Sally Adams continues her look back at what was hot on the catwalks last year, from military chic to Marks and Spencer's latest range.
If, by July, you were tiring of the gypsy boho look, you would have sighed with relief when the heavenly Grecian look reached high street stores. The colour palette was simple...golds, soft fawn browns, dusky pinks, khaki and grey-greens, creams and whites. Fabrics ranged from linen and jersey to cotton, silk and lurex knits. Semi-precious jewellery and gladiator sandals were great finishing touches, alongside coin belts, chunky bracelets and long, sparkling scarves.
The bombardment of military and nautical influences peaked in August. Fashion guerrillas took to the streets in full-length coats with brass buttons and riding boots with multi-strap detailing and piping. Braid featured on cropped trousers and full skirts. High neck blouses and waistcoats completed the ensemble. Colour palettes included khaki, vivid blues, charcoal and dense blacks coupled with gold and silver detailing.
I detest the cold as much as anyone . . . but it felt good to snuggle up in the winter knits that began to appear in the stores in September. It seemed that every shape, style and trend imaginable had been adapted for the chillier weather. Choices ranged from slinky knitted pleated skirts and must-have culottes to versatile wraps and casual tank tops.
October, and it was back to the 1960s . . . again. Think Warhol, art-rock icon and yes, Beatnik! Black and white stripes were all over jumper dresses, skinny scarves and footless tights. Skinny cigarette trousers gave great shape to longer legs and bum-skimming minis were also hugely popular. Designers splashed out in vibrant red, electric blue, vivid greens and rock-chick purple. Beaten leather could be seen in jackets, waistcoats, flat pumps and slouch boots. And bright, chunky beads, Alice bands and bug-eye shades gave another cool twist to finish this funky retro look.
Blue hues featured often over 2005, never more so than in November. Blue was, without a doubt, the new black. Designers dipped their brushes into every shade in the colour box . . . from baby blue to sky blue to indigo to luxurious, deep, rich purple.
Evening wear featured creations in silk, satin and velvet, while casual wear was dominated by worn denim and more warm and chunky winter knits.
I'm quite sure that the December sneak preview of Marks & Spencer's spring/summer collection will still be fresh in your mind, and this has undoubtedly been my fashion highlight of the last few months.
Not only have M&S managed to haul themselves away from the fashion doldrums, but they did it with such style and grace during their stunning catwalk show that I'll certainly be watching their clothing rails in 2006.
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