2003 Fashion

1. Before buying clothes for a new season get half a dozen fashion magazines, settle down for the evening and scour them for details of new looks that keep cropping up. Check the colours, silhouette shapes, footwear, hairstyles, jewellery, accessories and fabrics too.

2. Spend 15 minutes putting your own wardrobe into apple pie colour order. Seriously check it for colours and styles you already have as you work on it. Absorb mentally the information within the existing wardrobe and remove items you hate whilst thinking about new items to update and bridge the gaps.

3. If your busy schedule permits time wise, go shopping not to buy, but just to look. The following week go shopping knowing what you really want to purchase. If you have to shop and buy on the first visit, take cash so you only buy what you really need rather than fancy on a whim with a credit card. That way you won't waste money on some useless garment and you really may be able to afford the designer item you lust after.

4. Keep in mind a mental or written note of the colours of the new season that you know suit you and may well already mix well with your existing wardrobe.

So before you go shopping you need to be familiar with the basic colours to look out for and shown above. It's a good idea to also be aware of the autumn/winter colours at the same time so you can make decisions that carry well through seasons. Initially you need to be self disciplined about this and first bridge those gaps that will make outfits hang together whilst updating your look. Only then should you splash out on that frivolous item that keeps you awake at night because you must just have it.

Remember that fabric manufacturers usually move through tonal families from lighter summer shades to heavier tones of a near colour for winter. Similarly if you buy within a particular garment brand you will find that colour ranges move the same way every 6 to 8 weeks as stock is added to and refreshed.

Spring - Summer 2003 Fashion Color Trends

Colours for Spring and Summer 2003 include taupe, beige, chocolate, agate slices, peach, nude, soft rose, antique pink, dusty pink, deeper rose, ochre, gold, pale olive green, deeper tones of olive, apple green, chartreuse green, whitened aniseed green, safari shades, misty khaki, military green, soft blue grey, light blue, lapis blue, poppy red, Chinese red and of course the ever present great mixers black, white and cream.

Pastels, sherbet and ice cream sorbet colours will help fix the quality of some of these colours in your mind.  Think of pretty soft colour mixtures in fabrics like pastel pink with a very soft creamy lemon.  The mood it creates is soft, feminine and ethereal.

In addition there will also be some fluorescent colours such as hot pinks, electric blue, sea green, peachy orange and canary yellow reminiscent of exotic tropical floral prints, birds of paradise and butterfly wings.

With such a range of colours there really is something to suit most complexions and tastes. For this range think of the strength of colour used in both Indian and Chinese traditional ceremonial dress. But remember you make the choice so if neon colours are something you hate just leave the items in the shops.

If some ordinary, but bright colors shock you too much when you see them in the shops, yet you want to dare to wear really bright colors, but are not old enough to have experienced them in the 1980s then it really is a good idea to mix and soften some of these stronger color schemes with safer tones like taupe or grey.

Autumn - Winter 2003 Fashion Color Trends

Colors to expect to see in the shops Autumn 2003 include those same soft ice cream looks that may well be described by then as fondant colors.

The range includes some of these such as pistachio green, ecru, pale gold, buttercup yellow, camel, tea rose, raspberry pink, pink, dusty pink, bright pink, hot pink, cranberry, orchid pink, aqua, carbon blue, rust browns, brick, havana, tortoiseshell, grey, gunmetal grey, mole, taupe, and khaki. 

Other interesting schemes include some strong colours with fruit shades which show 60's influence.

Colours for Autumn/ Winter 2003-2004 follow on well from summer 2003.  But many of the winter's important colours will have a metallic cast or gunmetal sheen making for exciting dimensions in clothing. The grey range travels from blonde to all tones of grey through to deepest black.

For Autumn-Winter 2003/4 the top colours will be truffle, cigar and a blued charcoal, but with red and the metallic shimmer of gunmetal, silver, gilt and copper bringing a dynamic note to these neutral tones.

Fabric Trends 2003

For Spring and Summer 2003 the season's biggest looks will be mist like chiffons and satin in abundance.  Movie star glamour will be evident from not just the dance floor as pretty feminine elegant ladylike dresses, but also at the sports field.  Satin fabrics are already on the high street made up into bomber jackets, off the shoulder tops, mini skirts, Chinese jackets, cargo pants, wrap skirts and satin dresses.

This satin look can work if you are realistic about your size. If you are slender you can slink in satin with ease, but if you have larger areas best kept covered, then choose satin items such as little tops or shirts to be worn under jackets or other layers. Don't dismiss satin as a fad that won't catch on for daywear. Satin was hugely popular as a day fabric in the early seventies.

These satin looks will be enhanced by a resurgence in the use of pearls and diamante as accessories.  The satin combined with other fabrics such as suede, chiffon, parachute silk and cashmere that heighten the sense of luxury and richness, will contrast beautifully with these light reflective fabrics making them appear even more lustrous and glamorous. 

When worn with gold or silver sandals and other metallic shoes about to hit the market the movie star image will be complete.

By Autumn Winter 2003 expect to see embroidered chiffons, plaids, tapestry style jacquard fabrics with rich embossed textures of coppery or other metallic yarns as well as metallic brocades, gunmetal silks, pastel suede lined with patterned soft fine fleeces, macramé style lace knits, laser cut work and diamante and contrast fabric bonding.

Fashion Trends 2003 to 2004

There is a look for everyone.  You can find anything this season from floaty tea dresses, satin sportswear, Chinese/Japanese styling to techno sporty.

Begin to look now for items with cinched waists and if you are a young young girl you can cope with the latest mini skirt and mini kilt styles.

In the UK Topshop are already selling a great line in mini skirts and gold satin bomber jackets (Feb 2003).  These items are also forecast as heavy sellers for the autumn when worn with solid block coloured tights and flat boots.  See this kind of look in the UK in shops like Zara as well as among hot designer labels.

If older and your legs are good and you have the confidence go for it.  But do remember you do need really good legs to wear a mini skirt and a lined face may not quite match the overall effect the designers intended.  One way most can wear the mini is the way it has been presented at some shows with trousers worn underneath.

Summer trends include laser cut work and Broderie Anglaise effects in materials and floating chiffon fabrics often with a pale tea coloured background and overprinted in vintage rose patterns.

Look out for details in both clothing and accessories of crochet trims, sequins, lacing, coiled leather disc decoration, metal zips, studs/grommets or punched silver holes.

Fabrics with spots, stripes, tropical and rose prints will vie with sporty looks including combat pants of every style and description.  In contrast watch for V necks that plunge deeply and fabrics that fold and drape in the style of gown folds of Grecian women.

The Oriental look will be seen typically in satin, but also as dragons embroidered on the back of T shirts.  Chinese ball buttons made of soutache braid and little braid loops will feature with mandarin style necklines and embroidered oriental bags and accessories. Chiffon embroidered long scarves are a simple way to add this look.

In footwear, imitation of a pair of Manolos has reached a pinnacle. Look out for thin heeled, thin strappy sandals, T bar shoes, lots of Grecian ankle wrapping straps on elegant high heeled shoes as well as absolutely flat shoes in many colours from acid lemon, chartreuse green to orchid pink and more.  Some shoes will appear to float under the foot, because the strap or upper is in a clear quality plastic.  Gucci for example have shoes made this way.

An old favourite the paisley pattern will reappear made up in just about every fabric available from wool to chiffon.  By total contrast to chiffon, next winter will see fur continue to be used as both a trim and fabric.  In particular cropped fur bomber jackets teamed with  tight velvet trousers will translate to the high street well and will suit many in need of a fresh look.

Luxury will still continue as old favoured yarns of recent years like cashmere and alpaca, sometimes silk are brushed to make them airy, whilst boiled wools become softer.  Everyone will be on the look out for soft clothes to cocoon in and manufacturers sensing this demand will be meeting it with innovations in softer sportswear and housewear.

Italian influences in clothes take the form of some forties styles tailored short wool suits, tweed skirts.  Similarly the USA team Proenza Schouler have opted for spick and span tailoring and sophisticated 50s inspired cocktail frocks. Groomed ladies are here to stay this year whether in a summer tea dress or a winter fitted suit.

The most exclusive and elusive fashion will be getting the right bag before it's out of favour.

Fashion Clothes to Avoid or Keep in 2003

Avoid the expense of buying as a fad is fading.

Start to avoid all over tans and over doing the fake tan look that really is so obvious.  Remember this year it's block colour tights, not tans on legs. Avoid too dresses with long thigh splits, now passé rigid bustiers, dungarees, tassels, frilly skirts, and Capri pants.

Keep all your denim items and try distressing what you have even more.  Get a great scrubbing or wire brush and work up a sweat abrading the surface of the fabric.  If you bought into military items from Russian style winter coats to combats hang onto them wearing them with pretty high heels.

Chiffon will be everywhere this year so save every chiffon item you have as they are great worn over another item or as stand alone garments.  The forthcoming season will have even more floating gauze like fabrics.

Reprinted Press Report from Marks and Spencer Autumn Winter 2003

Below is a Womenswear Press release from Marks and Spencer which covers Autumn 2003 fashion into Winter 2004. 

You may have more success buying some items on the internet than at the actual stores.  It is so frustrating to go to one store, see an item that actually has a fashion edge and think I'll get that next time at my local store, in my size and yet the item never ever seems to appear there in any size. 

If you really find an item you like that you know is unlikely to arrive at your local store, take a note of the item number.  That is worth doing as you may have more success buying some items on the internet using the search number facility than at the actual stores, and you can check the internet regularly without leaving the comfort of your home. 

Press Report 02 April 2003 (Report Reprinted with permission)  Womenswear AUTUMN/WINTER 2003

In tune with the new grown up mood on the international catwalks, Marks & Spencer celebrates the season by focusing on its strengths - great quality and fabulous style.  Tailoring is key for winter, the new mood is all about ladylike elegance and easy-style glamour - exactly what Marks & Spencer does best. Welcome to Winter.

Heartland
This season Marks & Spencer takes the traditional and gives it a twist.  Heartland is rich in colour and all about texture.  Chocolate brown, pink and orange are mixed with succulent berry shades and a field of soft greens. 

Pretty tapestry print silky dresses are worn with sumptuous tweeds, suede, leather and velvet.  The look has a vintage vibe. Knitwear, featuring faux-lingerie details, is ultra feminine, light and easy. Look out for soft ruffles, velvet ribbons and frills.  Throw in some chiffon, washed corduroy and aged denim and get ready to join the grown up country set.  Pure English heritage.

The Accessories
Tan leather boots and T bar shoes.  Embroidered trilbys, crochet pull-on hats and long knit scarves. Brogued leather or suede handbags.

Winter Luxe
Wrap up in the softest layers.  Winter Luxe is all about dressing for maximum comfort with the minimum of effort.  Think cosy, warm and easy on the eye. Knitwear is key and appears in every imaginable form: an ankle-length Aran dress, long tweedy knit cardigan, sexy fine knit evening top shot with lurex, dainty lace effect camisole or soft stripe sweater. 

Neutrals are essential to the look: clotted cream, bitter chocolate, and dove grey, highlighted with crisp white.  Mix ultra soft faux fur and brushed cotton, washed velvet and casual satin for a look that's simply modern with the emphasis on practical luxury.

The Accessories
Buckled satchel bags and sparkling evening purses.  Furry faux sheepskin boots and cuddly cable knit scarves. Sleek shoulder bags or slick knee boots. 

Modern
This season, Marks & Spencer reinvents the classics.  This collection means business, updating the mainstay pieces found in every modern working woman's wardrobe. 

Black, grey, red, cream, camel, cocoa, and white are offset with dogtooth checks and op art prints.  Plain suiting and tweed is teamed with slick, shiny leather and fine jersey tops.  City smart looks include neat fit suits, pencil skirts, mini skirts, sleek trousers and fine knitwear.

The Accessories
High boots and patent shoes.  Optical print scarves.  Silver chain jewellery.  Neat handbags and funky long-strap bags.

Cocktail
At Marks & Spencer the cocktail hour lasts all year, with something for every occasion, day into night.  At the core of the collection are glitzy tops and trousers that work overtime on glamour.

Dresses become the focus for the Christmas party season with lots of little black dresses - starting at just £39!  Sophisticated black still works but new this season is an exciting colour palette, from rose pinks, lavender and lilac to deep shades of purple, and bright fuchsia pink.  Detail embroidery, retro beadwork, sequins and lace add a touch of Hollywood glamour.  Why wait till after dark to dress up?

The Accessories
Jewelled evening bags.  Satin dance shoes.  Fringe shawls and elegant scarves.

Sportswear
Sportswear hits the streets like never before this season.  This collection is sporty with a fashion edge. Ultra-modern and sleek but relaxed with cool detailing.  Sweat-suits are edged in satin, coats are as sleek as a zip front cardigan. Hooded tops are key - wear over and under everything!  The hottest colours are black and pink.  The silhouettes offer a slim line with Aertex, stretch cottons and sweat shirting following the contours of the body, highlighted by zips and stripes.

The Accessories
Go faster trainers.  Space-age watches.  Hold-all shoulder bags.

Lingerie
Marks & Spencer continues to offer a wide range of lingerie looks that are inspired by everything from the elegance of Art Deco to the picture-postcard naughtiness of the 1950's pin-up.  Co-ordinated looks are key across lingerie and sleepwear but the good news ( for J-LO!) is the focus on the derriere. 

New knickers include low-rise and short shapes.  Colour is important from dusky pastels through to the darkest hues.  Flesh tones offer invisible underwear and animal prints and embroidery add a wild touch.  Collette Dinnigan's Wild Hearts collection is sweetly nostalgic while Salon Rose is all about balcony bras, cheeky knickers and suspenders. Something for every woman.

This ends the Marks and Spencer Press Release for Autumn Winter 2003. 

The Marks and Spencer Per Una Press Release September 2003

Sparkle & shine for Christmas with the ultimate in glamorous eveningwear and tailoring from per una. George Davies is the designer behind this label of love.

For Christmas 2003, the per una collection at Marks & Spencer consists of sexy party dresses, sleek separates and sophisticated tailoring which can be teamed together to create the ultimate in modern dressing. 

Accessories provide the finishing touch with a selection of beaded bags, glamorous scarves and stylish shoes.  The fashion stories focus on Black Magic, Quick Silver, Dress Code and Colour Rush.  Fabrics offer luxurious style in rich velvets, sheer chiffon, shiny satin and slinky jerseys.

The color palette for Christmas encompasses shades of racy red and nightshade black with shimmering highlights of gold, silver and chocolate.  Christmas is the party season, time to dress up and have fun.  Find the ultimate in seasonal dressing as per una has translated the latest Christmas looks straight from the catwalk into essential high street must haves.  Cutting edge fashion for every woman.

Black Magic
Sexy and modern, Black Magic casts a sensuous spell on eveningwear.  The classic single-breasted tuxedo suit is given a per una twist by adding a silver lurex stripe.  Add a satin sash around the waistband for instant glamour.  Unzip for a hot look that features the black velvet ruched zip jacket that can be twinned with a matching skirt.

Quick Silver
Gleaming silver and pewter make Quick Silver a story that shines.  The silhouette is feminine with detailed embroidery and beading scattered along neck and hemlines.  Simple styling features the v-neck bias cut dress which brings the latest looks in the finest fabrics.  Ruffles and frills combine to create a glamorous and feminine look in satin and jersey.

Dress Code
The black dress is back.  A whole eveningwear story is dedicated to the dress whether short and sexy or long and feminine.  Simple stylish Christmas dressing has never been easier.  The fringed mini dress is a must have and provides a stunning silhouette. Creating a luxury feel, the corset dress features strips of fabrics that cascade and twirl.

Color Rush
Hot color looks at racy red and beaming gold.  The red ruffle detail dress is flirty and fun with frills falling from the hem and shoulder for a ravishing party look.  Team it with the red satin high heel court for a perfect finishing touch.  Shine on in luxurious gold satin with the mini skirt and zip top combining for a contemporary and sexy feel.

The per una collection at Marks & Spencer has a fashion attitude and lifestyle appeal that women of all ages and tastes will love. From accessories to footwear, tailoring to eveningwear, find the latest trends and styles from head-to-toe for the ultimate Christmas wardrobe.

The per una collection is now available from over 153 Marks & Spencer stores nationwide.

This ends the main Marks and Spencer Per Una Press Release for September 2003.

September 2003 Per Una 2003 Kylie Minogue Chic

This Autumn, PER UNA offers the latest looks that are hot from the international catwalks from around the world.  These styles are then translated into wearable wardrobe essentials.  For PER UNA, the focus is on what to buy for the season and how to wear it from chic city tailoring to cool casualwear.

The classic short boucle suit jacket has been the sophisticated office staple for decades, usually teamed with a matching pencil knee length skirt for the ultimate ‘ladies who lunch’ look.  Australian sex symbol and singer, Kylie Minogue was spotted out in London recently giving the jacket a modern new feel. 

Kylie simply updated this classic jacket by piling on the pearls and co-ordinating it with her favourite jeans and a simple black vest.  Get the look with the PER UNA cool cut collarless boucle jacket.  The black and white wool blend check jacket features neatly trimmed black braiding with simple hook and eye fastening. Whether for the office or for a night out on the town, it’s a modern wardrobe essential.

PER UNA is now available exclusively from over 153 Marks & Spencer stores nationwide. This ends the Marks and Spencer Per Una Press Release for September 2003.