blue
Lavender Blues to Orchid Mauve Lilac Violet.
Violet and purple based colours were hugely popular
sellers with women throughout 2009. There is still high demand
for these rich vibrant shades that lift a woman's face. Note how
the purples are often meeting the blues.
The iris/electric blue/purple/violet colour spectrum has stayed in
favour, and also there are still plenty of mauve tones filtering
down through lavender to cornflower blue for summer.
BLUE - BLUE - beautiful blue. Whilst purple is still having its
moment it too must make way for blue - the colour of the year. Stock up
on anything turquoise through to cobalt blue and cornflower. The
marine blues are always expensive looking so are an excellent colour choice for new
investment pieces. Think of that Tiffany turquoise box and you
realise what turquoise means to many people.
Select colour and fabric carefully to maximise the wondrous
effect blue can have on a woman or a man, as this is one colour
that always looks great on men too. The business and evening
environment provide a magnificent foil for the deeper cobalt blues
creating a refreshing alternative to black. Rich blues are controlled,
commanding, assured, sophisticated as well as alluring and
memorable. Make a statement in blue and break that glass
ceiling.
Still in the blue green spectrum, the sea greens and
turquoise or aquamarine have
once again made us more comfortable with the green family. The
brights, acid green, lime, citron yellow tones remain accepted colour
choices especially in summer cotton and linens. The more subtle
green golds are a warmer
khaki, olive green and egg yolk gold.
Colour blocking combinations like this occasion/evening dress
from the Dusk Collection at Frank Usher, uses a marine blue
turquoise and green to
create a statement colour block piece which has dramatic impact,
and makes for a memorable image. This dress left is an ideal
choice for a Ladies Day at the races, or a summer wedding.
BLOCK COLOURS -
Colour Blocking of Intense Brights.
So we note that vivid colour block mixing and clashing is once
again a fashion norm. These catwalk hues have been taken up by the high street
en mass and every store or boutique has a selection of clashing
vibrant colour burst dresses. One of the most popular colour
combos is
hot
pink and coral red in either large areas or using spots or
stripes to make the colour clashing point.
Left - House of Fraser - Therapy Orange & Pink
Ruffle Skirt
£30/€36, Pink Soda White Puff Sleeve Blouse £65, Red & Orange
Stripe Belt £20/€24 French Connection. Socks from a selection at
House of Fraser. Womenswear & Accessories at House of Fraser
Stockist Tel: 020 7003 4000.
Bright looks overwhelm some women; if that happens to you stay bright, but
slightly soften brighter colours by wearing
several related tones of similar colours. Mixed bright shades
in a broken pattern
do not create such an overpowering personality as one solid bright
colour. Easily achieve a token nod to this micro trend with some of the
colour blocked shoes or bags available.
The correct colour choice for that summer jacket or parka will
lift your skin tone much more than any unfashionable sun-baked
mahogany tan. This is what you can do: to the stronger important bright colours such as turquoise,
cobalt
blue, lilac violet, coral, tomato red and aurora, add neutrals and softer
sherbet colours. The neutrals include café Latté, beige, blush, cream, stone, warm ecru
and the soft khaki shades of dried
herbs/eucalyptus. Along with the Monochrome Schemes
they offer a safe palette for those who resist intense colour.
Eucalyptus and Dried Herb are the balancing colours to
bold brights. These khaki based colours soften down colour overload
and make for wearable items.
Centre Left - PANTONE 15-0513 Eucalyptus - Is a paler dusty desert khaki
colour. Eucalyptus and Dried Herb can be found in parkas,
utility pants, military inspired pocketed, tabbed and epaulette
trimmed macs and trenchcoats. The colour mixes well with denim
and other neutrals.
Left - PANTONE 17-0627
- Dried Herb - A deeper more green foliage camouflage Khaki
perfect for Utility Chic looks.
Women love military jackets and this one far left is from high street
and online retailer New Look and their Limited Edition Collection.
Above
Left - Limited Edition Military Jacket £55/€79 - New Look UK.
Far Right - For Bigger Plus Size Girls - Military Chic Jacket by Evans.
The main women's fashion colours for 2010 are vibrant
turquoise, inky sapphire through cobalt and cornflower blue.
One challenge for the fashionista is to juxtapose bright block
colours like hot orange, tangerine, coral and tomato
red, against fuchsia pink and magenta.
Bright looks can overwhelm some women so consider softening brighter colours by wearing
several related tones of similar colours. Mixed bright shades
are not as overpowering as all one solid bright colour.
Top of page first image
- Far Right - The patchwork bag
follows a similar colour scheme to those in the Pantone
Summer 2010 colours. Bulaggi
Twin Handle Multicolour Shoulder
Bag, £62.50 from ColourfulFashion.com. The embellished colourful
dress beside
it is from NEXT at £58.
Copyright of images courtesy of Prshots, Pantone,
Marks & Spencer, Betty Barclay, Aquascutum, BHS, Jane
Norman, Ungaro, Jaeger, Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, John Lewis, George at Asda,
Freemans, Phase Eight, Elégance, Kaliko, GIVe, Hobbs, Fever,
River Island, Precis Petite, Evans, Monsoon, Debenhams, Littlewoods, Accessorize Monsoon, M&Co, Tamaris,
A-Shu-co.uk, Schuh, T.K.Maxx, Matalan, ASOS,
IFTF, NEXT, Swarovski, Very.co.uk, Warehouse, French Connection, Schuh, Betty Jackson, A|wear online, Frank Usher,
Hush Puppies, Matalan, White Stuff, Bertie UK, Apricot, Vera
Mont, Kaleidoscope, Yumi and Uttam at ColourfulFashion.com,
TK Maxx is an off-price retailer that sells
designer and high street brands in womenswear, menswear,
childrenswear, gifts, accessories and homeware at up to 60% off
the RRP. A concept imported from the States and tailored for the
UK market, ‘off-price’ shopping offers a mix of predominately
current season designer and high street items all at up to 60%
off the recommended retail price. The amazing deals can be
passed on to customers because the stores offer a no frills
operation. Each store has over 50,000 items in stock and will
sell one fifth of all stock every week so there’s 10,000 new
items arriving in store every week. This fast turnover combined
with daily deliveries means that stock is always fresh. TK Maxx
currently has over 200 stores around the UK and Republic of
Ireland and dedicated home stores in York, Edinburgh and
Kingston. To find your nearest store visit www.tkmaxx.com.
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contribute to lifestyle trends, which in turn influence the clothes we wear. These are the changes that make any era of society special in relation to the study of the costume of a period.
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Find great anniversary gift ideas from Premier Gifts. Choose from our wide range of anniversary gifts to celebrate your special day in style.
Designer Inspired BagInc Fashion Bags and Cheap Handbags at Wholesale Rates.
This is the year to get the moody blues into your wardrobe.
Examine colour combinations involving vibrant turquoise and lagoon through
to deep cobalt or
Klein blue. Also, cornflower blue Amparo blue through to
inky sapphire are all on the hot list of blue tones for 2010.
The profusion of blue
based accessories in bags, shoes and jewellery reflect this love
of all the blue colours, especially marine blues that verge on
the myriad tones of sea greens. Turquoise is a colour that
flatters most skin tones looking just as good on redheads,
blondes or brunettes. Adding a small touch of contrast
highlight in the form of orange coral (its
opposite on the colour wheel), can make
this intense colour buzz with even more life.
These blue
ballet flats are a simple, but effective way to add the latest new fashion
colours into your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Pop
them into your bag as spares and lift any outfit out of the
ordinary. Below Right - Tamaris Blue Suede Flat Ballet Pump
- £39.99. Tamaris Spring Summer 2010. 
Jane Norman has lots of garments in stock that
hit this heart-stopping blue note. The Jane Norman model above
left wears a blue one shoulder zip corsage dress.
Whether
you prefer slip-on sandals, ballet pumps, wedges, flat brogues, or high warrior woman footwear,
you will discover that every
fashion range has a colourful bright blue based shoe. Kitten heels are
making a comeback so snap up any you see in blue. 
You
can't go wrong if you continue to invest in the viola-blue
tones. See how they can be mixed with prints, like this
tribal influenced occasion dress with its animal zebra pattern
and in lovely colours the effect is dazzling.
It looks
as though purple colours are here to stay
for some years as everyone loves the colour so much.
Soaring
temperatures need sensational colours and vivid prints. These
outfits all reclaim Boho looks with novel modern colour twists and colour
combinations that would have seemed scary ten years ago.
Coral
is one of the best warm colours to buy into now this
summer.
Dresses
and Macs based on coral,
Gold and yellow have added a
fresh life to the
colour palette. First we
had the iridescent shimmering materials, then the metallic brocades, and now
we have a lovely mellow yellow. 
Yellow
mixed with black, or set against white, can look striking
especially in border prints, stripes, block colours or used in
contrast piped combinations. However, be careful of overdoing this
look and making the bumble bee or
wasp effect! Select carefully.
Gold metallic looks and brocades have stood the test of
time in the noughties. Now in 2010 gold has gained new prominence
as an ultra chic colouration. Dazzling
colour effects can be achieved with the use of the gold-tones and
similar metallic colours.
Right -
PANTONE 16-1219
Tuscany.
Coloured
leathers, especially stone-toned leather skirts, jackets and
dresses will see you through summer. Coloured leather and suede
currently have more cachet than a black leather piece, and the
high street has plenty of examples of leather dresses and skirts
in these café-au-lait neutrals. Footwear in stone or other
natural colours will work with many of your summer outfits, and
neutral footwear always makes the legs look longer.
This is a girlish romantic mood
and a fashion spiced with ice cream pastel colours.
Still in the blue green spectrum, the sea greens and
turquoise or aquamarine have
once again made us more comfortable with the green family. The
brights, acid green, lime, citron yellow tones remain accepted colour
choices especially in summer cotton and linens. The more subtle
green golds are a warmer
khaki, olive green and egg yolk gold.
