Architectural

Designers played with a new set of building blocks, sculpting sleek, armour-like shapes that highlight structured panels and savvy geometrics.

Style tip

Be careful with proportions and volume. Exagerated details, such as a face-framing collar, can be overpowering.

Pictures from left to right

Jil Sander, Costume National, Balenciaga



Puritan

Take a clean break with a less-is-more motto. Plain, spare and with a stark palette, the glamorous restraint of hidden sexuality in tailored shapes puses past pared-down minimalism to one that’s decidedly austere.

Style tip

The Puritan look can be quite severe and sombre, so go for a soft, casual hairstyle to creat ebalance.

Pictures from left to right

Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Prada



Men’s fabrics

Look to your man’s closet one mroe time and mix traditional country fabrics — from tweeds to tartans — for a top-to-toe feminine look with a hint of British eccentricity.

Style tip

Add some punch to a tweed outfit with colourful tights and accessories.

Pictures from left to right

Dolce & Gabbana, Peter Som, D&G



Boho

Not your average hippie. This season’s free-spirited rich girl takes on a ’70s vibe in slouchy shapes, folk embroideries and bold prints with luxurious touches of fur and gems.

Style tip

Don’t play the gypsy in brights. Try a darker palette of burgundy, violet, inky blue or black.

Pictures from left to right

Dries Van Noten, Anna Sui, Gucci



Fur

Things got plenty hairy on the runways with our cold-weather friends: From the tiniest of raw trims to blown-out beastly coats in fox, mink, goat and shearling, the fur was flying!

Style tip

Over-the-top, showy furs are out. Simply cut vests and coats with practically no details will get you the new casual cool.

Pictures from left to right

Marni, Dolce & Gabbana, Barbara Bui

On the next page: Lady, fall hues, long & lean, knits and coordinates

Images courtesy of Marcio Madeira


Lady

Return to a time when dressing up was an everday affair: Gal get lady-fied in perfectly polished retro styles — bow blouses, pencil skirts and neatly tailored suits — beloved of the optimistic ’50s.

Style tip

Warning: A full-on ladylike look can amke you appear 10 years older. Add only one or two elements at a time to keep it fresh.

Pictures from left to right

Louis Vuitton, Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Dior



Fall hues

Fallow the golden light and find a rich, autumnal palette of mustard, rust, amber and chestnut reflecting the country-heritage mood of the ’70s.

Style tip

Spin a ’70s colour wheel with head-to-toe monochromatic styling for a slimmer, elongated silhouette.

Pictures from left to right

Proenza Schouler, Jean Paul Gaultier, Diane von Furstenberg



Long and lean

Long and lean became the
mots du jours as hemlines dropped and volume collapsed, emphasizing a leaner silhouette that seemed to go one for miles.

Style tip

Longer lengths work for most body types, but don’t overdo it — especially with heavier fabrics!

Pictures from left to right

Stella McCartney, Derek Lam, 6267



KnitsCozy, comfy and chic: What’s not to love about fall’s knit parade? Its webby, chubby, loopy, cable and Fair Isle patterns inspire a touch-me-feel-me mood.

Style tip
A lightweigth knit turtleneck — the season’s must-have — ina neutral shade can easily be worked into your wardrobe.

Pictures from left to right
Louis Vuitton, Dries Van Noten, Alexander McQueen


Coordinates
Power dressing takes on a sassy, put to-gether ’70s look that’s not aggressive but rather sleek, coordinated and –dare we say — done!

Style tip
A coordinated look –coat/dress/skirt/pants — will give you a polished outfit that’s perfect for any important meeting.

Pictures from left to right
Derek Lam, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana

On the next page: Skirts, coats, pants and blouses

Images courtesy of Marcio Madeira




Skirts

Don’t try to skirt the issue: From mid-calf to ankle-grazing, this timeless, hip-hugging staple was all over the colelctions, showing off it’s assests.

Style tip

Mid-calf-length skirts can be tricky, so opt for a pair of high-heeled boots to help lengthen those legs.

Pictures from left to right

Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors



CoatsNo-fuss tailoring in a quiet classicism of mannish styles — enveloping, double-breasted, daddy versions — turned up one winter’s must-have list. Fashion’s surprise? The sleeveles coat.

Style tip
To get the most bang for your buck, choose a classic-cut, tailored coat that you can wear for several seasons.

Pictures from left to right
BCBG Max Azria, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Burberry


PantsSexy chic! That’s the message this season in pants: Body-conscious, slim, jean-cut styles create a sleek, razor-sharp shape.

Style tip
Ankle-cropped slim pants can give the illusion of shorter legs, so remember to add skyscraping high heels.

Pictures from left to right
Marni, Celine, Balenciaga


Blouses
The feminine blouse returns with a demure, coquettish flair, focusing around the neck area with ruffles, bows and frills.

Style tip
Prim, Victorian-style blouses look best with straight-leg trousers or jeans to avoid that old, stuffy look.

Pictures from left to right
Carolina Herrera, Givenchy, Proenza Schouler

Images courtesy of Marcio Madeira