Winter doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style! There are a few things to consider when choosing a winter coat: choose something slimming and bright, warm fabric and something that’s easy to wash. Many of us forsake fashion for comfort, which during these chilly winter months it may seem like your only option. Au contraire! Here are some Winter style tips from some classy celebs & inspired by the runway.

Cool in Cashmere

Light Brown Cashmere Coat by Burberry

This cashmere piece is a warm yet stylish coat (I have the perfect boots to match!) from Burberry Prorsum’s 2012 Winter Collection. This line features many bright-colored coats and longer lengths.

In the Trenches

Jennifer Aniston in Army Green Trench Coat

Big & bulky is out, warm & stylish is in! The classic trench coat is always in style, whether it’s short, or knee, calf or full length.  The knee length is the most common type among all trench coats, since it is easy to wear with different types of pants, leggings and skirts, and it is suitable for shorter women too.  Jennifer Aniston looks classy in an army green trench coat (above) and so can you!

Faux Fur

Vanessa Hudgens Faux Fur Hooded Coat

 A hot trend in coats for the last few seasons seems to be faux-fur hoods; they will keep your ears warm and protect you from the wind, but also look stylish and sophisticated.  Take a peek at Vanessa Hudgens (above) to see how chic you can look in this coat style – even in the absence of snow!

Hollywood Superstar Halle Berry in Dolce & Gabbana belted mohair coat

What winter coat style do you like the most?

Tell us by commenting below, on Twitter (@nowthatslingeri), on our Facebook page, or e-mail me. Julie julie@nowthatslingerie.com

Image sources & references
http://www.topons.com/winter-coats-celebrity-style-army-green-stand-collar-women-cashmere-coat.html http://www.wintercoatsjackets.com/burberry-prorsum-fall-winter-2011-2012/ http://www.zimbio.com/Trench+Coats+Review/articles/m3dbRDQ5Tov/Winter+2012+Trench+Coats+Women http://women-coats.com/moncler-down-jacket-women-cluny-blue-p-163.html http://famewatcher.com/dolce-gabbana-womens-coat-halle-berry-fashion-style.html

Here are my top five trend picks from the fall 2011 runways.

1. Fetishism

There was an overall hard-edged look to many styles for autumn; clothes were structured, very fitted, and often inspired by the rigorous tailoring of menswear. Black was everywhere: in somber woolens at Chanel, slick leathers at Alexander Wang, and even some latex at Marc Jacobs.  His Louis Vuitton collection was the most fetishy of all; inspired by the kinky film The Night Porter, the show featured silhouettes combining maids and military uniforms.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2011

2. Sheer Fabrics

Sexiness was definitely a trend across the board, and what better way to be seductive than to show some skin! At Givenchy models paraded in black sheer blouses with severe and modern black bras underneath. Dolce & Gabbana, the kings of lingerie dressing, presented several dresses with strategically placed sheer lace panels, and lacy bras peeking out of necklines.  Finally, Stella McCartney’s collection included fabulous sheer dresses and jumpsuits adorned with embroidered polka-dots.  Lace, chiffons, organzas, and nets were all seen on the runways. 3. Animalism

Many designers were tapping into their wild side for fall. Prada showed a beastly collection; dresses and coats were adorned with wild, colorful furs and large, fish scale-like paillettes.  Several Alexander McQueen ensembles were adorned with white ostrich feathers, while one lavender dress was crafted from strips of lavender chiffon distressed to give a feathery texture.  Animal prints were everywhere; from panther heads on Givenchy dresses, to tiger at Dolce & Gabbana, and snakeskin at Gucci and Chloe.

Givenchy Fall 2011

4. Retro Styles

Designers have been feeling retro moments for quite a while now, and fall 2011 was no exception. Miu Miu’s feminine collection, for example, was like stepping into the pages of a World War II era Vogue magazine.  Marc Jacobs, a lover of all things vintage, chose to focus on the late fifties, with his girls in prim berets and tightly fitted hourglass silhouettes.  Many other decades were referenced as well such as Gucci’s seventies homage, and Rodarte’s Edwardian farm girls.

Miu Miu Fall 2011

5. Vivid Colors

In stark contrast to all of the black, many designers chose to show silhouettes cut in brilliant, jeweled colors, especially a rich jade green (seen at Gucci, Pucci, Givenchy, Proenza Schouler, and Louis Vuitton).  Saturated and rich color is definitely in; think magentas, reds, yellows, and dark purple.

Gucci Fall 2011

What did you think of the fall collections?  Any likes or dislikes?  Please feel free to comment, or email me at alexiswalker@nowthatslingerie.com

All images taken from www.style.com

Stella McCartney Fall 2011

Dolce&Gabbana Fall 2010

To wear a Christian Dior gown in the 1950s meant you had to have the corresponding Dior undergarments to give you the right proportions. Without them, the silhouette of the dress just didn’t work.

Flash forward to today, where Italian design dynamos Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana work in a similar, yet contemporary manner to old Mr. Dior. Since their debut in the late eighties, practically every Dolce&Gabbana collection features silhouettes whose foundation is dead sexy, retro-inspired lingerie. The lacy hem of a silk slip peeks out under a razor-sharp tailored suit, or a black satin corset is revealed under a sheer, lingerie like dress, for example.  Dolce&Gabbana’s trademark is a curious juxtaposition of flash, fetish, and sophistication. As with Christian Dior before them, Dolce&Gabbana’s clothes require the proper style of undergarments to look their best.

Triumph Lingerie 1948 Comfort Curves Seamless Bra

The lingerie designed by Dolce&Gabbana is unique and instantly recognizable.  Animal prints, for example, have become a house classic, as has black satin and intricate laces. As for shapes, the strapless corselet and balconette style bra are revisited and reconfigured again and again.  Finally, the undergarments of the 1950s are a huge source of inspiration for the duo; you can always find structured cone shaped bras and high-waisted panties (modeled on the foundation

Triumph Lingerie 3309 Petites Embroidered Balconette

undergarments of that decade).  Their lingerie, combined with their fashions, makes me think of a Sicilian housewife who is, on one hand, a conservative Catholic matriarch, while at the same time harboring naughty hidden desires beneath the surface.

As we are all aware, high-fashion lingerie comes with a high price tag, and not many people are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on their knickers!  It is easy, however, to incorporate the look of the Dolce&Gabbana sexiness into your existing wardrobe.  All you need is a fabulous balconette bra or corselet (preferably with black lace or leopard print) to wear underneath a semi-sheer black blouse. If this look is too revealing for some, pair your sheer blouse with a tailored, black skirt or pantsuit and you will have captured the elegant kink of the Italian fashion mavericks.

I hope you like the work of Dolce&Gabbana as much as I do!  Please email me at alexiswalker@nowthatslingerie.com with any questions or comments.

Dolce&Gabbana Milan Spring

Information Sources

www.style.com

Featured image: Looks from Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 2010 women’s ready-to-wear runway collection during Milan Fashion Week. Photo credit: Peter Stigter and Jonas Gustavsson / For The Times

It’s hard for most anyone (other than models, of course) to look classy when wearing an ultra-short dress or skirt.  Thankfully, the rest of us can be satisfied with knee-length dresses and skirts that reveal just a flattering peek of our thighs!  If your outfit is a bit sheer and you don’t want to reveal that much skin, try wearing something else underneath.  Arianne’s Kelly collection has a 19″ half-slip with a lacy hem on the bottom for skirts, and a basic, opaque 35″ full slip for dresses, with adjustable spaghetti straps.

Kelly 19" half-slip with lace hem, Kelly 35" adjustable full slip, both by Arianne and available at Now That's Lingerie.com

Plus, try wearing some invisible underwear to eliminate any panty lines!  Take a look at Elita’s aptly-named Invisible collection.  This way, nothing but your beauty will detract from your sexy outfit!

Elita low-rise Invisible panties (thongboy and thong shown), available at Now That's Lingerie.com

Check out last week’s Style update: Ruffle-Mania!
Stay tuned for your next style update: Boyfriend Blazers (& what to wear under them)!

Questions about fashion and beauty?  Ask me!
e-mail me at lisa@nowthatslingerie.com!