By Daniel Collins


Fashion never waits. In fact, the fashion industry always seems to be a step (or three) ahead of the rest of us - which is why, when many are just settling into summer's fashion trends, autumn's styles are ready to be flaunted down the runways. However, while you don't need to pack away your summer wardrobe just yet, it's always to a fashionista's advantage to look ahead with regard to fashion trends. And, it certainly never hurts to get your hands on a few autumn styles before the season officially sets in.

As is the case with every season, autumn is set to highlight an array of key fashion pieces. Of course, some fashion items gain notice each autumn due to the nature of the season - for instance, boots, coats, and sweaters. However, each season also sees a set of special fashion items that play a prominent role in introducing the season's defining styles. The dress happens to be one such item for autumn 2010.

So, what exactly can one expect from the coming season's dress trends? To start, turtlenecks and high collars will be making a comeback in all forms - including dresses. However, turtleneck dresses this time around will be spiced up and matched alongside various (often bright) colours and funky accessories. The maxi dress, a prominent fashion staple over the last few seasons, will continue to go strong in autumn 2010 - though the colours and necklines of the dresses will vary from seasons past. Look for maxi dress skirt designs ranging from slightly bunched or flared (with a sexy slit), to long, straight and sleek. Patchwork, "poncho" and quilted dress styles will also be big, as will fringe on dresses. However, unlike the fringe trend from a few seasons ago, the fringe this season will remain solely on clothes (rather than on shoes, bags and accessories as well).

Tiered and strapless styles - commonly seen in Coast dresses will also be prominent for the upcoming season. And among the hottest colours for dresses this autumn will be black, white, red and yellow - not to mention the staple autumn fashion colour; brown.

So, while summer isn't over quite yet, keep your eyes peeled for some of the upcoming season's hottest items. With so many exceptional fashion pieces to be released - including an array of defining seasonal dresses - you'll want to be among the first to snag them off the fashion market.

By Ima Johnson


This season's hottest look will be women's dresses, dresses of all descriptions will be fashionable this winter, but let us consider the best of the bunch.

Normally when winter sneaks up on us, we put away our dresses until spring, but this year we will see an exception to the rule. Top designers have created fashionable dresses with the winter months in mind, and every woman should have at least one style in their wardrobe this year.

Expect to see popular styles of dress made from warm and comforting materials, in cosy colours and gentle hues; of particular appeal will be herringbone, flannel, wool, and tweed.

So which style of women's dresses should you choose to ensure you stay in fashion this autumn/winter season?

The Shirtdress:

We will start with the coldest style of fashionable dress this winter, the shirtdress. This particular theme is informed by men's fashions; they are simply a dress version of the traditional dress shirts worn by men, with buttoned down front, cuffs, and collar. Shirtdresses will come in a range of lightweight materials, such as silk, and as such will require layering with various appendages.

Wear shirtdresses with thick tights - if the shirtdress is a plain, block, colour, funk up the outfit with patterned tights, if the shirtdress has a funky pattern, stick to block coloured tights. This particular style of women's dresses is a particularly good buy, as they will be suitable for spring and summer too.

The Wrap Dress:

As the name implies, this is a kind of dress that women wrap around themselves and then fasten. Generally, this style of women's dress fastens at the side, although there will be certain styles that will do up behind, or even in front.

The dress itself varies in style, this winter; expect to see a long-sleeved design. They can be made from many different materials, from sweatshirt to silk; all manner of material will be incorporated in this season's style.

The Sweater/Jumper Dress:

We have left this season's biggest trend until last. The sweater dress will be everywhere this autumn/winter, and should be a staple addition to any woman's wardrobe.

A fantastically versatile dress, this is the season's must have by way of women's dresses, made from flexible materials, including the finest sheep's wool, cottons and even silks, they are exceedingly comfortable, as well as stylish.

The jumper dress will be perfect for carrying-off a casual, and yet sophisticated, look. Slouch necks will be a hot fashion this autumn, so buying a sweater dress with a large neck is necessary. Certain materials are likely to be quite cold, so again, wear thick pairs of tights, and follow the advice outlined above - block colours and patterns.

Because the women's dresses is so versatile, many different looks can be achieved by wearing a sweater dress, depending on the particular style chosen. For example, some styles will suit the grungy look, others a more retro style, and still more will look great as formal wear.

Remember that sweater dresses will highlight bums and tums, so perhaps not the best dress to be wearing straight after Christmas lunch!