Matching outfits are a thing of the past. 2012 is all about daring to mix – colours, accessories, and patterns. To stay trendy and up-to-date on this latest fashion trend, follow three tips when shopping for any outfit for any event: patterns, colour blocking and layering.
Fashionistas haven’t gotten ahead by playing it safe – let’s have some fun! 2012 became the ‘blast from the past’ with bright as bright-can-be colours. Good news – the colour train does not stop with the change in season. Fall and winter showcases their bright side onto the catwalk. Cobalt is a beautiful bright blue, which is lighter than navy but bluer than the sky. Incorporate this colour into your outfits and watch winter come alive. Many of our favourite designers made cobalt the “IT” color in their masterpieces – DKNY’s long flowy dress and Oscar de la Renta’s pant suit.
Here’s another tip to help you make it through winter with style and the right pinch of glam. Colour blocking was a big hit this year. It may seem overwhelming but don’t put up your arms up in defeat just yet ladies. Colour blocking is all about understanding the colour wheel. There are various colour schemes you can use depending on your fun level, let’s walk you through them.
For the more subtle fashionista – analogous may be the right colour scheme for you. Analogous colours are adjacent to each other: you can use a neutral colour as your base such as grey, black, brown, cream – the basics. Add the three colour hues as your accents. You can wear a black top, with navy blue jeans, light blue scarf, light blue skinny belt with cobalt ankle boots and clutch.
For the simpler, the better fashion diva – complementary colour schemes will win the cake. Complementary colour schemes are all about matching colours opposite from one another. For example, navy blue pants with a bright yellow top – finish the outfit with neutral coloured shoes.
Now the most fun and probably the most complicated is the ‘Triadic Colour’ scheme. This is all about creating a triangle on the colour wheel and having some fun with the colours. The easiest way to achieve this look is by choosing the base colour and using the other colours as your accent pieces to complete this fun outfit. Try dark blue pants with a yellow top and green accessories and shoes.
Put on a lil’ holiday weight after Thanksgiving? The 2012 winter runways have got you covered – it’s all about layering to create the illusion.
The right coat, right accessories, right shoes with the right pair of jeans or skirt can make all the difference in the world. Dig into your closet for that warm wool sweater you love to wear with your favourite pair of jeans. Mix it up with a simple tee – look for something with horizontal patterns to add a bit of color to your outfit. Long sleek coats will give you the right touch of glam that your casual outfit needs. Finish the look off with a simple pair of studs and perhaps a long necklace – whatever your heart desires. Layering does not have to be complicated – a simple touch here and there can make all the difference to your outfit.
Night out with your girlfriends? Take a chapter out of Mary- Kate Olsen’s look – a knee length coat with bell or bracelet sleeves, fitted pants or tights. In order to keep your arms warm from the bell sleeved coat, invest in a pair of opera-length gloves. You can mix it up with different coloured gloves or you can opt for the same colour as your coat – but one thing is for sure, you will definitely be the ‘belle of the ball.’ A most common way of layering is also with certain accessories: scarves, belts, bracelets, necklaces or reach for that fedora. Change up your look with even your coats – leave the traditional long coat in the closet and reach for a cape. Who said capes were only for super heroes?
Many designers for the winter season, including Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch are all about layering. Their models are draped in oversized accessories, wool shawls, larger than life hats and a lot of tweed. Layering also made a debut at the BCBG Fall Fashion Show showcasing oversized coats with long sleek pants and airy tops underneath fur vests. Layering is not only about wearing clothing on top of clothing but can also be achieved with different patterns. BCBG’s transparency line features flowy dresses with horizontal patterns in different colours to give it a clean layered look. Diamond-shaped patterns have made a big comeback – incidentally, this pattern is also great for achieving the layered look.
The 2012 winter fashion trends are not for the faint of heart – it’s about having fun with your outfits and getting away from the same ol’ boring neutrals and one-piece outfits. When stepping out of the house, be larger than life! Mix it up and don’t worry so much about matching. Use different colour schemes, change up your coats and try accessorizing beyond the basic jewellery. Be adventurous!
By Aman Grewal
