Fashion Trends for Fall 2005

The overall theme of fashion for Fall 2005 is an air of drama. Black is back, coats are dramatic, and smart tailoring is going to be huge.

Black is back in a big way - well for most of us it never went away. The stores will be filled with delicious eveningwear particularly black lace, which is sexier than ever whether it's girlie, 80's retro, boho or red carpet elegant. This also works well with the next big trend which is Victorian. Full length skirts, high-necked ruffled blouses and puffed sleeves are the main features of this look. You can go for either prim or sexy. Accessorise with boots, hats and gloves for a total look.

Dresses are soft and feminine for Fall 2005. Velvet in sumptuous autumnal or jewel colours, while more boho-styled graphic prints will also be around for those of you who loved your hippy chic this summer and don't want to give it up just yet.

Coats for this winter will be big and dramatic with big collars, possibly in fake fur. The big story however is going to be Houndstooth checks, the bigger and bolder the better.In fact checks are big in all types of clothes this fall, including plaids and tartans which appear on everything from trousers and skirts to bags, shoes and hats.

Tailoring is back as one of the strongest features of Fall 2005 - in particular the pencil skirt which appears as part of a skirt suit. Skirts of all types are hot for Fall, straight, wide and swirly, and for the slimmest of figures only the 'bubble', a tulip shaped skirt which will exaggerate hips, so wear with caution!

National costumes have inspired lots of heavily decorated ethnic styles, in particular Russian styles, thick with embroidery and texture and topped off with a furry Russian-style hat, warm enough for the depths of a Moscow winter. Peru has also provided inspiration for embroidered clothes and bright knits.

There are many gorgeous accessories around this season to complete your outfit. Knee high boots, ideally with laced up details to go with the Victorian and ethnic looks, and platforms are making a comeback, usually with a narrow heel. If you prefer flats there will be lots of ballet pump styles. Metallics in shoes, bags and belts will also be popular. For daytime, bags can be as big as you like, either slouchy hobo styles or classic square types. For evening, bags should be tiny and decorated with tassels, jewels or embroidery.

The detail of the season will be pom-poms on everything from scarves to shoes, and the hottest color for accessories will be purple, preferably with studs.

Jacqui O'Brien admits to a passion for fashion and a love of bargains. Her website is http://www.shopping-villages.co.uk a guide to the discount and outlet stores in the UK.