FASHION Autumn/winter 2013 style

BIG AND BEAUTIFUL ?Stella McCartney’s Autumn/Winter 2013 imperial-purple coat.

In style this season


Beauty
Maggie Gibbons

Now that the nights are drawing in and we are finally packing away our summer clothes I don’t feel too guilty telling you about the hot looks for Autumn/Winter 2013. Though the shows were some months ago, you will now see the catwalk fashion trickling into the shops – hugely diluted of course. It would seem that many of last year’s trends are still here to stay. Amen to that!

Leather
Leather is huge this season, with jewel colours like ruby, sapphire and emerald favoured by most top designers. Your black leather jacket will still hit the right notes as well.

Coats
Strong coloured winter coats in plum, purple and grape shades – think winter berries and you get the idea. They’ll add a bit of brightness for the winter: No harm to see less of the blacks and greys! Capes are also in, this year in all the brightest colours. They just keep coming back!

Sweaters
Sweaters are bulky. If you already own a big cardigan hold on to it. Now commonly referred to as a ‘Coatigan’! I’m such a source of useless information. Knitwear with heart and lips embellishments will also be big: I saw the cutest cardigans with hearts in Penneys recently,  and they cost only a few euros.

Boots
Thigh-high boots. In fact any boots will be big but over the knee will be the biggest trend. Laced up bootees are still in vogue.

Shoes
Studs are in, especially across the ankle strap. Look out too for colour-blocked shoes (with two or gree strong colours in the shoe). Flats with tassels are also on trend.

Skirts
Plaid or tartan skirts will be in all the shops. Hmmm… not sure about this particular trend.

Fabric
Velvet. It has to be the most feminine fabric, I love it. Lace, from dresses to inserts in tops, will also be a huge trend … again!

Colour
Emerald green, Pantone’s colour of the year, was all over the autumn/winter catwalks. It’s such a rich luxurious colour. If it’s not the best on you, then opt for an accessory like a piece of jewellery or even a bag. Green also featured heavily in shades of spruce, khaki and pine. Other favourites were grape, purple and deep cobalt blue. Winter white, which is such a sophisticated shade, remains big this year.

For the men
The main colours for the man in your life this season will be olive green, mustard, grey and navy. These can be accessorised with wonderful aquamarines, teals and soft greens and blues.

Maggie Gibbons is an Image/Style Consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.