The latest trends for winter dresses in 2009 include purple, 1940, cinched waists, ruffles, hats, crew necks and jersey. Work out how to work it on the realway in the latest fashion.
Watching the catwalk shows is a pleasure, and a great way to get inspired. Check out the model elite walking the runway at ElleUK.
- Purple as at Alberta Ferretti, Carolina Herrera This was the key colour for this season, with all of the top designer sporting purple pieces. This statement colour can work for every skin tone, if it's the dark shade that you wear! Lighter purples work on those with dark or grey hair and a warm skin tone.
- 1940s as at Chloe, Ralph Lauren Vintage has never been so fashionable as this winter. Work some vintage looks, by mixing simple cuts and lines with a thick pair of tights and using neutral colours. Think pencil skirts, army greens and well-fitted tailoring. Add some modern accessories and jewelry and you'll be the most stylish person in the room!
- Cinched Waist as at Zac Posen, Michael Kors Keep that gorgeous waist visible at all times by wrapping a beautiful belt around your favorite dress. Creating new shapes, and being right on trend, you can't fail with this key look. Make it purple and vintage and you hit other trends too!
- Ruffles as at Chanel, Marc by Marc Jacobs A great way to add extra detailing this season, is to pick a dress with ruffles. Around the neckline is the favorite place to have it this season, as opposed to the hem line. Be bold, but beware, ruffles around the neckline should only be worn by women with a smaller chest size.
- Hats as at Anna Sui, Dior Make your outfits truly stylish by popping a hat on to finish off your look, for evening or for daytime. Try different hat shapes to see which suits your face shape more. Go for a contrast, angular faces deserve rounder hat shapes, like a beret, and rounder faces want something with more angle, like a trilby.
- Crew neck as at BCBG Max Azria, Roberto Cavalli Another trend for those with a smaller chest, crew neck dresses looks great worn with some simple leggings and boots. Don't forget the biggest pair of statement earrings you can find, to add a bit of glamour and sparkle. Crew necks are great for the winter, as it will keep you that bit warmer!
- Chiffon/Jersey as at Burberry Prorsum, Vivienne Westwood Worn with thick grey tights, high-heeled leather ankle boots and a leather coat, draped fabrics can look truly rock and roll. Experiment. There are so many different ways to wear floating, draping fabrics. Don't forget that wherever there's detailing, that's where the attention will be brought to, so add draping detail all over for a petite frame, on top for smaller chests and on the bottom for those with smaller hips.