Trend Report

Military Precision

Since girls love to look like they can run the world; strong military looks are a trend every few sea-sons. This year labels like Victoria Beckham, Gucci, MaxMara and Salvatore Ferragamo took the army theme to a new level.

They kept their ladylike silhouettes, yet added military accents like epaulets, large but-tons and breast pockets. They opted for military shades too; army green, black, navy and mustard making up the perfect military color palette.

Subtle details added some the extra feminine factor, like red lips and a double waist belt, colored nails and tiny jewelry and a fluffy clutch.

Military Precision

Gothic Romanticism

With gothic dresses, leather skirts and black lace all mainstays at the autumn winter 2012 shows, it appeared that all things dark ruled the runways.

But forget the sultry, gothic luxe look of season’s past; this trend is a decidedly romantic affair.

Whether you choose to test the trend with a black lace top or want to invest in gothic accessories with a feminine edge, we’ve honed in on the high street and designer boutiques to help you nail the Romantic Gothic fashion trend.

Gothic Romanticism

Wow in White

Wow in WhiteIt’s definitely a look to just sit in and be pretty, since it will get dirty the second you actually move in it.

Yet a complete white look is abso-lutely stunning. It is clear many international fashion houses had the same thought. Brands like Alexan-der Wang, Balmain, Chloé, Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Ferretti, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Isabel Marant and Jil Sander all sent full on white looks out on their runways.

Not to mention the Alexander McQueen show, which had only white looks in it.

Some looks were very serene and sober, others seemed extravagant and playful as they were formed out of a mix of many different materials and pieces.

Rockin' Baroque

Rockin' Baroque

What do Louis XIV and Mick Jagger have in common? Well, other than a shared apprecia-tion for the opposite sex, the duo could've easily swapped closets, considering both were notorious for wearing luxe fab-rics in rich hues. And, although they're centuries apart, their mutual love for baroque threads will no doubt unite the pair in another lifetime. Oh, to be a fly on that wall!

Lucky for us, 17th century-inspired duds are popping up everywhere, and surprisingly simple to incorporate.

Man Up

Man up

Androgyny and fashion:the evolving trend.

Androgyny has always been a source of interest and intrigue. But as society's boundaries have changed, so too have the masculine-feminine boundaries blurred. From ambiguous sexual and physical attributes to a focus on gender-crossing fashion, we look at the changing face of androgyny - and how women's fashion is taking a masculine turn.

Gold Fished

Gold FishedFor Fall 2012, designers set the gold standard with gorgeously gilded pieces perfect for any glamour girl.

From Prabal Gurung's liquid-looking gown to Rachel Zoe's fur-topped minidress, this precious hue was popping up all over our favorite runways.

Overall Oversized

Larger than life; that’s what your winter coat should be upcoming season. Designers like Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander, Max Mara and Chloé have created large volume coats out of stiff struc-tured fabrics.

The coats do look beautiful on their own. Yet creating any kind of feminine shape for yourself, that’s the challenge. Therefore cigarette pants seem a good match and a waist belt might just become your favorite fall accessory.

Overall Oversized

Luxury Leather

HIGH on gothic glamour and rich with suggestion (rebel, vixen, dominatrix...), glossy black leather offers a sleek take on autumn's new deca-dent air.

Not limited to the typical jack-ets and separates, Valentino and Calvin Klein Collection presented sleek gowns in full black leather and in the clean-est silhouettes.

Loewe, Fendi, Diane von Furstenberg and Givenchy made knee-length leather coats the cover-up to covet this season - just opt for classic shapes with little to no detail-ing, save for a neat belt.

Luxury Leather

Eastern Edge

Eastern Edge

With markets in the East still grow-ing many designers wisely looked to the far East for inspiration. Once more they were inspired by the oriental prints, the hand tech-niques and the lively colors. And we couldn’t blame them!

The far east has so much to offer it’s like a never ending source of inspiration.

Silky fabrics done in shades of black, red and gold created the ultimate Eastern feeling. As kimono sleeves and asymmetrical cross over tops, obi belts and small plat-form shoes stressed to the oriental style.

Victorious Velvet

One of most surprising trends on the fall runways has been the abundance of velvet.

Whether draped or crushed, or on a skirt or a pant: velvet is back, but it's not all black. Shades of red have been dominating the looks we've noticed so far, in hues ranging from tomato to pomegranate.

We have fond early '90s memories of our cherished maroon crushed velvet skater dress, a look that easily trans-lates to some of the shorter styles we saw at Zac Posen (above, center).

A short, flouncy skirt negates the velvet's weight, while the same quality can be beautifully harnessed for a long, elegantly draped evening dress. On the other hand, the velvet pantsuit at right has us humming "When Doves Cry," or worse, "I've Got the Golden Ticket."

Victorious Velvet

Military Precision

Rockin' Baroque

Wow in White

Man Up

Overall Oversized

Eastern Edge

Gothic Romanticism

Rockin' Baroque

Gold Fished

Luxury Leather

Victorious Velvet