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Trends

Winter is almost upon us and with that comes cozy nights in by the fire, layering up, watching movies or devouring a bestseller.

Have you been already thinking about your winter wardrobe? Wondering how to wear your existing clothes or add a few new pieces to update your look?

Here are my top key trends for Winter 2013. These are the pieces that will breathe life into you wardrobe. I recommend purchasing at least one of each of these key pieces.

Key Winter Trends for 2013

Knits

Knits are huge this year, they are no longer something that you’ll find in your grandma’s closet. You’ll find sequins, studs and different textures that you’ll love. From polkadots, animal prints and on-trend graphics your knit is sure to make a statement this winter.

www.countryroad.com.au

Seduce – Ritual Knit Jacket $189.95

Honey & Beau – Turtle neck jumper $179.95

Embellishments

We’ve been seeing embellishments around for a while now however they are stronger and structured in winter styles and you’ll notice they’re everywhere. Wear your embellished pieces with a simple outfit, it sure will make you stand out. And if you’re wondering if the embellished look is too young don’t as they are plenty of age appropriate styles.

www.countryroad.com.au

Mesop – Rossetti Coat $199.95

Metallic

Metallics are huge this winter. If you think bold and shiny allover metallic pieces just aren’t you, try metallic mixes to still keep up with the trend. Dress them down or add black for a great night time glam look.

www.saba.com.au

www.countryroad.com.au

Graphics

There are plenty of graphics around this Winter and it can be a little overwhelming if you normally stick to the basic whites or black and only splash occasional colour. So start small and introduce small pieces of Graphics to your outfit, such as a scarf. And s you feel more comfortable with the trend go for larger pieces such as a dress.

www.mimco.com.au

www.saba.com.au

myrtle_1522dv_2_r0x318-1_c240x240-0x0q100

www.leonaedmiston.com

Leather

If you haven’t already invested in leather now’s the time as it’s gonna be around for a while. You can either wear it as a statement piece on its on or mixed in with other pieces. Why not try a dress or a top with a leather panel incorporated into it.

www.saba.com.au

www.saba.com.au

Colour

There is a lot of colour out this winter. If you’re not used to experimenting with colour take it slow. Add colourful pieces to your winter wardrobe as your get comfortable with these 3 easy steps over a couple of days.

Add colour to your outfit by wearing colourful shoes or a handbag
Wear one coloured piece – keep the rest of the look neutral.
Then focus on colour with a fabulous statement piece.

Check out some of my favourite colours for this winter

Colbalt Blue

Shoes: 315 AUD – deltoroshoes.
Blazer: 120 AUD – nelly.com
Dress: 88 AUD – shoptheshoebox.com

Deep Maroons

Dress: 250 AUD – jades24.com
Top: 345 AUD ($355) – thecorner.com
Wallet: 51 AUD ($52) – outfitadditions.com
Handbag: 295 AUD (£195) – johnlewis.com

Winter whites

Left to Right: J. Mendel, Reed Krakoff, Alexander McQueen, Nina Ricci, Derek Lam sourced from http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/falltrends

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, was held at new venue this year – Carriageworks in Eveleigh. As always it was a visual feast and there were some way-out and wacky pieces that didn’t really translate to the high street and definitely don’t translate to the office. But there were many that can be toned down to work for work.

And what I found particularly interesting as the fashion editor here at Leaders in Heels was how current and relevant many of our recent articles have been. These trends that we’ve brought to you haven’t been flashes in the pan, they’re sticking around making indulging in a few of them a wise investment.

A great way to keep you’re look current is to use these trends in your accessories be it a pair of shoes, some earrings or a belt.

So lets take a look at the trends that appeared on the Fashion Week catwalks that are lasting the test of time.

Cobalt Blue

First up waaaaay back in October last year we brought you our love of Cobalt Blue and as you can see it’s still very big with the designers. Many of them choose cobalt as a feature colour or mixed it up with some contrasting colours, yellow was particularly popular for this.

Cobalt & Baroque at MBFW 2013

Peplums

A few months later we looked at the peplum and they’re still going strong. Be it on a jacket, skirt or dress they are a great way to cinch in the waist and balance out a triangle body shape.

Peplum at MBFW 2013

Emerald Green

Emerald Green, the 2013 Pantone colour of the year, is still a huge hit on the runways. Again used as a feature colour or mixed with a contrasting one.

Emerald green at MBFW 2013

Monochrome

Monochrome is such a timeless look that it won’t date. In fact one designer’s whole collection was monochrome, it’s just so strikingly simple and easy to do. Add a monochrome belt to an old favourite black dress and voila it’s bang on trend again.

Monochrome at MBFW 2013

Baroque and Jacquard

Baroque and Jacquard are very much alive and kicking. These decadent fabrics and designs appeared in many collections and they really give a look of luxury. The dress below would be perfect to go from desk to dance-floor, with jacket for the office and a quick shoe change for the evening.

Baroque at MBFW 2013

One thing that was clearly obvious is that colour is here to stay for quite a while longer so invest in some bright accessories to keep you On-trend in the corporate world

For more detail about each of the looks above and how to translate Fashion Week into your working week be sure to click on the links to read the full articles.

All images courtesy of Frock Star Styling

So ladies, this is the final instalment of my ‘Key Trends For Your 2013 Work Wardrobe’. You can catch up with the other two instalments on Emerald Green here and Monochrome here. This week it’s all about baroque and jacquard, two massive trends for 2013 as seen on runways all over the world including Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino and David Jones. Lavish baroque inspired prints, elaborate luxe brocades, opulent jacquard and rich embroidered detailing are everywhere!

Baroque and Jacquard

1. Dorothy Perkins Baroque Embossed Blazer $95

2. Biba Floral Jacquard Dress $245 (House of Fraser)

3. Top Shop Diamond Jacquard Blazer $95

4. Ksubi Baroque Peplum Top $229.95

5. Steffen Schraut Broadway Jacquard Knit Coat $331

6. Country Road Jacquard Snake Print Pant $129

7. Missoni Woven Jacquard Textured Pumps Was $570 Now $238

8. Tibi Violette Baroque Lace Print Silk Pencil Skirt $364

9. Prada Baroque Sunglasses $292.09

10. Mulberry Alexa Navy Flower Gecko Jacquard Bag $1650

These sumptuous looks are the perfect style for Autumn!

Although these trends can seem rather dramatic you can still easily add them to your workwear. Here’s how:

Shop for tailored pieces, jackets or suiting with jacquard/baroque prints or structured brocade
Choose one item of clothing to add to your outfit, a baroque inspired top/skirt or a floral jacquard dress
Ditch your standard black pants and opt for jacquard print to wear with a classic black blazer
Choose a statement piece for your work wardrobe like a jacquard print coat.
Wear baroque inspired garments with neutral colours, black and white in particular
If this trend screams OTT then you can always just accessorise with shoes, a bag or even sunglasses

Will you be injecting a little drama into your work attire?

I have picked 3 of the key trends from the international catwalks to add to your workwear this year! I hope you caught my first article on monochrome!

The next big trend for 2013 is Green! Every year Pantone ‘the global colour authority’ picks a colour from its extensive range to be its chosen hue and this year it’s emerald green.

Green is the new black ladies!

Emerald Green

emerald green

Untold Boatneck Sleeveless Top Was $95 Now $48 (House of Fraser)
Ottoman Hands Circle Drop Earrings $41.06 (ASOS)
Fever Polly Peplum Dress $199 (Frockoholics)
Joseph Watch Short Stretch Cotton Blazer $505 (Net A Porter)
Tiffany Villa Paloma Palm Bead Bracelet $975
Giuseppe Zanotti Lagoon Suede Pumps Was $500 Now $250 (Style Bop)
L’Wren Scott Pencil Skirt $845 (Style Bop)
Jill Sander Emerald Leather New Malavoglia Bag $1645 (Style Bop)
Alannah Hill At Your Service Dear Belt $119
Nicole by OPI Khloe Had A Little Lam-Lam Nail Polish $14.90

Tips on wearing green:

Wear with gold, red, silver or rose jewellery.
Pair green with white, blue, pink, purple, gold, grey or black.
Best colour shoes to wear with green? Beige, black, brown, yellow, red, pink, purple or even leopard print. Lots of choices depending on your office environment!
If you don’t see yourself wearing green just add green accessories to your wardrobe: a bag, belt, jewellery, shoes or even nail polish!

Green is such an easy addition and there are different shades to suit every skin tone!

But which green?

Olive and emerald greens are great for brunettes and dark skin types.
Bright green is a great choice for warm blondes.
Mint green is a good colour for ash blonde and grey hair.
And you lucky redheads any shade of green is great for you!

Will you be adding green to your Autumn work wardrobe?

Stay tuned for my final instalment of ‘Key Trends For 2013!

Mama Stylista

Mama Stylista is a Mother, Stylist, Presenter and Blogger with over 15 years experience in fashion having worked as a fashion buyer, event organiser and stylist. Founder of the ‘Mama Stylista‘ blog that combines Motherhood and Fashion!

Editors Picks

We loved this story and emerald green soo much that we got all inspired and went on a hunt for our favourite pieces. Here they are:

Leaders in Heels Editor in Chief Kasia loves…

VIKTOR & ROLF Long Sleeve Sheath Dress, Shopbop $1160

And Style Editor Sharon loves…

Design Studio Stone Teardrop earrings $29.95 at MYER

Featured Image: Swamibu

OK ladies, the fashion world has spoken! There are some key trends that are set to be huge for 2013 as seen on the catwalk at Fashion Week in New York, London and Paris for the launch of the Spring/Summer lines. However these looks do not always translate to the office. Don’t worry I’ve got you covered! I have picked three that I will be sharing with you over the next few weeks. You can easily incorporate them into your work wear to ensure that you are fashion forward for 2013! First up is:

Monochrome

Monochrome - a key trend for 2013

ASOS Pants $58.26
Bardot Block Stripe Blazer $120
New Look Block Line Sleeveless Dress $45
Oasis Stripe Wrap Top $65
Witchery Zebra Print Belt Was $49.95 Now $29.95
Dorothy Perkins Panelled Bag $67
Dune Satin Shoe $125
New Look Hounds-tooth Pencil Skirt $30

Monochrome is a massive fashion trend for 2013 and this is an easy look to nail! Just add black and white. The monochrome look is very sharp so it’s great for corporate wear! Stick to tailored shapes and clean crisp lines. Yes, you can just wear a black pencil skirt and white blouse but try mixing it up a little with statement block panels, checks, prints or stripes! FYI curvy figures suit a horizontal stripe top with black pants or skirt. Vertical stripes are good for a busty figure and pear shapes suit wide vertical stripes. Adding monochrome accessories will instantly update your look too; try adding a zebra belt, monochrome heels or bag.

Will you be adding monochrome to your work attire? Stay tuned for my next ‘Key Trends For 2013’ installment!

Mama Stylista

Mama Stylista is a Mother, Stylist, Presenter and Blogger with over 15 years experience in fashion having worked as a fashion buyer, event organiser and stylist.

Featured image: erkuthanci

Leaders in Heels interviewed Jennie Geisker, designer of corporate women’s double cuff business shirts and accessories about the latest trends in fashion for women in business, including business casual styles. Jennie launched her own label last year because, as an employee, she couldn’t find any trendy shirts that were still feminine and under $200. Jennie is also a strong believer in dressing appropriately for the workplace, and believes that wearing a shirt gives women that added bit of confidence and pride that is required in the corporate world. Here is what Jennie suggests you wear this season.

Fashion trends for women in business

Pastels.

A colour theme but one that looks great on most people (mainly brunettes). Pastels are great because generally you can wear them all together i.e. pale blue trousers with white peplum top and a pale salmon suit jacket. Team this with tan pumps and you are hot on the trend.

Here are our selections based on Jennie’s advice:

Peplums.

Peplums are the fabulous little skirts or trim you see on tops or dresses. They suit a range of body shapes, but namely column, top heavy, and women that want to create more curves. Peplum dresses are great for the office because they are feminine, on trend and often knee length with cap sleeves.

Peplums are also great to wear with suit pants as they look dressy even without a jacket, great for those hot summer days.

Here are our selections based on Jennie’s advice:

Prints.

Prints on prints have been in for a while now but wear this trend with caution. For the office it’s best to wear this trend as a floral shirt with a plain skirt (so the top does all the talking), or if you work in a more creative office, you could wear a floral pant with a plain tee and blazer with pumps.

Here are our selections based on Jennie’s advice:

Black, White, Yellow.

The trend that works great for the office is the colour palette, black, white, yellow. There are a few stores with this colour theme placed in their windows for style inspiration. Cue and Sheike are two of the mainstream stores, and they also have great work wear pieces including pencil skirts, peplum tops and tailored suit jackets.

Here are Leaders in Heels’ selections based on Jennie’s advice:

Visit Jennie Geisker’s website at www.geisker.com.au

She blogs at www.corporatefashioninsights.com.au