Colour Fashion Trends for Autumn 2011
& Winter 2012
By Pauline Weston Thomas for Fashion-Era.com
Key Colour Fashion Trends for Autumn 2011 & Winter 2012
Here is my review of all the important fashion colours for Autumn 2011
and Winter 2012.
Vibrant orange has
not had as much fashion exposure since the
real 1970s - an orange moment is here again. Expect to see this
fashion colour in all areas of life from clothing to house interiors. Also
observe the vivid rich jewel colours of golden amber, carnelian
red, garnet,
pink ruby,
sapphire, emerald,
olive
green quartz, aquamarine and
purple amethyst.
For the edgiest look this
season mix and contrast bold colours will bring the zest of
living colours into your world. Colour-block new with old pieces
to create fashion buzz that will take you into spring 2012.
Intense Jewel Colours - Ruby Red, Amethyst, Sapphire,
Emerald, Malachite, Garnet, Amber, Carnelian, Lapis and
Citrine add a rich zing of colour. Kingfisher blues, jade and raspberry reds
vie with orange brights and rusty carnelian tones. In red
hues think lipstick red, ruby red, geranium and
hot fuchsia pink.
Colour Mixing - Mondrian Block Colour Mixing - Subtle
Block Mixed Neutrals. Arctic Whites. Greens and orange are
the new 'it' colours to enliven your clothes rail.
Left - Penneys (Ireland) Autumn 2011
Womenswear - Scalloped Dress €21, Block Animal Chain Bag €7,
Suedette Stack Heel Platform €19.
Centre - Miss Selfridge Colour Blocking - Teal Dress, Purple
Tights, Orange Rust Fedora.
Right - Miss Selfridge AW11/12 - Colour Blocking - Pink Dress,
Purple Pantyhose.
Red mixed with orange and geranium or coral and
tangerine creates hot, hot, hot winning looks of vibrant
cheerful jewel colours.
The centre of attention for autumn 2011 has been on jewel colours/
This major development
carrying on from
spring brights and colour-blocks. These mass market
garments above, and the way they have been styled are good
illustrations of achieving hot on trend looks by wearing
contrasting legwear or hosiery. Coloured jeans, chinos or tights
inject vibrant pops of colour at low cost.
Pantyhose comes in every hue imaginable this
winter. These colourful tights are a bargain and a winter
wardrobe must-have investment from T.K.Maxx. Put the 'it' factor
into your image planning this winter with some superior legwear.
Don't just stop at tights choose cheerful brights for
pants and jeanswear too. Blue will be the next big colour and you may
select from royal blue to teal blue. Anything blue you buy now
will blend will with next spring's iced blues.
Left - Primark Roll Neck Sweater & Trousers.
Stockist Number: 0118 9606 300.
Right - Penneys Royal Blue Outfit Colour Blocked With Rich Red
Tights.
Colour mixing bold orange or red with bright
blue as in these images is a norm for winter 2012.
The focus for autumn 2011 is on jewel colours, a major trend
carrying on from spring brights and colour blocking trends. One
cannot over emphasise the richness and boldness of these
colours. Two of the hottest colours designers liked to show were
orange and tangerine, but some will prefer the more
sophisticated cooler hues. In the jewel colour range vivid
strong bright blue for example continues to grow in popularity.
Left - Holly - Deco Beaded Line Dress
£79.99/€99.99, Ribbon Tie Heels £27.99/€34.99.
Right - Yulia - Scallop Hem Beaded Dress £74.99/€99.99, Patent
Peep Toe Heels £24.99/€32.99. New Look Limited Edition -
Stockist Newlook.com.
Cobalt, lapis, violet and
sapphire blue have a sparkling and stunning electricity about
them.
Left - Mary & House of Fraser - Antonio Cobalt Blue Dress £200
Mary Portas.
Right - Oasis Autumn 2011/2012 True Blue Top/Trousers.
More subtle colour blocking combines
rich blue with a neutral such as black, or a pop of complementary
contrasting burnt orange-rust-red. That may be the most
appropriate way for some women to confidently wear orange. The dress
shown below left uses orange to striking effect in the belt
accessory, whilst retaining the unbeaten combo of royal blue
with black.
Left - Debenhams - Roksanda Iilinic Collection - Staying Power of One
Shoulder Trend.
Centre - Burnt Out But Opulent - Gucci Colour Block Belted
Jersey Wrap-Effect Dress £445.
Begin with small amounts of oranges, such as in a belt, and then
progress to whole garments like the contrast bodice of a dress.
This Gucci dress has the same three colours, but you can see how
by altering the proportion of any one colour, the overall effect
makes for a totally different fashion design. Orange with depth,
soon hits red colour mixes.
Not since the real 1970s has vibrant orange colour had such designer
approval. An orange moment is here again. Both clothing and
interior design feature accents of this fashion colour.
Right - PANTONE 17-1547 Emberglow
Of Emberglow the warm colour shown right, Pantone say "Radiant Emberglow, a traditional autumnal tone, emanates the
warmth of a glowing fire – the perfect panacea to the crisp air
of fall. Combine Emberglow with Coffee Liqueur for a classic
look, or with Honeysuckle for something a bit more retro. Add a
spark with shoes or a handbag in Emberglow, or perhaps a
patterned scarf combining purpled Phlox or Deep Teal."
Contrasting soft dusty ballet and nude tone colours remain
but these take on a soft tint within the Pantone Emberglow range.
These pieces give the contrast of wispy ethereal looks which now meet
the edgier more aggressive fetish fashions of darker winter
months.
Below - two types of the new approach to more ladylike
glamour - elegant everyday to elegant evening.
Left - Coral Cardigan £139, White Silk Blouse
£129, Camel Pencil Skirt £119, Brown Paisley Print Leather Bag
£289. Elégance Autumn/Winter 2011.
Right - Monsoon/Accessorize - Ladylike Glamour - Etienne Lace
Peach Dress - £140/€222.
Left - Marks & Spencer 60's Pop Coat £110 .
Centre - Vanessa Bruno Limited Edition Winter 2011/12 At LaRedoute.
Blouse £119, Trousers £69, Calf Length Boots £185.
Catwalk colours focused on the richer hotter blood orange tones of emberglow.
Sportmax AW11 - Orange Peach Emberglow Rib Knit Sweater & Fur
Collar Tippet.
Right - Miss Selfridge AW11/12 - Peach Rib and Cable Knit
Sweater.
Orange is part of the warm colour section of the colour wheel;
add a little black and a dustier shade emerges. Add some white
and lighter pastel tint is produced. The colour will also be
affected by the material/fabric used. Polished leather colours
will appear different from patent leather or suede even when the colour
dye is the same. Variety of texture makes all colours appear
different from the onlooker because light catches the material
surface and reflects back the hue differently.
Get instant lift with a bright bold fashionable handbag.
Carry your bag in an obvious no-handle grasp, or under your arm
as hug me pouches. Well try it for the season and see how much
it irritates you compared with underarm handle bags.
These handbags are all described as orange, and whilst they
have a similar tone they show interesting variation.
Left - Orange Tan Chain Strap Handbag - River Island Accessories
AW11 WW.
Right - House of Fraser - Orange 'Boston' Turnlock Shoulder Bag
£145/€165 Pied a Terre.
Left - Wallis Orange Rust Satin 70s Dress.
Right - Jacqueline Wrap Dress, Chocolate Floppy Hat, Central
Park Bib, Dallas Boot - All Monsoon/Accessorize AW11.
Left - Heritage on the Catwalk AW11. Burberry Orange Cropped
Jacket.
Centre - Marisota Fusions By East - Orange Boiled Wool Jacket -
Stockist Number: 08719847612.
Look out for fuzzy fabrics, furry textures, goat hair, teased
mohair and soft cosy pieces that make you want to get closer.
Left - Littlewoods - Orange Printed Dress In Style of Miu Miu
Prints.
Centre - Benetton Catwalk Orange Fashion Knitwear.
Right - Floral Print Dress £29 - Apricot AW11.
Skinny
polo neck sweaters made their return. In an era of better indoor
climate control you may find the finest botany wool or silk roll
neck polo knits are the most
wearable option.
Sometimes the orange hue is brilliant and intense, other times
it is softer, greyed and quieter, more caramel camel in hue.
‡
Colour Block Orange
How you mix and match or colour block is up to you. This is a
season to follow the main trend of 'colour blocking', but
make-up your own wardrobe palette that suits your
skin tone.
Want to use this hot colour, but find orange does little for
you? Then put that colour on your lower half, your legs, cuffs,
gloves or feet. Love orange - then add a bright scarf, blouse,
sweater or
hat near your face.
Most women have some black, grey or camel pieces in their
wardrobe, so adding a vibrant orange or red will lift a plain
coat, skirt or trousers.
Left - Sophie Grey Collection Red Satin Pussy Bow Blouse - £28.
Right - Burnt Orange Utility Shirt £26/€34 - NEXT Hoxton
Girls next.co.uk.
Red
Winter reds are both bright and rich in tone. Frequently red
is teamed with black or camel.
Left - Colour Block Red Black Dress - Dunnes
Stores AW 11/12 - Dress €25/£21.
Right - Matalan AW11 Orange Red Tie Blouse, Wide Pants.
Left - Matalan AW11 Lovely Red Coat.
Centre - La Redoute AW11 - Red Shirt & Red Jeans.
Right - La Redoute AW11 - Red Top & Skirt, Black Knee Boots.
Left - Blazer, Pink Lace Prom Dress - Very.co.uk AW11.
Right -
Miss Selfridge AW11 - Pink Tunic Dress, Purple Opaque Tights.
I think honeysuckle pink looks striking with black or purple.
This colour combo is very reminiscent of daring 1980s colour
blocking. An easy way to try these bold looks is simply by using
contrast tights.
Honeysuckle pink according to Pantone offers "....
a sense of continuity from spring..." They suggest that reddish pink works with
every other colour in the Pantone AW2011 fashion colour palette.
It looks very good with autumnal dried leaf tones like
Coffee Liqueur and Nougat.
Left - PANTONE 18-0930 Coffee Liqueur,
Centre - PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle,
Right - PANTONE 16-1320 Nougat.
Pantone Honeysuckle Pink Set Against Pantone's Bamboo.
Left - Topshop AW11 Yellow Black Trim Short Coat.
Centre - Debenhams AW11 Yellow Dress With Black Button/Belt Trim.
Right - New Look AW11 Yellow Flare Blouse & Black Skinny Jeans.
Notice how often yellow is teamed with black, or
features are picked out in black. Buttons, braid trim, contrast
cuffs, collars and belts are the obvious choice.
AW11 Heritage Looks Love Blouse, Pleats, Yellow Knits and Tweed Skirts.
Left - Debenhams Outfit AW11.
Right - Next AW11 Hoxton Girls - Swing Sweater
£30/€40, Skater Skirt £35/€46, Floppy Hat £24/€33.
Bow blouse and pussy bow blouse are a growing
fashion trend for tops and dresses.
Cedar Green
Bamboo Yellow flows seamlessly into cedar green. PANTONE 16-0526 Cedar,
This budget 60s inspired mini-coat from Matalan,
uses a lime green fabric which follows on from recent colours
this past year or so. Again note the black button contrast trim.
This season is all about colour contrast.
Left - Burberry Green Sculptured Cocoon Coat. Burberry Fashion
AW11.
Right -
Matalan AW11 - Women's 70's Lime Green Single Breasted Tulip
Coat £40.
Left - Benetton Green Sweater Dress.
Right - Simply-Be Green Pointed Pocket Tunic.
Colourful bags and shoes also go the green way. Kermit green and
emerald green - not much to say other than
glorious vibrant green is a
favourite for Autumn/Winter 2011 at Mulberry .
Left - Monsoon/Accessorize AW11 -
Stockist Number: 08448110068. Right - Primark Autumn Winter
2011 - Mustard Pussy Bow Blouse £10, Crimson Wool
Pencil Skirt, Cobalt Belt £14, Loafers £16.
Teal Blue
Deep
Teal, a strong, blue-toned green, suggests ocean depths and the
colour of the sky as daylight descends into darkness.
A great standard when used with Cedar, its colour-wheel
neighbour, Deep Teal is also a unique counterpoint to
Honeysuckle.
Left - PANTONE 19-4914 Deep Teal.
Right -
PANTONE 15-4305 Quarry.
Above - Phase Eight AW11 - Lois Super Full Skirt, Polo
Neck Jumper, Alexa Filigree Sandals.
Orchid Hush
Right -
PANTONE
13-3805 Orchid Hush.
Orchid
Hush, a unique tone of grey with complex orchid undertones,
blends well with any other colour in the palette. Quarry, a
reliable medium grey, remains a practical, dependable staple.
Colours fade into each other to create a blue palette far
removed from Royal and cobalt blue.
Catwalk Coats -
Teal Fur Coats & Trims
Faux fur is used extensively with whole garments and fur trim
collars, tippets and bag flaps all getting the fur or skin
treatments. Rich texture is easiest to do if you select fur
collars and jackets of fur.
Chubby shorter fur coats are always winter warmer
seasonal must-haves - Karan knows this and showed chubby coats
at DKNY. Rich jewel tone coloured Maribou feathers add exotic texture
to hems, cuffs and necklines.
Left - Ungaro Teal Blue Chubby Fur Jacket Coat.
Right - Gucci AW11 Retro Glamour - Fur Cropped Jacket, Teal Blue Fedora Hat.
Right - Gucci AW11 - Teal Fur Throw Tippet - Contrasting
Textures Of Fur & Satin.
Left - Vera Mont 100% Polyester Strapless Teal Blue Evening Gown
UK ₤335/IRL €360
Right - Monsoon AW11 - Teal Maxi Border Print Dress.
This fantastic Vera Mont evening dress above left turns its
wearer into the Queen of the Night. The plain-coloured fabric
decorations that refine the gentle transition to the Empire
style are an absolute highlight. The teal border print dress
offers a designer look ankle length maxi dress at a high street
price.
Tones of Teal
Teal Blue Dresses
Left - Floral Print Prom Bubble Skirt Dress - €55 - Dunnes Stores.
Right - BHS Dark Teal Blue Dress.
This winter cloche hats are vying for attention with floppy 70s
hats. Out and about in the rain the floppy wide brimmed hat
offers lots of head-cover. But for sharp cold brisk days a fur or
felt hat that fits well will keep your head toasty warm and
snug.
Fashion trends and mini-series such as Boardwalk Empire and
Downton all influence what we ultimately choose to select from
the styles massed on the clothing rails. With Downton set to
cover the fashion era 1920 and 1921 in the next series, this
suggests to me that soon we will see a huge 1920s fashion
revival from the influence of this series. After all some of the
1920s styles are simply marvellous. For an original fashion
history take on the twenties see my
1920s section.
Left - Cloche Hat £14/€19 - NEXT Hoxton Girls - Stockist Number:
0844 844 8000.
Right - Primark AW11 - Teal Fur Cloche Hat.
Purple
Proud purple adds winter opulence. Winter pieces range from
true violet to more plum aubergine tones of purple. Add a purple
accessory to other colour combinations. Select a purple leather
croc clutch, amethyst gemstone like this earring below from ASOS or purple bangles from
Dorothy Perkins.
Left - PANTONE 19-2820 Phlox.
Right - ASOS - Purple Drop Earring.
Above - Tie Dye Tones of Purple Maxi Dress -
Monsoon/Accessorize AW11.
Pantone Phlox - A Purple
Pantone say of this purple hue "Phlox,
a magical, deep purple with a hint of mystery, is an outstanding
statement when worn on its own."
Add Phlox to this season's neutrals to create a bit of drama,
or combine it with Cedar, Deep Teal or Coffee Liqueur for
something extraordinary.
Catwalk Purple embraced a whole range of purple tones from
lilac, violet to aubergine.
Women have been seeking dresses they can really wear and love, and
Mary Portas has heard their cries. The dress below would suit
any number of women and could be dressed up or down, layered,
toughened up with thicker textured tights and boots, or worn as
it is.
Day To Evening Dresses
Drapery In Dresses
Left - Mary Portas Purple 'No Brainer' Dress £135 - House Of
Fraser.
Right - V-Neck Draped Purple Dress - Isme AW11.
Dresses
in stores range from blue violet purples to rich warm red
purples with a hint of damson and plum.
To add even more excitement, pair Phlox with Honeysuckle.
Near Right - PANTONE 19-2820 Phlox.
Far Right - PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle.
Texture is also important with crochet, lace and pleating giving
focus to fabric.
Sequins or lace are the textures to buy. Lace, as sported by Catherine Middleton
at her wedding. is one of the seasons best loved fabrics. Lace was already gaining ground this past year,
but the Duchess of Cambridge reminded the world how glorious lace could be.
Fashionistas love lace. Buy it in every colour at every
opportunity.
Sequins were suggested by designers for anytime wear, making
them suited to garments designed for casual or red carpet
events. So note any racks with big sequinned skirts or glitter
trousers and give them a good browse.
Left - Littlewoods Ireland Autumn Winter 2011 - €82.
Right - Sheer Chiffon Cutwork Shoulder Yoke Interest Prom Party
Dress From A|wear, €65/£60.
Massive sequin Paillettes are supersized this year. Prada
served up fish scale dresses and Christopher Kane scattered
sheer dresses with clear sequins. The look is delicate and wispy
rather than glitzy bling. Find yourself a piece in purple
chiffon for the party season.
Consumers
continue to add stability to their wardrobes with neutrals.
Rich, decadent Coffee Liqueur brings a sense of elegance to
fall, and is a savoury alternative to basic black.
A deliciously warm camel tan, nougat is easily a tasteful
base colour for embellishment with Phlox/Purple, Emberglow/Peachy
Orange Coral or Honeysuckle/Pink.
Left - PANTONE 18-0930 Coffee Liqueur.
Right - PANTONE 16-1320 Nougat.
Furry looks are a huge trend this winter. Easy ways to achieve
this involve the simple addition of a cropped cardigan, with a
fur collar, Ugg Boots, a chunky fur handbag, or fur trim slippers to pad around the house!
Such pieces are ideal for fast tracking your wardrobe into fur
looks faux or real.
Sixties Chic With Pencil Skirt or A-Line Dresses
Pencil lines and A-line dresses pick up on two of the best
styles of dress from early and mid-sixties fashions. This A-line
shift could easily be worn as a pinafore dress with a contrast
polo neck sweater, or a pussy bow blouse. The check everyday
shift dress is in total contrast to the beaded dress.
Right - NEXT A-line 60s Heritage Check Pinafore Pocket Shift
Dress, £50/€66 - NEXT AW11.
Centre - Love Label Cream Beaded 80s Dress - Very.co.uk AW11.
Years ago a beaded or sequined dress would have cost so much you
would have been out of pocket. Now such dresses cost a
fraction of the price they might have been twenty five years
ago.
The short cocktail dress is ideal for dressing up
over Christmas. Imagine how fetching you might look in one as
you accept canapés and drinks at Christmas parties. Note how the
intricate bead and sequin work is effective in a neutral palette.
The dress above would also work well for summer occasions unlike
the heavier look of a little black beaded dress.
Silk and silk/wool mixes are the winter must-have
fabrics, but whatever piece you chose colour will be one of the
most important aspects of your selection. For those scared of
colour neutrals offer a safe haven and are always good wardrobe
basic that for some are must-haves.
Left - Marks & Spencer AW11 - Masculine Feminine Stone Coat.
Right - Loose Camel Beige Coat - Very.co.uk
No matter whether it is cabin luggage, sequin
cocktail dress, or a fair isle or alpine knitted sweater knit
tunic top, Pantone colours exert great influence on designers.
Orla Kiely Multi Car Large Tote £99.99/€130 -
Debenhams AW11/12 Tripp Luggage.
Multi Coloured Sequin Cocktail Evening Dress
From TopShop.
Jewel colours are now the main colour story of autumn 2011
fashion trends. Those softer ballet tones are subtly there, but
the main colour focus is richness and depth of tone. This is
found in sapphire, lapis, emerald, garnet, deep amethyst, ruby
and golden citrine. Much of the golden yellow and copper tones
are frequently metallic as are many green shades.
Whatever garment colours you choose this winter be sure to check
the latest colours in make-up.
Colour in Make-up & Nails
Lipstick
Lipstick has made a huge comeback. Bright reds and orange in a matte pout
is the way to work kissable lips. Tom Ford has a wonderful red
with his Private Blend Lip Colour in Cherry Lush at £35. Before
you apply any lipstick, make sure your lips are free of dry skin; using
a toothbrush and some lip balm will ease away the loose skin.
Flaky
lip skin
destroys what might be a most kissable pout. Estee Lauder is the
counter to head for a fast update on lipstick must-haves. Whilst there
pick up some information on skin illuminators which
make the skin glow.
΅
Eyes - Smoky Eyes
Smoky eye shapes and banana socket lines create sixties doe
eyed looks. Finish lashes with zero clump mascara such as Givenchy
Démesure Audacious Lashes Mascara at just £22.50. Try to avoid winged liner effects and go for
a gentler effect with shaded blended smoky soft
looks. This is easy to achieve by using eye shadow powder over
eyeliner to soften the liner or by using darker shadows brushed
on slightly damp first and then softened down again with dry
powders.
If you recall this look first time round, then be gentle with
that socket line. However a soft socket line will actually add
depth to older eyes where skin has sunk and form has been lost.
Trial the technique to achieve effects that still look good
hours later, to avoid overdoing this and being mistaken for a
Barbara Cartland lookalike.
Glasses - try tortoiseshell sunglasses 40s style.
Nail Polish - Nail Lacquers
Revlon advises that muted bright nail polishes and lacquers are
both big trends for autumn 2011. Max Mara have shown
models wearing dark wine nails. The metallic colour to buy this
autumn is Chanel's Le Vernis Nail Colour in Peridot - perfect
peacock green and gold giving a moiré shimmer. Morticia would
crave the newness of a non-pink tint!
Conclusion of Key Fashion Colour Trends Autumn 2011 Winter 2012
Copyright of images courtesy of Prshots.com,
IFTF, BHS, Pantone, Swarovski, A|wear, ASOS, Accessorize
Monsoon, Matalan, Marks & Spencer, Marisota,
Hobbs, House of Fraser, Oasis, Debenhams, Littlewoods,
Benetton, New Look, Next, very.co.uk,
Isme, Phase Eight, Miss Selfridge, La Redoute, T K Maxx,
House of Fraser/Mary Portas, Burnt Out But Opulent, Elegance, East,
Bonmarché, Dorothy Perkins,
Pilot, Primark, Penneys, Ted Baker, Wallis, Simply Be, Apricot, Dunnes, River Island,
Vera Mont.
Fashion-Era.com looks at women's costume and fashion history and analyses the mood of an era. Changes in technology, leisure, work, cultural and moral values. Homelife and politics also
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.
Fashion-Era.com can take no responsibility for any information on the site which may cause you error, loss or costs incurred from use of the information and links either directly or
indirectly. This site is owned, designed, written and developed by author: Pauline Thomas and Guy Thomas. This site is designed to be viewed in 1024 X 768 or higher.
Before you write to me for costume/fashion help or information please, please consult the extensive sitemap which lists all our pages. If you still cannot find the answer after searching the site, then before you email me, please consider if you are prepared to make a donation to the website.
Donations Reader's donations help this site flourish, in particular donations encourage me to write more articles on fashion history as well as current trends. PayPal
allows anyone with a credit card to donate easily and securely. You may donate any sum you feel appropriate.
If you have any comments, or if you see any broken links, then please email with details of the page url or problem.
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.
Deep
Teal, a strong, blue-toned green, suggests ocean depths and the
colour of the sky as daylight descends into darkness.
