Elements of female fashion for this autumn, winter

Press, 7 March 1984, Page 16

Elements of female fashion for this autumn, winter

Some of the key fashion elements for women’s garments this autumn. and winter are shown in the designer sketches above.

Shoulder emphasis is strong, with or without padding, and sleeves are wide at the top. This emphasis includes Siuffed sleeves, especially or blouses.

The over-all impression is of unstructured garments hanging comfortably, with a casual elegance.

There is much use of draped effects at the neck, and skirts are gathered or tucked at the waist, rather than pleated. Jackets and cardigans are either loose-fitted and fairly long; loose-fitted and short, as in a bolero; or short and spectacularly fitted, with a nipped-in waist and shoulders extended and padded—or a combination of padded shoulders and puffed sleeves. Then there is the coat dress, showing a strong

menswear influence. Buttons are used for emphasis, especially to highlight—or create—asymmetrical details. Proportions are either slim and short—to just cover the knee—or flow elegantly to the calf. Colours still include beige, cream, pearl grey and black, but there is also a range of dramatically vivid and dark colours, including mauve, violet, indigo, emerald, olive, wine, russet and dull gold. t The dark colours may be given a “lift” with soft apricot tones, vivid reds—even mustard. There is much mixing of colours. A checked skirt may be in-say-five shades, all five of which may be picked up in accom-

panying garments; jersey, jacket and hat all of different shades, and the small colour areas of scarf and footwear matching the small amount of bright colour in the skirt. Patterns and textures of fabrics and accessories also tend to be mixed—mottled skirt with plain wool coat and shiny, spotted boots; checked skirt with ribbed jersey and plain jacket; wool double-knit fabric with charmeuse. Jewellery is still chunky and obvious, geometric and bold. Heels on shoes are medium to high and both shoes and hosiery are in tonal colours. Gloves are “in” and hats, too, with more formal outfits.