Hot looks for this year
By Jennifer Melocco
January 12, 2005
SO you may know that you have to ditch black from your wardrobe, but did you know you should think about wearing petrol instead?
Hot threads ... Sienna Miller's Boho style is a hit with sexy squeeze Jude Law.
That's the inky-grey colour we're talking about.
Sportsgirl is pointing it out as one of the hit colours of 2005, along with any hue of purple or teal.
With the first autumn and winter clothes about to hit stores in the next few weeks now is the time to brush up on what will be hot for the year ahead.
Anything that Sienna Miller is wearing will be big.
This 23-year-old British actress is not only engaged to the beautiful Jude Law but she's also setting the fashion agenda.
Her Boho look is set to take us by storm. That includes floppy hats, tussled hair and relaxed slightly vintage, veering towards hippy, edged dresses.
Sportsgirl is going big on the Sienna look starting this month with its Boho chic collection.
``Look for anything worn by Mischa Barton of the OC and Maggie Gyllenhaal too,'' says Sportsgirl's Prue Murphy.
Gyllenhaal's 2003 film Secretary has influenced this year's fashion, with her character Lee Holloway's distinctive p*ssy bow tie and pencil skirts.
``This winter is about sharp pencil skirts with soft blouses, belted jackets and groomed hair and make-up,'' says Myer's Tracey Baker.
Another film that has influenced what we will wear is Nicole Kidman's
The Stepford Wives.
Sydney designer Lia Tsimos of label Moss & Spy has delved into the wardrobe and the world of perfect retro housewives to create some of the prettiest pieces seen in years including knee-length floral skirts and delicate green lace tops.
A film to watch for fashion tips is Cate Blanchett's upcoming
The Aviator.
Her elegant evening wear in shimmering gold satin has made designers want to copy it.
``This year the whole look is very feminine,'' says designer Joe Saba of the 9 label.
Saba, with 40 years experience in the Australian fashion industry, has taken the base of glamour to kick-start the look.
Expect to see washed satin and velvet tiered skirts. ``Colours are jewel-like and fabrics have a satin sheen and velvet texture,'' Saba says.
Rich velvet jackets should have a big place in the winter wardrobe. The other great jacket for 2005 will be textured tweed.
In Australia, the best finds are in fine wools and cotton appropriate for our climate.
But the prevailing influence for many designers this year is fashion of the 1940s.
``Autumn and winter are about the whole feeling of vintage and things looking old,'' says Jacquie E's Danielle Grech.
The return of the waist will be one of the biggest fashion turnarounds for 2005.
``Jackets are cropped and more fitted, with much more definition on the waist line,'' says Grech.
This is where the belt comes in as the accessory of the season.
``There will be lots of belted jackets and belts wrapped around cardigans to define the waist,'' says Grech.
The belt is just one item in a strong year of accessories, which can be an inexpensive way to update your look.
``If you have a coat from last season, put a fur stole on top to make it look new again,'' says Grech.
She also says brooches pinned on to cardigans and blazers are a cheap way to update some of last year's basics.
The key is to throw on many accessories this year, says Myer's Baker.
``You can embellish with sequins, metallics and layering of accessories including jewellery,'' Baker says.
There is plenty happening for those wanting to take a more casual look.
But don't step into last year's ugg boots as they have been given the kick in favour of American Indian-style mukluks, as favoured by Kate Moss.
Tasseled, and with fur and embroidery detail, they are set to be hot items for weekend wear.
If you are to look at uggs, make sure they are coloured and feature long ties winding up the leg. Brightly coloured cowboy boots are expected to be oh-so popular for summer.
They have been a big hit in the warmer months in London, but these are ones probably more appropriate for a winter's day here. ``It's part of the western look and is great with a western shirt and large belt,'' says Murphy.
Some of the best ones come in blushing pink and brilliant turquoise. And their hues point to the colour of fashion for summer. ``In summer there will be an explosion of colour,'' says Grech.
The Daily Telegraph