Speaking Style

Fashionistas all over the world had a field day when the patent bag trend exploded in Fall 2007. You might think that the trend would already have passed a whole year later, but now isn’t the time for you to put those patent bags on eBay yet. Fall 2008 is taking the whole patent trend just a wee bit further by adding a little structure and a whole lot of sophistication.

Autumn so far has been all about sticking to classic cuts and hues, while at the same time injecting a shock of bright color here and there. What better way to stand out against the earth tone background than to get bright, gaudy accessories? A patent bag will give your outfit that eye-catching appeal, while the structure will set you apart from the recently passé slouchy bag trend that was sparked by the “I’m Not a Canvas Bag” craze.

First among your options this season is the Alexander McQueen Legend Bag ($2,695 at alexandermcqueen.com), a piece that will really stand out against just about any outfit you could put together. The crocodile pattern-embossed surface gives the design some depth, while the gold details give the bag its own chic personality.

Fashion never needs to be expensive, if you knew where to look. Drop by your nearest Target and take a peek at the bag collection by Anya Hindmarch. Not only does this patent structured tote look sophisticated enough to be carried by today’s fashionable career woman, but it’s also extremely budget-friendly at a mere $44.99. Target carries her entire line of bags, which spans from workday totes like this one to eveningwear clutches for your fanciest red carpet event.

Plunging necklines are often associated with women’s clothing, with daring cuts and evening gowns. For next season, however, it looks like it’ll be the guys who’ll be showing off the sexy combo of cleavage and clavicles. The Fashion Week over in Milan, in particular, had a lot of male models displaying a lot more torso than their female counterparts

The first hint of things to come was issued by big Euro fashion house Bottega Venetta with a couple of outfits composed of classic pieces given a relaxed yet edgy twist with the a little extra peek of neck(pictured, left). Burberry Prorsum was much more daring with more neck-revealing outfit and a greater area of neck to show for it. With the soft, flowing fabrics and the slimmer cuts, the Burberry collection for Spring 2009 ended up with a very feminine and laid-back overall look. 
 
Most eyecatching of all was the collection from fashion monolith Prada, who came out with a collection that was daring with all the baring. Instead of sticking to lower-cut V-necks like what other designers opted to do, the designers threw away the idea of a neckline entirely and just chose a straightforward scoop neck. The collection went just a step beyond being merely relaxed to a look that was very bohemian chic.

Do you want to get the look? Grab a fitted v-neck top of a soft material, and then pair it with some structured and more traditional pieces for balance. Jeans and classic slacks in beige or navy would make an excellent contrast. Solid and neutral colors – de facto for next season – are a safe choice for palette.