Personal Shopper Trends:

TRENDS

While even the most dedicated follower of fashion is unlikely to sport the more outlandish offerings on show, trend watchers have identified the following key themes.

Prim is in
Forget micro minis and midriff-baring tops, hemlines are set to plunge and cleavage-baring is out. The most fashionable neckline is the high, round collars favoured by the likes of 80s air hostesses. Pleats and pencil skirts complete the school uniform chic. Great for an evening wear option, flapper style dresses from the 20's in pastel chiffons will look fresh again, while the prom style dress reminiscent of the 50's is great for a younger market. Remember to keep the look and styling subtle. Key items to look out for include party dresses, contemporary separates. Key designers: John Galliano, Stella Mcartney

Fabric decorum
Designers and High Street retailers alike toyed with tweed this winter, and remain determined to prove that the nubbly cloth long favoured by the maiden aunts of this world can be not only stylish, but sexy. Sophisticated materials reinforce the prim and proper attitude that will effect tailoring. Heavy wool mixes and tweeds update sharp shoulder 40 style jackets and elegant pencil skirts.

Don't do decorous?
Then look to legwear to let your creativity run wild. Think cartoon socks paired with stilettos, and ditch those plain opaque tights for psychedelic patterns. Spats are back, as are gaiters.
And what might those gaiters, tabards and wimples be made of? Why, sheepskin of course, which will continue to be the animal pelt of choice. The now ubiquitous Ugg boot will continue its march, next stop the menswear department. And you can add Marlon Brando to the list of celebs spotted wearing the cosy surfers' boots.

Brown is the new black
New York's shows were a vision of beige, camel and biscuit. Hip designers showing in London opted for chocolate. And lavender is the new pink.

Waists
With cleavage out, waistlines are in. Jackets are nipped in, dresses belted and sleeves voluminous.

60s
A very commercial trend, expect to see a touch of the 60's on everything from apparel to accessories. Metallic space age touches will also be seen on everything from shoes to Jackets, and for the more daring customer look out for strategically placed cut outs on Jersey tops and dresses. Key silhouettes to look out for are simple shift and pinafore dresses and neat tailored outerwear and Jackets. Key colours include black white and bold dominant brights.
Key designers: Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs

Ethnic
Whereas the summer saw Oriental influences making a comeback in a literal way, this winter expect to see touches of the Ethnic kind looking refreshingly modern. In the past Ethnic equals Hippy, but this isn't the case for 2004's interpretation. This winter's new ethnic looks have a strong modern twist with traditional silhouettes taking on a sleek sculptural quality.
Print will take an important role, look out for vibrant ethnic prints in bold bright colours.
This trend oozes glamour and luxury. Last seasons Kimono can be replaced with heavier wrap tops in silks and brocades, with touches of fur. Team with denim or tailored trousers to tone the look down. An extravagant and daring look, styling is the key. If heavy prints aren't your thing, keep an eye out for clever tailoring that plays on proportion and scale.
Key shapes include blouson jackets, wrap over full-length tops. Key colours: red, black, white. Key designers: Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten

Masculine Tailoring
Tailoring is more important then ever and one of the strongest looks will be Masculine tailoring, as women look to make a statement through sharp suiting rather than vote for the girlie option. The key to making the look work for you is to watch out for suits with a feminine slant. Nipped in waists make a comeback, especially when worn with tighter than tight trousers. For a hard-edged glamour look, opt for sleek stylish trousers teamed with crisp shoulder-lined jackets, mix with bow tied white shirts for a truly modern way to update your office attire. All in all, this mood is about a new confidence, which screams sex appeal. Key colour: Black, grey and white. Key designers: Dolce & Gabbana and Jil Sander.

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