5 Fall/Winter Fashion Trends for Women â?? Fall/Winter Womenâ??s Fashion 2012

Fashion has always been about evolution and changing styles. This year is no different. The runways saw a lot of different trends doing the rounds. Here are the top 5 fashion trends for Fall/Winter this year.

1. Androgynous clothing: Men-inspired fashion has never been a new concept when it comes to women’s clothing. Yves Saint Laurent was the first to borrow ideas from men’s fashion, and inspired women to wear jackets, trousers to work. This year will see a lot of pairings with an element of men’s fashion. Think waistcoats with a lacey, frilly shirt, or perhaps a tweed skirt and a loose jacket, or even mannish shirts paired with satin trousers, harem pants with cropped jackets, etc. The aim is to create a unique look while still retaining the ensemble’s femininity.
2. Florescent hues: Traditionally, fall and winter fashion has been about subdued colors such as navy, gray and black. Fall/Winter 2012 will see bright colors like orange, crimson, yellow and red. Jewel tones will make a big splash this season either as monochromatic clothing or in the form of checks and prints. One rule of thumb to keep the ensemble going too dramatic is to pair a bright colored garment with a more neutral tone, in order to tone down the look.
3. Variety of garments and prints: A new trend to be seen this Fall/Winter is the use of garments with contrasting textures and prints. For example, silk with plastic or sequins, knitwear and fur, or chiffon with leather. The effect can be very unusual but this season is all about looking different. Prints will be very big during Fall/Winter, ranging from paisley, to large spring flowers, panthers, as well as feathers. The more eccentric and outlandish the print is, the better.
4. Retro is back: It seems fashion is slipping back to the retro theme, in cycles. Earlier last year, the 80s-inspired fashion was big on the runway. This year, designers like Miu Miu, Gucci, and Galliano have taken a liking to 40s-inspired fashion. Elegant looks like the big hat, knee-length tailored skirts, high-collared silk blouses, and short flared skirts will all make a comeback. Trench coats will be big this year (not that they ever went out of style) but they will be more fitted and structured and are best paired with leather boots.
5. Fur: Fur will be a big fashion trend this year. Of course, with animal rights activists protesting against the use of real fur, designers have started using faux fur increasingly in their designs.

Other trends that carry forward from last year include layered clothing and sheer fabrics comprising lacey numbers. Though not practical, sheer fabrics will be very popular this season.