Autumn Trends 2004

Autumn trends are widely influenced by recent cultural and economic changes that are occurring. 2004 has seen the EU opening up with 10 new countries joining; the year for sports with the Olympics in Greece and Euro Football 2004; and also we are in a state of War.

Developing countries are now having more of an influence on autumn trends, and the traditional New York, London, Paris fashion centres are opening up to include Japan, and Eastern European countries are gaining more of an influence in the bigger united Europe.

These influences are visible through the eclectic patterns and florals from Asia and the unusual textures from the more rugged landscapes of Eastern Europe. Fashion is also remaining feminine: the 40's tea dress and 50's pleated fuller skirt, and the Victorian necklines.

Key Looks and Autumn Fashion Trends

• Bohemian – Ethnic touches of beading and eastern gypsy length tunic tops – the midriff is being covered up again with broken layers. Watch the star: Gisela (model).
• Olympia – Drape ties, the uniform and armoury, boots with string wrapped suede ties. Influenced also by film releases – Troy, Alexander, King Arthur. Watch the star: Angelina Jolie.
• Woodland – rugged mix of textures and influence of natural elements – watch out for Tweed and other country textures. Watch the star: Kirsten Dunst.
• Feminine – soft drape and movement in fabrics to replace the 60's and 70's stiffness and structure, more Victorian style – visible in films such as Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Watch the star: Gwyneth Paltrow.
• Tailoring – the suit is in – emphasis on jackets – 20's or Victorian lapels or Asian style wider sleeves. Watch the star: Catherine Zeta Jones.
• Trouser cut – Bootleg being replaced. Trends tend to last 7 years and the bootleg is on its last legs(!) being replaced by a wide cut or by the tapered drainpipe. Watch the star: Stella McCartney.

Where to Find the Autumn Styles:

Best buys

Olympia – Sass & Bride SILK CREPE BEADED BABYDOLL TOP
Best for these Image Types: Glamour Queen, Glamour Kitten (with jeans), American Romantic (with formal trousers)

Woodland – Roland Mouret - MORAR TWEED SKINNY CIGARETTE PANTS
Best for these Image Types: Wood Nymph, English Rose, Quirky Chic (warmer tones)

Feminine – Marc by Marc Jacobs PRINTED VELVET CROPPED JACKET
Best for these Image Types: Parisienne, English Rose, Moon Sprite

Tailoring – Jacket – J & M Davidson MILANO KNIT DOUBLE BREASTED JACKET
Best for these Image Types: Aristocrate, Country Classic, American Classic

Trouser cut – Chloe WIDE LEG FLANNEL PANTS – black
WOOL WIDE LEG PANTS - tan
Best for these Image Types: All types. A very classic item that can be dressed up with a top that will shape the look.

Exotic prints – Antik Batik DADA SILK PRINT V-NECK DRESS
Best for these Image Types: Wood Nymph, English Rose, Siren, Glamour Kitten, Trixie Pixie, Moon Sprite... The cut of the dress suits best anyone with maiden energy (the damsel in particular). You will shape the look to you by introducing your style of shoe and jewellery so it will look fun on some, exotic on others and ethereal on another.

All these items were available at the time of writing, and can change – so get them before they sell out!

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