Fall 2005 for Women


There is a slight nip in the air, telling us that fall is here, and this year it returns with a whiff of the romantic, glimpses from the past and subtle hints for the future.

Purple replaces pink this season, dark hues for thewinter and pale lilacs for spring. The other colour palette emerging is muted metallic.

Even black which makes a comeback this fall returns in a non-gothic way in ruffled, beaded and pleated forms and graphic prints with white. Chocolate brown gets a feminine twist when paired with deep turquiose and other warmer hues such as dusty rose and earthy greens.

As a return to feminity, lace and net appear as the popular fabrics for the season updated with bright colours and modern cuts.
The casual Bohemian trend comes in the form of luxurious layering (cashmere knits paired with silk dresses) and an assortment of prints from folk to graphic to eastern influence (read Indian influence) all culminate in silhouettes mixed with knits, leather and other solids.

Flared skirts remain an important element of the wardrobe, though updated with evening fabrics (lace, net and chiffon) and interesting cuts.

Pants show a dual trend. They either go the Spanish gaucho way, and are more tailored at the waist with a slight flared drape down the leg to allow for plenty of mobility, or are slim fitted and fall in gathers at the calf like our very own chudidar and Jodhpur pants. Skinny pants work only if you have legs like Angeline Jolie.

Rich jewel tones like emerald, ruby, turquoise, amethyst and topaz are subtly woven into wool and silk to add luster to jackets, blouses and dresses.

The final statement comes from accessories. Beaded necklaces fall lower, two belts instead of one work better, and funky hobo bags rule. It’s all happening this Fall.


Top 5 Picks

#1 Boxy Jackets

The boxy jacket is this season’s jacket update. Combined with well fitting jeans and a round neck t-shirt, it’s more defined, and more defining of you. Look out for military detailing like epaulets, flap pockets and big brass buttons. When worn, this jacket should be the star. Add a touch of femininity to contrast with the boxy lines with a pair of jeweled chandelier earrings and high heels. Alternatively, wear boots and go monochromatic (all shades of one colour). For the Aviator look steer toward brown, while for the Army, go blue/ black.

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#2 Empire Waist Line

The empire line is still reigning as the silhouette for the season. An ode to the romantic and bohemian mood of the moment, these low cut tops gather just below the bust and give many a wardrobe a stylish and chic edge. Embroidered lines, embellishments, seams and panels, all provide the accents giving way to pretty party dresses and flowing tops as well as casual statements with jeans and cords. This is the most flattering and forgiving silhouette to a variety of figures.

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#3 Trouser Jeans

Loose and laid-back in attitude, trouser jeans are the slouchier version of the Boot Cut. More flared than the classic boot-cut, this denim style creates a sexy and dramatic silhouette. Its contouring cut fits slim through the legs, sits low on the waist, and is a great way to accentuate curves.

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#4 The Dress

Whether your style is feminine or flirty, there's a dress to suit your shape. Sheath dresses abound for those of who fit the petite description, while wrap dresses suit the well-endowed among us. Romantics may opt for shirt dresses (dresses that are styled as shirts) and empire waists. In any case, we ought to cheer the return of this classy, feminine garment.

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#5 Boots

Whether worn with jeans, skirts, or cropped pants, boots are fall’s hottest—and most versatile—footwear tickets. The cornucopia of styles includes varying heel heights, leg lengths, shapes, and materials (think leather and buttery suede) and offers winning options for all fashion sensibilities. We now have the option of chunky heels, kitten heels, wedge heels and even flats. Whatever you choose, just be sure the boot ends just below the knee.

As always I hope my notes help you update your wardrobe with style and confidence!

Fall 2005 for Men

Yes boys, the seasons are a changing. And with the change in season comes a shift in pace and feel. It’s the season of layering, with softness and colour. This year fall brings with it rustic warmth, old world opulence and the charm of the familiar.

Greens are bountiful this season, in every conceivable hue from forest greens to jade to emerald. Dark hues for the winter and fresh tones for spring. The other colour palette that’s carried forward from summer is mustard, burnt orange and grey. Blue ranges from inky and indigo to teal.

Black makes a comeback though in a folksy way coupled with white embellishment in the form of print and embroidery. Brown gets a woodland twist when paired with teal blue and earthy greens and gets with the family into warmer hues such as burgundy and purple.

Fall 2005 is all about rich fabrics and colours, whimsical prints, silhouettes a tad military a tad old country, and a return to formal, refined looks.

If you're ready to get a handle on the season, just devour this Top 5 fall checklist and get cracking.

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Top 5 Picks

#1 The Argyle Checks

The Argyle Check sweater is one of those fashion pieces that continue to resurface every fall; maybe because it's a sophisticated style, or maybe designers haven’t gotten over reinventing it. Whatever the case, you can take your pick of argyle sweaters in V-neck or round-neck. The sweater looks awesome over a collared shirt or worn underneath a sporty jacket.

Wear it with: Distressed jeans.

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#2 The Colour Purple

If you’re the trendsetter in your mob, you may want to set your sights on purple and its intoxicating cousin burgundy. These are the spring equivalent of pale pink and work fabulously as fitted shirts. Throw in a bit of print on the yoke or under-cuff and you have a shirt that smoothly traverses from day to after-office drinks. If you're doubtful about stepping out in full-on purple, then incorporate the shade into your look with details like stripes or an accessory like a scarf or tie.

Wear it with: Black trousers, tucked in for day and worn casually for evening.

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#3 The Sports Jacket

A great looking blazer is one of the season's most coveted essentials. Constructed in corduroy, denim, worsted wool or cotton twill, the blazer keeps things practical and comfortable, while working as easily for day as it does for night. The blazer ups your trend quotient, while keeping you warm when temperatures nose dive. If you’re not quite ready to plunge into this trend, opt for a multiple pocket casual jacket, along the same lines.

Wear it over a bright sweater or funky t-shirt and faded jeans.

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#4 The Grey Jeans

You've got your dark blue jeans, and your light wash pair, but it's time to upgrade your denim collection with a pair of faded or dark grey jeans. The colour of these jeans is pure fall/winter, especially with all the jackets and sweaters cropping up, the style gives you some rugged appeal.

Wear it with: An urbane black turtleneck (high-neck) or round-neck sweater.

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#5 The Ankle Boots

Get the complete outdoorsy feel with ankle high lace up boots or slip-on boots for a sleek finish. Which ever you choose you can be sure these will keep your feet toasty every step of the way, this fall. Boots are the updated on footwear this season. Don’t get left behind.

Wear them with: Jeans or pants - these boots stop at nothing in being ultra-practical.

I hope these Top 5 picks help simplify your choices for fall and have you raring to go!

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Next up: Fall 2005 for Women

Welcome to Style Asylum!

Hey all you stylish people, a very warm welcome to your very own, spanking new, refuge to style! This space will see us deconstruct and reconstruct all the colourful, perplexing, intriguing and downright drool-inducing contructs of the fashion world. From trends and silhouettes, to colours and fashion seasons, we shall delve into them all and emerge with fresh insights.

I'm Meera Mittal, a professional fashion designer and consultant based in Mumbai, India. I learnt the craft while training in Fashion Design at NIFT, New Delhi (1998 - 2001). I design, consult and write on Fashion & Beauty.

In the area of design some of the industry leaders I have worked with are: Selfridges London, Raymond Be: and The Taj Group.

I am also Fashion Consultant with: Tips4me.com, Sunsilknaturals.com and Fashion and Style Expert on: Rediff.com (India's leading news portal).

From style to spirituality, I have many varied interests, which I hope to share with you along with my thoughts on fashion & style, via this space. Drop me a line with your thoughts!

Much love!