Guest Post: Dress Trends for A/W ’11

Sorry it’s been so long since my last post – I’ve been working 50+ hour weeks this month so things are a bit crazy. Do not fear, however, as I have a couple of guest posts coming up to keep you entertained! Here’s the first one from Emma at ASOS about the biggest dress trends for the autumn/winter season. I’ve had a quick flick through the ASOS website and there are so many dresses I want to buy, A/W fashion is my favourite!

Charcoal greys and indigo hues, elegant stripes and bold geometric patterns, fur trimming and animal-print leather — just a portion of fashion for autumn and winter 2011, these are among the big trends. Adding to the excitement of the new season is another big trend: dresses. Knee length to maxi, dress trends for the autumn and winter 2011 season include chic must-haves that require little effort, yet immediately put the wearer on the cutting-edge of fashion.

Flared Dress with Belt & Ponti Waisted Dress

Placing emphasis on the fitted waist, many dresses this fall are seamed or belted to cinch the waist. These styles provide the complete comfort that form-fitting dresses of the past never had, yet draw the eye subtly to the svelte figure within the dress. Accessorized with a sassy fedora hat — a nod to the menswear-inspired trend of the season — or a sophisticated animal-print bag that offers an unexpected touch of panache, these dresses are ready for any daytime event.

Bodycon Dogtooth Dress & Sleeveless Swing Checked Dress

In keeping with the menswear influence, which is part of the current 1970s look, many dresses for this autumn and winter are much like classic men’s designs. Made of fabrics most typical of men’s suits, dresses in glen plaid, houndstooth and pinstripes are making a decidedly feminine statement, particularly when paired with this season’s stilettos. With shades of grey and combinations of black and white being among the fashionable neutrals, these colours lend themselves beautifully to these tailored dresses.

Silk Tiered Maxi Dress & One Shoulder Animal Maxi Dress

Then, in a continuation of the 1970s style popularized during the spring and summer 2011, maxi dresses remain stylish for autumn and winter. Colours being the major difference between the seasons, these dresses — no longer in the pastels and vivid shades of last season — are now in deep jewel tones; refined neutrals that include camel, shades of blue and grey; and autumnal hues of olive, goldenrod and bronze. Teamed with autumn’s structured military-style jackets or the au courant coats of winter — many embellished with fur — or with a brightly coloured faux fur vest, these softly flowing dresses hearken back to yesteryear while making a statement all their own.

Dress with Pleated Skater Skirt & Pleated Midi Dress

Add to this lovely array pleats. Playful additions to dresses of virtually every length, this season’s pleats are a contemporary take on a traditional design element. From the gentle sway of knife pleats, all floating in one direction, to the burst of pleats characteristic of sunray pleats that widen near the hem, these dresses crafted of lightweight fabrics have a pretty flow that is nothing like a schoolgirl’s uniform. Indeed, dress trends for the autumn and winter 2011 season celebrate real women.

Emma Reidy – remember to visit ASOS for the latest dresses this season.

What is your favourite kind of dress? Which ones will you be adding to your winter wardrobe? Gillian x