Fashion & Style

Style guide for Autumn Carnival 2010 - by Donny Galella

To help you look fabulous on the track during this years Golden Slipper Festival, here is a complete style guide to see you through. From head to toe, we have you covered.

Key trends for Autumn Apparel

• Leather – is back, and not just the jacket variety. Leather is now used in all types of clothing, and will be popular during the cooler months. For the races, consider pairing a leather pencil style shirt with a cute ruffle blouse and tailored jacket. Leather leggings and hats, such as berets and pillboxes will also be chic trackside trend.
• Capes, Capelets & Cloaks – are all over the catwalks, we are seeing the cape reincarnated in various forms, fabrics and styles. From cropped mini capelets to long cloaks and full capes. Some even have fur, feather or beaded trims. For the races you may want to consider a cropped capelet worn over a dress or suit. A fashion forward alternative to the good old pashmina.
• Exagerated silhouettes - two piece suits are making a sharp comeback, ladies embrace the shoulder pad as shoulders are being pumped up full of volume. Balmain started the trend and local designers like Dion Lee are taking it to a new level. Lady Gaga’s adventurous fashions are certainly rubbing off on mainstream trends.
• Sheer – For the past season, sheer fabrics and laces have been a huge trend. For Autumn we will see lots more sheer fabrics and laces, but mixed with contrast textures – such as leather and lace or organza and tweed. Don’t be afraid to mix up fabrics and textures.
• One shouldered dresses – this asymmetrical bomb was ignited when Michelle Obama wore a white long version for her husband’s inauguration and is proving to be a real stayer in the fashion stakes For the races, opt for a fitted knee length version and get ready to turn heads. Pair with a structured headpiece and gloves.
• Boots – have been stutting all over the catwalks, over-the-knee boots are the must-have item for Autumn 2009. From elegant suedes to darkly futuristic wound-and-bound leathers, the options are many and various.

Headwear for Autumn

1. Felt and wool based hats are most appropriate for the Autumn carnival. Safely pack away the straw and sinnamay based hats (these are best suited for Spring). Pack them away in a roomy hat box. For Autumn will see lots of oversized berets, equestrian inspired hats, trilby hats and elaborate top hats.
2. Sculptural ‘clean’ shapes – Headwear shapes are changing from feathery and flowery to much more structural and abstract shapes. Bows, brooches and gemstones are becoming more popular as features on hats. So try and avoid that “half a dead bird” look on your head and go for something with cleaner lines and sculptural feel. Again we can thank Lady Gaga for more adventurous looking headpieces such as oversized bows and patent trims.
3. Return to glamour- stars such as Dita Von Teese, have caused a resurgence in classic 50’s glamour. Pillbox style hats finished with netting that sweeps over the eyes and embellished with fabric flowers or vintage look jewelled embellishments.

Donny Galella is a Sydney based fashion designer and stylist. He runs a Sydney based personal styling & image consulting service, which offers personal styling and a shopping service.

Members and friends of STC, receive discounted style sessions with Donny Galella.

For more information please visit www.galella.com