This season one major fashion hit which designers and celebrities can’t get enough of is Peter Pan Collars. This cute style is great for day wear and also onto evening wear too and it has a retro feel to it. Since the early onset of autumn, at the end of August celebrities have been seen stepping out in this style of clothing, fashionistas such as Fearne Cotton and Alexa Chung have been sporting Peter Pan collar women’s dresses, during the day and also on the red carpet.

The collar takes its name from the costume worn by the eponymous hero in the first production of J.M Barrie’s 1904 play Peter Pan, with designers such as Louis Vuitton and Marni bringing it up to date with a modern twist. This does have quite a retro look to it which means is pays well into the sixties trend. You can try looking in vintage stores for original inspiration however the highstreet has taken this look by storm.

Peter Pan collars can look quite girly, so for those who like to have a bit of an edge to their style can look to team women’s blouses which have this rounded collar with jeans. These collars also look good when standing out so pick a collar a different colour to your top or dress. If you want something more subtle the lookout for tops and dresses with collars in a similar colour but using a different fabric. If nothing is taking you fancy you could add your own Peter Pan collar to a top or dress, there are plenty of patterns and instructions on how to do it online.

Tangerine

Tangerine Tango has been announced as one of the spring 2012 colours for menswear. This colour has been weaved into the designers’ spring line of clothing. Many other designers have also included this colour into many of their spring knitted sweaters as well as the colourful patterned shirts.

Granita

Granita has been called the darker version of last year’s pink. This adds a colourful punch to the array of springtime pallets that have been produced for the men’s spring 2012 designer lines. This colour has long been associated with unconventional designers, but it has taken a mainstream turn in the last year.

Hawaiian Ocean

This is a beautiful blue colour that has been seen in many mainstream designers’ spring 2012 lines. This colour has been seen in previous years, but appears brighter when it is coupled with colours like Tangerine Tango and Granita. Some of the conservative menswear designers have used this colour intertwined with khaki, white and charcoal to complete their spring lines.

Tradewinds

This is a grey colour that has been seen in many designs this year. Some of the edgy designers have used this with a metallic combination fabric and nylon to create a sportswear that is both attractive and creative. This colour can also be combined with the classic spring pallet to make for a conservative pairing. Goes well with white, charcoal and khaki.

Give your wardrobe an instant upgrade with the addition of a choker to your jewellery box.  One of the latest trends to hit the fashion scene after a hiatus, the choker has been seen with almost every style of outfit.  Whether as a single strand of pearls, or as a heavy chunky piece, there is something about the choker that lends class to any look.

All Dressed Up

For an edgier approach to this winter, there is nothing like the choker.  Commonly featuring large pearls, diamonds and charms, these deluxe necklaces are guaranteed to make heads turn.  The trick is in achieving a minimalist look, with earrings and hair accessories taking a backseat.  The choker is expected to make a style statement on its own.

Some of the amazing examples of the choker, seen on the ramps this season, include bold, solid metal chokers.  Worn with everything from a pair of jeans, to the little black dress, these chunky bib necklaces spruce up otherwise ordinary outfits and make them look extra glamorous.

Once popular in the 90s, the choker is back with a bang and here to stay for a while, as designers incorporate its modern-day version into their collections.  Best worn with a strapless dress and better suited to round necklines, the choker’s versatility is such that it can grace any outfit and add an extra bit of pizzazz to it.  Add the choker to your jewellery collection this season and get an instant facelift for your wardrobe.

Moving into autumn/winter menswear fashion styles have evolved into wearable autumn trends. It’s a great time of year to try out different styles and your own personal style savvy especially with the changeable weather. There is a nice mixture of trends this season which all work well with each other, so you will find it easy to mix and match your wardrobe without losing any sartorial style!

Outerwear

Double breasted coats are a must for smarter occasions this season, they work well with a suit and equally well with a pair of smart 883 Police jeans, shirt or blazer.

Speaking of blazers, this style jacket is also on form especially more earthy materials such as cord or tweed, again great with jeans and jumpers for extra warmth.

Parker jackets have a great retro feel to them and work well in both the heritage and geek chic trends this season.

Layering

Import during the winter months, layering keeps us stylishly warm when the cold weather creeps in, mastering layering this season will not only keep you warm but looking on trend. Mix polo shirts, turtlenecks, shirts and blazers or layer with jumpers and cardigans.

Colour

Don’t be afraid to step away from the black, if you like it dark then take inspiration from Firetrap new autumn/winter range with mixes of slate greys, navy and deep earthy tones. You can also look to add the odd burst of colour to your everyday wear with a bright scarf, shirt of scarf and be right on trend. Plus it’s a great way to brighten up the dull winter days.

Calvin Klein has launched its new spring 2012 collection for men.  The new line features great summer colours and designs that Calvin Klein is known for, with particular reference to their men’s line. Calvin Klein has long been considered a classic in menswear and this year’s designs are no exception.

Colours

For the Spring 2012 line the colours are bustling shades of yellow and blue, which adds a clean yet dynamic look to the entire line of summer clothes. The brilliant white is weaved through the colours of bright onyx, which adds a new dimension to the Calvin Klein Spring 2012 men’s collection. The main classic colours of blue and grey are sprinkled through this collection and this is a refreshing taste of what the spring and summer will hold for Calvin Kleins men’s line.

Fabrics

The materials used in the Spring 2012 men’s line is comprised of stonewashed cottons and high tech fabrics. The designers have embellished the fabrics with de-bossed nylons, suede and rubber tile graphics attached to mesh. These unconventional embellishments give the Calvin Klein spring 2012 men’s line their edge back. Calvin Klein also includes the long shorts that end just below the knee. They have included a single pleat sports trouser that can be paired with the Bomber jacket for an unconventional look. The distressed denim look is continuing on in its quest in menswear again this year.

There are quite a lot of different trends around this season and a lot of them intertwine with each other making it quite easy to shop for this season!

Firstly you can break the trends up into decades; many designers took inspiration from fashions past and opted for designer clothes with a look of the forties, seventies and even the eighties. Key pieces from these decades include pencil skirts, pussy bow blouses, flared jeans and wide leg trousers and bright colours and PVC clothes.

Colour trends this season are simple, bright block colours and gem tones, quite simple really. The bright colours of autumn include mustard yellows, pillar box red and moss greens and gem tones are sapphire, topaz, amethyst, ruby and opal for example.

Block colours

Materials are also fairly vast look out for chiffon, lace, sheer materials which have a retro feel of the seventies as well as tweed, tartan and quilting which are very forties. Heavy materials as well such as cord, canvas and wool, these fit into the heritage trend. PVC, plastics and leather are also a must have for those wanting to channel the eighties or their inner dominatrix.

This party season it’s not just about the LBD, party dresses have a grown up glam about them think sequins and sparkles in this season’s hottest colours mentioned above, look out for lots of style and structure. The best thing about this season is the trends from different eras which mean you can easily find something to suit your body shape!

Those who desire variety, Men’s Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 suiting trends do not disappoint.  From vampire chic in Alexander McQueen to a James Bond homage at Jean Paul Gaultier, Autumn/Winter offers great variation in a season that is usually known for its recurring colour pallet and serious tone.  The recurring theme among all of the collections despite their lack of similarity is contrast.  Flashes of bold colour paired with black and grey. 

Sarah Burton’s sophomore effort did not disappoint.  Her second Men’s collection since taking over after McQueen’s death offered a contrasting colour story.  Alexander McQueen’s autumn collection featured vampiresque cloaks with pops of red under black and white or grey.  Emporio Armani contrasts Burton’s vampy theme with military inspired subdued grey and black suiting with unexpected bold accents in oranges, bright blues and reds.  

Newcomer Phillip Lim offered his take on Autumn/Winter suiting with precisely cut wool jackets contrasted by soft jersey worn underneath.  Like Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier decided to model his Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 collection under the inspiration of a popular male icon with a distinctive style.  With polished suits and a Bond themed runway show, Gaultier showcased style with a hint of action with sleeveless vests attached to tailored coats as well as double layered coats and of course the dapper tuxedo, a Bond staple. 

With bold contrasting detail and whimsical references to folklore, pop culture and the armed forces, Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 will go down as a study in contrast and inspiration.

It has been announced that the London College of Fashion will open a ‘college’ shop allowing members of the public to purchase garments designed by the brightest young designers at the college as well as alumni who have attended over the past five years.  Names such as Ada Zanditon, John Brunswick and William Tempest have already been confirmed as taking part in what is being described as a ‘pop-up shop.’

The students of the college have enlisted the help of fashion consultant Angela Quaintrell who will work alongside some of fashion’s finest to curate the shop which will feature clothes priced from as little as £5 up to £400.  Featuring all the latest designs, the shop will also include a wide range of footwear as well as prints and illustrations.  Every item purchased will feature a ‘unique item number’ which will also be signed by the designer and include an accompanying statement of authenticity.  If you would prefer a private appointment with one of the many talented designers you will also be able to take advantage of this service.

The boutique shop will run throughout London Fashion Week and it is expected that the store will be a huge success as it is extremely unusual for members of the public to be afforded the opportunity to purchase directly from the students at one of the world’s foremost fashion schools.

When it comes to winter clothing you may find that fashions go out of the window focusing on keeping warm rather than style. But it doesn’t have to be, you can be stylish and warm, honestly!

The thing is with British weather is that it’s very changeable, for example last week we had a heat wave and this week well it’s been distinctly chilly. At this time of year I often find lighter layers the best way to dress against the elements.

A t-shirt worn with shirt over such as a vintage band and check shirt combo and a light jacket or jeans and a Franklin & Marshall hoodie will keep the cold off whilst also being stylish fitting into the American collage trend.

When the weather gets seriously cold it’s time to move onto jumpers, luckily this season cable knit jumpers are bang on trend. So the British classic can have a useful and stylish place in your wardrobe I find they can give a rugged look to an outfit and plus this season cable knit jumpers also work well with the heritage trend. Don’t forget to make the most of woollen accessories too, knitted beanies and matching scarf and gloves.

Looking at some of the weather forecasters we may be needing to break out the long johns although I’m hoping not, however making sure you have a couple of pairs of corduroy trousers wouldn’t go a miss, making a change from Voi jeans. These are great style wise because you can choose from a selection of colours adding new dimension to your wardrobe.

Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway, who infamously changed her outfit a whopping eight times at last year’s Oscars, sporting designs by Vivienne Westwood, Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Tom Ford, Givenchy, Versace and Armani, as well as a Lanvin tuxedo, has been chosen as the face of Tod’s signature collection campaign.

Derek Lam, creative director of Tod’s, said “What makes this collaboration with Anne so perfect is that she is not only a young actress with accomplished roles to her credit, but she is also one to watch for her creative choices.  She generates excitement based on the quality of her work, modern beauty and intelligence.”  The collection will be aimed at a younger market, one that Tod’s sees as being more fashion-forward.   The bags featured in the range draw on inspiration from Andy Warhol and Bourdin, being described as coming in “strong, decisive tones” such as electric blue, fuchsia, deep red, lavender and black.

Hathaway, famous for her starring roles in films such as The Devil Wears Prada, said “The designs are classic and the materials are of the highest quality.  As a result, they don’t grow older they only grow better, just like a woman.”

The Tod’s campaign will take advantage of the publicity surrounding Hathaway’s latest role as the iconic Catwoman in the newest instalment of the Batman franchise.

Anne Hathaway

Picture Courtesy of Anthony Citrano