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!