Autumn Winter Fashion Trends 2011
Australia & the Southern Hemisphere

Autumn Winter Fashion Trends 2011:
Main Style Elements

Dresses

I'm pleased to see there is still a wide selection of dresses available. The main trend in lengths is still around knee length or above.

Styles include something to suit all body shapes and sizes...

• Shift dresses
• Tunic-style dresses
• Hourglass shapes
• Subtle A-line

Pants and Trousers

Shape trends include...

• Skinny, or, the slightly less form-fitting, narrow legs
• Wider straight styles -- these are flattering for most body shapes. If you have bigger hips or thighs choose drapey fabric and minimal, or no, side and front pockets
• Tapered -- some with pleats
• Cropped -- for the more fashion forward. The tapered shape is the most flattering for most women in this style, with the length coming just under the full calf
• There are still a few pant suits around as well

Skirts

• Are still mainly straight and knee length or above
• A new fashion trend this season is the introduction of the full length maxi skirt. Typically in a soft draping jersey

Vests, Jackets and Coats

Fur (both real and faux) vests are strong this season. There's also a selection of knit vests available including chunky knits and fine knits.

A wide variety of jackets are still in evidence this season. Styles include:

• Aviator -- especially in leather with fleece trim (also called shearling)
• Biker -- in leather and fabric
• Blazer
• Waterfall-style lapels

There's also a wide selection of coats, styles include...

• Classic tailored, wool-style coats
• Swing coats
• Warm parkas and anouraks
• Trench coats -- both classic and contemporary variations
• Capes (cropped, waist length and full length).

Tops

• Long-sleeved t-shirts and merino knits -- these are great basics for layering and are available in a wide range of colours
• Blouses and shirts
• Draped necklines
• Knits -- including knee lengths cardigans or jacket-style cardigans as well as classic waist or hip length v-neck and crew neck styles

Accessories

Shoes and Boots

Autumn and winter fashion trends include...

• Flats, mid heels and high heels
• Tapered stack heels and straight stack heels
• Wedge shoe boots and ankle boots
• Platforms
• Pointed or almond toe shapes
• Pump or court style shoes
• Gladiator-style strapey styles
• Riding boot styles, work boot-styles
• Peep-toe shoes, shoe boots and ankle boots
• Over the knee boots

Bags

• Over-sized bags and totes are making way for smaller shoulder bags with hip and thigh length straps

Necklaces

• "Bib"-style and chunky-style necklaces
• Or try a fur or feather collar or stole as an alternative to a necklace
• Long necklaces -- be aware of where the necklace "points" to. If it ends on your stomach and that isn't your best feature make your version of long at or just above your bust-line
• Scarves are another great necklace alternative in the cooler months and are very much on trend again this season

Autumn Winter Fashion Trends 2011:
Main Style Themes

• Military -- especially brass buttons and epaulets seen in jackets, coats and tops; and military colours such as khaki and camel
• Feminine -- in the form of 50s-style shapes such as hourglass-shaped dresses; floral prints; soft draping fabrics; ruffles, folds and ruching; lace 
• 70s -- seen in: extra wide legged trousers; wedged shoes and boots; platform shoes and boots

Autumn Winter Fashion Trends:
Main Fabric Trends

Fabric Types

• Fur, feathers and sheepskin -- especially in trims and collars on jackets and coats. There's real fur (such as rabbit) and faux fur as well. Fur vests are a fun way to add warmth and interest to an outfit. Fur stoles and detachable collars are a great way to lift an outfit. And a fur coat or jacket
• Leather -- especially in jackets. And in pants and skirts as well.
• Wool -- jersey and knits; flannel
• Tweed
• Lace
• Taffeta
• Velvet

Fabric Prints

• Animal -- especially leopard and some snake, zebra and tortoise shell. If animal print doesn't suit your personal style you could try it in a small measure such as a trim on an accessory
• Florals
• Stripes
• Abstract

Fabric Colour Trends

• Black
• Greys -- including darker charcoals and medium-light greys
• Inject colour to dark neutrals with shades of red and orange
• Khakis and olives
• Camel -- especially in coats and pants
• Cobalt blues
• Emerald greens
• Light neutrals