Hot - or pants?
Get ready for 2006 by ditching the dead-straight hair and gypsy skirts. If you want to be a true fashionista, you’ll have to embrace the return of shorts that show off more than just your knees, warns Katy McAulay.
o you‘re standing on the
high street. a listlul of credit
vouchers exchanged for those unwanted (‘hristmas hlooper presents in your sweaty palm. What trends should you invest in. and what l‘ashion flashes»-in—the-pan should you drop faster than a Kate Moss modelling contract'.’ Ladies and gentlemen. here are the latest spring and summer 2006 l‘ashion predictions from the MliT (Most lixciting Trend) office.
The deluge of grown-up tailoring and Miss Moneypenny chic seen across the country this winter will begin to lade away from the south. so think about replacing sex siren pencil skirts and waist—pinching belts with something more relaxed. The pencil skirt. for example. is gaining some slack around the thigh area and huhhling into a tulip shape. According to those in the know. this admittedly strange looking phenomenon will be huge (in some cases. quite literally). but it's not one for the larger-hipped among us.
ll’ you‘re looking for less risky options. Vogue is certain that solit. heautil‘ul and Iadylike will he the main watchwords for spring. A smattering of broderie anglaise (that‘s girlie embroidery on white linen to you and me) is likely to hit high ground. In fact. anything girlie is good (unless you‘re a boy). so those not keen on looking like a doin can try alternatives such as shift dresses. empire line waists and trousers held tip hy rihbons. The cropping of everything from
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little bolero jackets to mini. mini- skirts will also he a theme l'or this year. so you‘ll need good legs and pretty underwear as both could potentially he on show.
While we’re on the theme of
shortening. a warm l‘ront will bring
waves ol' shorts to the whole ol'
Scotland. These may he shorts. hut not as we know them. 'l‘ailoring will he the key. l.ong shorts. ol‘ten twinned with skyscraper heels.
hegan to appear at the tail end ol‘
summer last year as the country tired of gypsy skirts and hegan a long overdue boho backlash. .\len should stick to the more relased skater shorts we know and love. htlt l‘or women. tailored shorts with high waists will he the norm. Add to the mis some turn- ups and. l‘or the brave. mini—shorts (although. let's face it. this is clearly another word for hot pants wear them sparingly and wisely).
Black may have taken over the mantle ol’ the new black during winter 2005 httt l‘or this year. the new black is white. Are you l'ollowing'.’ (ienerally. colours are set to hate this year. making washed out lahrics. pretty pale colours and neutral toned accessories all sale huys. Both sexes can play around with old-skool tennis attire and starched cotton unil'orm looks. Nautical is refusing to die. while denim is also holding on.
(H course. l‘resh wardrolw space will he required lot” your savvy purchases. .\lakc way lor the new hy purging yoursell ol last year's hig hitters. Throw away all gypsy sls‘lrts. Bright colours will clash with this year's pastels and green is to go. Poker—straight hair is neither needed nor healthy and heavy l‘ringes are a sweaty nuisance. Lastly. it all else l‘ails. try a little vintage.
SAFE BETS
I Shorts, shorts and more shorts. especially with girly accessories such as ribbons or loose ties. Waistbands are also heading higher than Simon Cowell‘s. Ink navy city shorts with ribbon belt - £35 Laura Ashley, www.lauraashley.com.
I All white. If you want to avoid the underwear-on-show minefield, steer clear of those tight white trousers and buy a whiter shade of pale accessories instead. Bow ballet pump — £19.50 Marks and Spencer, www.marksandspencer.com.
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