Fashion Fix

What are the main colours for Autumn/Winter?

What are the main colours for Autumn/Winter as I want to start picking up a few new items of clothing to update my look a little. Thank you for your help, Paula.

Hi Paula,

I love this time of year - all the new stock arriving in the shops and saying a welcome goodbye to the sale rails! We have a wonderful array of colours this season with something for all complexions which is great news.

Think berry colours like purples - destined to be one of the most fashionable colours this Autumn and a great favourite of everyone's specially those of us who love to wear black. It is very easy to wear and goes with almost every other shade.

Petrol blue is also big this season as are violet, charcoal, gold and pinks. Basically all the jewel colours which will give everyone a nice burst of colour in the days ahead and of course we can't forget black. Matt black is especially big this season worn with a shiny black satin - this combination of textures is big news this season.

As I said something for everyone so hit the shops and update your wardrobe with this season's shades.

What is Geometric?

The geometric print is big for spring/summer - every shop you go into on the High street is packed with this great print. It’s a retro folksy print we saw a lot of last year (some items you see might have little square designs on them or swirls just to mention a couple). It’s going to be one of those trends you either love or hate.

What I like about it that it will add a much-welcomed splash of colour and it can be worn with your existing winter clothes to help update your look a little. You can choose from skirts, or long sleeved mini dresses which will look great over skinny jeans leggings or opaque tights all of which you probably have in your wardrobe from last season.

There are some great shapes in this retro print which will show everyone you have your finger on the pulse. But like any trend don’t go overboard - just add little pops of this to your existing wardrobe and you can’t go wrong. It will help you create a wonderful stylish look. Happy shopping.

Sweater Dresses

I love all the sweater dresses that are everywhere this season but I am not sure how to wear them. I see footless tights seem to be the big trend but I did the footless tight thing many years ago! Also I don’t have the longest legs so would prefer to keep my pins under wraps. Have you any other suggestions as to how to wear this look without showing too much leg? Thanks Patricia.

Hi Patricia,

I know what you mean as the footless tight look is not for everyone and its wise not to get drawn into every high fashion trend that’s around. If you are brave enough to attempt the sweater dress look you could opt for black opaque tights worn with same-colour high ankle boots as this will help to elongate your legs. If still in doubt opt for a boyfriend’s sweater worn over skinny jeans with heels and add a funky skinny scarf or long beads which will help to soften your look a little. Take care.

The Volume Trend

I love all the volume trend items that are starting to appear in the shops for Autumn/Winter. I would like to buy a few pieces but am a little unsure as I am pear shaped! Have you any suggestions as to what I should avoid? Many thanks, Lilly.

Hi Lilly,

The volumous loose styles are hitting the shops as you said and will be big news for the new season. These include pieces such as the tulip skirt, which should be avoided, as they will make a full bottom bigger looking. We will also see a lot of balloon sleeved blouses with tight cuffs - yet again avoid these if you have large arms.

Your best option would be a full sleeve that ends at the elbow or the popular bracelet length sleeve is also very flattering. You could also try the egg shaped dress which will be hitting the high street shops around now. This is a good choice for fuller figures as this shape dress flares from the bust and tapers to the knee giving a nice soft stiletto.  Finally check out the smock dress - another biggie for Autumn/Winter. Happy shopping.

Key items for Spring/Summer 2006

Dear Martina,

I would like to know what the key fashion items are for Spring/Summer as I want to start updating my wardrobe. Thanks, Kay.

Hi Kay,

This is always a great time for shopping with a range of choices from the new spring/summer stock arriving in the shops. After a season of black colour is back.

You will see a lot of white, cream, reds and metallic. Skinny jeans are not as popular, as baggy jeans are hot this season  (a godsend for us curvaceous girls!). Look out for Bordelaise girly tops with lots of detail and we will also see a big Japanese influence so one of the key pieces will be a kimono style wrap top which will look great with your favourite jeans.

Another big trend are shorts in lots of different styles and lengths. There are some nice white coulette style shorts around - they are a good length specially if you don’t want to show your knees! Also lots of strips this season as the nautical look is big again - navy/white strips and red/white strips are a good choice in tops.

The fifties influence is still here – you will see boxy style jackets with large buttons that will go with everything. And if you like dresses you will really enjoy this season as they are the big story of Spring/Summer. I like the shirt dress (which is a button-through style) or the simple tea dress and there are some nice empire line styles around also. A dress should definitely be on the top of every girls shopping list this season - worn over jeans or on its own teamed up with a little cardigan it will see you through to autumn.

And remember this seasons accessories will help to pull your look together and you can revamp your existing wardrobe with funky belts, bags, shoes and jewellery. Polka dots are big – however if you don’t want to go overboard with them just add a spotty scarf or bangle.

If there is one key accessory you must have it is a soft slouchy bag. All bags are big and bright this season - you don’t need to spend a fortune on one and it will help to give you a fresh updated look and a nice bit of colour after winter.

You will also see shoes and sandals with wooden soles (clog style) and patterned footwear will be popular. Hope this is of some help to you, and doesn’t leave you too confused! The best thing to do is take a stroll around the shops and see how you could put the various styles together. And look at magazines for ideas. Happy shopping.

50 year old in good shape

Dear Martina,

I am a 50 year old in reasonable good shape! But when I go shopping all I see are clothes I would love to wear but I feel I am too old to wear, I would love to wear skinny jeans tucked into boots, and pencil skirts etc. This year’s fashions have thrown a few decisions my way. Am I too old to wear these clothes? I am dying to hit the shops now the sales are on! Thanks Margaret.

Dear Margaret,

I don’t think there should be a too-old too-young fashion rule; people should dress according to their figure and their lifestyle. The one thing older women should not wear is retro fashion trends. Because if you wore it first time round it won’t always work if you wear it again - its always best to avoid jeans tucked into boots, a lot of us wore this trend in the 80s! Pencil skirts are a classic and if you feel you have the legs for one go for it! Happy shopping.

Dress exchange shop?

I saw your column a few weeks ago when you wrote about cast-off parties, which is a good way to clear your wardrobe of the clothes you no longer wear. I have a lot of clothes I bought for special occasions and items that don’t fit me anymore due to gaining weight. Is there a dress exchange shop in Kilkenny where I can bring my clothes and they can be sold on so I might make some extra cash? Thanks Sharon.

Hi Sharon,
There is a shop in Thomastown called Dressence, its located on Logan Street. Its one of those little shops where you could find anything as you look through the rails. Theresa, the owner told me she takes a commission on each item when it sells. She usually holds on to clothes for a few weeks and if there is no interest she will give you a call to collect your unsold items. She will only accept fashionable clothes in good condition but she likes the odd classically styled piece also. She sells accessories as well. There is a small selection of evening wear in stock and now is the time to buy your party wear!

You can give Dressence a call on 056 77 93246 - opening hours are Tuesday to Friday 12.30-6pm and Saturday 11.30-5pm. And while you are in Thomastown call into “Casa Bella”, on Market Street, a lovely gift shop that sells some nice velvet and tapestry handbags, and fashion jewellery. A great place to pick up some Christmas presents. Martina