Keys to That Perfect Fall/Winter 2010-11 Wardrobe

The fall/winter runways are abound with galore of exciting accoutrement, trends and pieces that must not be missed by any die-hard fashionista.

Though sombre and shady hues – the traditional fall/winter palette since God knows when – dominate the majority of designer collections, there are also designers who incorporated a dash of rule-breaking colours such as pragmatic neon and vivacious reds to melt the freezing winter wind.

So, without wasting time, let me present you the seven must haves for fall/winter 2010-11.

Bolero

For those who are living in warm and humid country like Malaysia, wearing a full-length jacket or trench could be cumbersome. Thus, instead of investing in long jackets or trenches (unless if you’re flying off to the temperate countries anytime soon), get yourself a nice cropped jackets or bolero for a change. Elegant yet simple, boleros are perfect for those who want to cover the upper part of their bodies without hiding the sensuous curves.

(L-R) Vionnet, Alice + Olivia and Chado Ralph Rucci

Jumpsuits

Once considered one of the 70’s staples – think of Studio 54 - jumpsuits are now a part of a contemporary woman’s wardrobe. For this year’s fall/winter, fashionistas are certainly spoilt by the choices of jumpsuits available in stores. Aside from the traditionally flashy as-seen-at-the-clubs type, you can also opt for full lace by designer Haider Ackermann; long-sleeved with turtleneck by Chloé, which could double itself as a trompe l’oeil ensemble by adding a slim belt on the waist; and the classic strapless body-conscious type by Lanvin.

(L-R) Lanvin, Unique by Topshop and Haider Ackermann

Gloves

Gloves and fall/winter fashion are certainly inseparable. For long, stylish women wear gloves for two reasons – to protect their dainty hands from the harsh, cold weather and to accentuate their look, especially when wearing evening wear. As for fetishism, I’ve no idea. Aside from the classic elbow-length (made popular by Rita Hayworth in Gilda), the selection for fall/winter collection also include forearm-length gloves luxuriously trimmed with furs (just as seen at the Vionnet runway) and also in supple soft leather as seen at Hermès.

(L-R) Vionnet, Marni and G-Star

Shearing

It’s been quite a while since shearing made its presence clear in the fashion scene. This fall/winter, the likes of Christopher Bailey of Burberry Prorsum and Jean Paul Gaultier for Hermès are bringing back the sheep fur to the fashion stage as part of their preferred trimming on items like the bomber jacket and also trenches. What’s more, compared to fur, shearing is easier to care and has much edgier look.

(L-R) Hermès, Francesco Scognamiglio and Unique by Topshop

Dresses

Dresses can make or break one’s wardrobe. And what’s a woman’s wardrobe worth without even one dress to wear? With icons of the past such as Brigitte Bardot and Greta Garbo are looked upon by European fashion houses – think of Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada – as muses, the runways are imbued with shapes and styles from the 50s and 60s. Laden with gorgeous prints or just plain, the skirts are injected with volumes (hence its voluminous appearance) while the bodices are corseted to further accentuate the curves.

(L-R) Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu and Hermès

Pants

They say women who wear pants are more independent and courageous compared to those who do not. Well, I do agree with that. Take a look at the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn and Coco Chanel. Although they were living in a period where women who wear menswear were always frowned upon, these beautiful and successful ladies have no qualms in breaking the boundary (although Dietrich’s boldness was met with a not-so-bad consequence: she was arrested by the Parisian police while strolling near the Rive Gauche in menswear, head to toe). This season, Jackie Kennedy’s 70s-styled pants with slightly flared bottoms are the absolute must have for your wardrobe.

(L-R) Cerutti, Gucci and Banana Republic

Leathers

Oftentimes leather pieces are oh so tempting. The buttery soft feel and the glistening surface further fans the flame of our desire to have it, even though it may only see daylight for a couple of times before ‘resting peacefully’ in our closets due to our tropical climate. At Hermès, almost half of the ‘The Avengers’-inspired collection is crafted from leather and exotic hides like crocodile, and ditto Loewe which is obviously known for its high quality leather goods. However, if you find leathers as weighty, then opt for the lightweight likes of lambskin, kidskin or nappa instead.

(L-R) Hermès, Anne Demeulemeester and Loewe

*Photos by style.com.