The Today Show’s Natalie Morales took a look at fashion trends and styles for the New Year. Buzzwords like “pattern”, “colour”, “multicultural” and “fluidity” describe what lies ahead. I had a hunch that the voluminous trend would stick around and I’m happy to see that this is the case. A bit of volume in the right place makes for an interesting outfit. Bright hues and ethnic patterns will be a refreshing contrast to the sea of black and white retail collections we saw for Spring 2007, but it’s going to be a tricky season for those who prefer neutrals and plain items.

Brights are back and I’m thrilled.

If you’re a redhead and you’ve never tried wearing purple, you are missing out. It might be the best colour for your skin and hair combination. “Red” hair is normally more a shade of orange, and nothing brings out the colour orange more than the right shade of purple. Orange/yellow shades and purple/blue shades oppose each other on the colour wheel, which means that they are “complementary”. So this wild colour combination also makes sense from a scientific point of view.

Remember that purples fall into either blue tones or pink tones and it’s a question of finding which purple is best for your particular shade of hair. I’ve found that a muted pinky-purple is an all-round fab colour for red heads. But various shades of purple from eggplant to raspberry to magenta to mauve to lilac will work too. Stunning Julianne Moore wore a muted purple dress to her movie premiere a few months ago… I rest my case.

Red made a huge comeback last season but red coats were few and far between. Despite the fact that jewel tones are all the rage right now, gorgeous red coats started gushing into stores a few weeks ago. And it’s about time. I haven’t been enthused by colourful coats all season. A superb coat is always a statement, and a perfect red one even more so.

Not all red coats are created equally. The wrong red coat can look cheap (just like bad patent). Apart from watching cut and fit, you’ll need to be extra discerning about fabrication, button choice and the actual shade of red. Red coats tend to look best in rich luxurious shades and better-end wools. I personally prefer the look of contrasting buttons on red coats, but buttons that are dyed to match will also work.

I am constantly surprised at how many people actually love the colour red (I’m one of them). And you have to love red if you’re going to commit to an entire coat in the colour. Remember that although red is bright, it is a basic colour and will therefore date less than many fashion colours. Red coats are classy when mixed with items in the conventional black, grey and winter white palette. But I’m liking my red coat best mixed with warm winter yellow, ink blue and cobalt this season. The combinations are fresh, new and exciting.

If it fits your shopping plan and budget, now is a good time to add a red coat to your wardrobe. There’s nothing like a bright coat to brighten up a cold Winters day.

A few red coat favourites in stores at the moment (Guess and Mango). There are also some fab styles at Banana Republic, Tulle, Benetton and J Crew.

The bright colours that we were promised in Spring and Summer seem to have found their way through to Autumn. Albeit a little late, I’m not complaining. Fuchsia, raspberry, magenta and good old shocking pink are back with a vengeance this season. Pink is another 80’s flashback that you’re either going to embrace or abhor. The bright hue is beautiful with basics like black, grey and winter white.

I’m personally a little off pink matched with brown. It’s looking a dash tired, but a pretty combination nonetheless. Try hot pink matched with purple, burnt orange or one of the other jewel tones instead if you’re after a bold and daring look. Two brights don’t make a wrong. If you can’t go head to toe in the colour, then punctuate an outfit with a fuchsia accent instead. It’s the perfect way of adding the fashion element to a modern classic style.

I’m all for etiquette and manners, but this rule was made to be broken. I couldn’t find a single definitive version of the rule, but if Wikipedia is to be believed…

“In actuality, the etiquette originally stated that white shoes were the taboo while white or “winter white” clothes were acceptable. This custom is fading from popularity as it continues to be questioned and challenged, particularly by leaders in the fashion world.”

wiseGEEK provides two theories on where this custom originated: One, that the rule serves as a reminder that white clothing is impractical in Winter and two, that the rule was part of a program to educate the nouveau riche…

“Older society families were concerned about the fashion etiquette of more recent additions, and established a complex code of fashion rules to guide them.”

Something in common with all of the theories is that the original motivation is now outmoded. So by all means, wear white shoes or clothes before Easter and after Labor Day. White reflects the sun and keeps you cool, which makes it the perfect colour to wear in places where the weather is hot during this period.

We at youlookfab wish you a very happy Labor Day.

Halleluiah. Brights like amethyst, magenta, emerald, saphire, teal and mustard are on their way to perk up a traditionally dark Autumn palette. While neutrals like black, winter white, grey and brown still reign supreme, bold ‘80’s hues make a retro return. It looks like fire engine red will take a bit of a back seat to hot pink and burgandy, but this should not deter us red-lovers. Red is a classic basic colour and if you love it – wear it.

I adore black and white ensembles and the look has definitely become part of my signature style as I’ve grown older. But we’ve had 3 back-to-back seasons of strong black and white fashion trends and we are heading for a fourth. As much as I fancy the timeless, modern, vintage and dramatic appeal of black and white outfits, I enjoy seeing and wearing striking colours in playful and sophisticated silhouettes.

I had great hopes for Spring 2007, which promised us an explosion of colour. Colourful accessories were in abundance. Busloads of brightly adorned hippy empire tops and smocks filled the rails, filling the colour gap for those who like the bohemian and eclectic look. But unfortunately this was not a colourful season for modern classics and funky urbanites. For the most part, we were left purchasing neutrals.

As an ex-fashion buyer, I can understand why this might happen. Buyers are cautious about putting bright colours in their collections because overkill ends up on markdown. On the other hand, shoppers need choice regardless of their age, budget and fashion persona. There are only so many black and white dresses, tops and jackets that one can purchase. Is anyone else a little tired of seeing the sea of black and white in stores?

Of course they can. Nicole Kidman was breathtaking wearing red in “Moulin Rouge” and more recently in her flaming red couture gown at the Oscars. Redheads like Cate Blanchett and Julianne Moore often wear red and look absolutely sensational. 

In reality ”red” hair is more orange than red and these two colours (red and orange) work beautifully together. It’s much like mixing red and orange tulips in the same vase, (one of my favourite floral combinations). Redheads are not created equally. It’s a question of finding the shade that compliments your red hair in the best possible way. It is also a matter of individual taste. I personally love the striking effect of redheads in bright red.

There’s no getting away from the fact that this is an incredibly eye-catching combination. So if you’re a redhead and you love red, wear it with conviction and expect to be noticed.

From baby pink and antique rose, to bubblegum and fuchsia, pink is the colour many of our mothers dressed us in when we were little. This season it’s a fashion colour that’s back on the map. Purple is a shade that we don’t see as often, but it’s making a subtle statement too (and I have a hunch that purple is going to feature for Autumn).

There are pink-purples (hot shades) and blue-purples (cold shades) and preferences are personal. I prefer “pinker” purples like magenta and jewel tones because I love to pair those shades with green and yellow. I also tend to like cerise pink with red and orange. These vivid color combinations remind me of magnificent Indian saris and Japanese kimonos. Ironically, colours that clash can often work in harmony.

If you prefer to sport one bright at a time, hot pinks and purples are fabulous with denim blue, white, black and tan for Spring. Remember to sport an eye-catching pink or purple accessory instead of an item of clothing if thinking pink is not quite your style.

No, they don’t. While I can’t argue that white or cream pants are practical (one wear and in the wash they go), they’re stylish regardless of your size. The important factors are the fit and the ensemble. Here are guidelines for choosing a perfect pair of white or cream pants:

• Choose a shaped waistband that’s lower in front than at the back. A wider waistband (about one and half inches) gives our bodies that extra bit of structure around the tummy area.
• Keep the front plain (no pleats) and the pockets off. Side entry pockets or any type of patch pocket tends to show through the front of light pants. Flatter fronts keep your fit smooth and streamlined underneath your tops.
• Make sure that white pants made of softer fabrications like viscose, silk, rayon and linen-blends are lined.
• Consider denim and thick cotton twills in white/cream. These fabrics don’t need to be lined and the classic “5-pocket styling” works well.
• Stick to boot cut leg openings as the most versatile and flattering option.

Striking contrast is key to creating a stylish ensemble with white pants. Match them up with a dark top and shoes and your look will pop.

All women can look incredible in the right pair of white pants. Get your head around the fact that white is a modern update on black, and that it doesn’t make you look fat.

Excellent white and denim pant silhouettes from Ann Taylor and Nordstrom.