Romance in the air
Romantic is the latest fashion buzzword, called into play to describe the overall flowing, fancy and feminine look of the season’s clothes and accessories.
“Styles are very feminine, but it’s the luxurious mix of fabrics . . . and how you put the pieces together that make it interesting,” says Rita Lee, merchandise manager for Melanie Lyne.
Richly saturated colours, fancy fabrics, feminine details and opulent trim are staples.
Colours are intense and densely pigmented, such as shades of teal, green, purple, wine, brown and rust.
Black is back as a fashion statement. Muted tones include grey and low-key greyed tones of dusty rose, plum and aqua.
Bronze, gold and copper are key accent colours, appearing in accessories and as fancy trim.
Sequins and beads accentuate necklines and are scattered across tops and sweaters for day and night. Jeans are jewelled and even tailored tweeds and checks are updated by interwoven metallic threads in the fabric.
Haberdash-inspired cuffed and cropped pants, culotte-style gauchos and skirts are softened when paired with ultra-feminine camisoles and blouses.
Blouses with ruffles, pin tucking and floppy neck bows are seasonal must-haves in soft silks and fabrics with other textures. Finely pleated and crinkled fabrics are popular, along with lace.
Velvet is a highly favoured fabric, appearing often as trim on suits and jackets and in pants, tops and dresses made entirely of the stuff.
Cut and crushed velvet are fashionable variations.
“Mixed textures are important,” Lee says.
“Team velvet tops and jackets with jeans, tailored pants and flirty skirts.”
The shaped, waist-length jacket, in velvet, cashmere or tweed is practically a staple.
“This year’s tweeds are thinner and less bulky than last year’s,” Lee says.
Contrasting trim, three-quarter sleeves, one button closures and stand-up collars are among the details that appear on jackets and blazers.