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Women's Fashion Trends for Fall 2008

From Structure Collars to Patterned Plaids to Russian Boho Styles

Jul 25, 2008

Structured Collars Make a Statement This Fall, Fashion Week Photos

From strong sculpted architectural shapes, to Russian doll romantic folklore, fall trends have a few surprises in store when it comes to updating your outfits.

As fall fashions slowly hit the stores, we get a chance to see which runway trends which have been converted into hot high-street looks for the coming fall and winter season.

Your fall and winter wardrobe is likely to be full of sculpted architectural shapes in regal purples, soft grays and flesh tones. This fall also has a bohemian folklore moment, and plaids are the new print of the season. Fall 2008 is also the season of the waist, with nipped in waistcoats, belted swing coats and edgy pencil skirts.

The little black dress, which brazenly defies fashion trends every year, has also been given an update with toughened sculpted versions, such as Balenciaga’s dramatic shoulder cut-out design.

Top Colors Trends for Fall 2008

Think of russets and ochres, regal purples, plums and eye-popping pinks. The autumnal palette also includes earthy colors such as burnt orange and beige, with contrasting evergreens. Taking us from fall through to winter are muted metallics and soft grays, sophisticated and subtle.

Architectural Shapes for Fall 2008

One of the most striking looks of the season, according to Marie Claire’s, August 2008, UK edition, is cleverly constructed clothes which are guaranteed to get you noticed. This includes asymmetric one-shoulder dressing from the likes of Calvin Klein or Lanvin, or strong statement styles with structured collars on coats and dresses from Bottega Veneta, Victor & Rolf, Emanuel Ungaro, Aquascutum and Marc Jacobs. Volume is the key to this dramatic trend, with volumnous skirts and sleeves. The dramatic architectual theme is also carried through into accessories, with sculpted wedges and knee-high boots.

Russian Doll Folklore Trend

Getting a modern makeover is the dirndl skirt makes an appearance as one of this season’s most distinctive shapes. Update the look with a just above-the-knee hemline and a fitted top. Add to that Russian doll folky prints in passionate purples and vibrant reds, Cossack-style fringed furs and hats and peasant headscarves.

Plaid Prints

Mismatched colors and geometric patterns are the fabrics of the season, according to Marie Claire’s "Autumn Catwalk Report." Plaid adds a punch to feminine chiffon dresses and makes an appearance on skirts, tops and dresses, as well as plaid-patterned tights. Only the brave will mix their plaid prints with mismatched hosiery, a big accessories trend for the fall. High end designers who have a passion for plaid this season include Dolce and Gabbana and Ralph Lauren.

Shoe Trends for Fall 2008

These outfits are set off by striking, structured knee-length boots or sculpted, futuristic shoe-boots. The puss-in-boots style cuff boot is back, along with wider-strapped chunky gladiators, more Viking vixen than ever before.

The copyright of the article Women's Fashion Trends for Fall 2008 in Women’s Fashion is owned by Gill Hart. Permission to republish Women's Fashion Trends for Fall 2008 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.