There has been plenty of talk about the colour camel for autumn and winter fashion this year. Camel is a bit of a strange description for the colour that falls somewhere between brown, beige and yellow. A sort of warm toffee caramel colour that can also include sand or taupe as a description.

One of the key reasons for the huge interest in this colour is its versatility and adaptability. It is a colour that will never really go out of fashion, which is important when it comes to investment buys. It also goes with almost every other colour that exists and looks great with almost all hair colours and skin tones. It has a warmth that many of the other neutrals don’t possess and yet still looks calm and subtle when worn alone or can look striking when combined with black or bright colours. The camel coat is one of the clothing items that everyone wants this year and it is not surprising as these factors are all really important when looking for an everyday coat that you will want to keep for future seasons.

Grey is another great neutral colour which works well for all sorts of clothing from work suits to knitwear and really casual jersey pieces. Whilst not as flattering for everyone, grey still has a place in this winters neutral colour palette. Like all colours grey covers a range of shades from almost white through to almost black. Picking the right grey for your colouring is key to looking good. You can even opt for a kind of combination between grey and beige which has recently been given the name ‘greige’. To add interest to a grey outfit try layering different shades of grey.

Black is obviously the king of neutral colours. It is slimming and goes with every thing but does have its down sides as it can make you look quite drained. To make best use of black try wearing it on areas of the body that you wish to minimise or make look smaller and combine it with other neutral colours for a subtle look or bright colours for a more eye catching look.

White and cream are some of the best neutrals to wear for the summer but not colours that would immediately spring to mind for wearing in the winter. Knitwear and thick or woollen clothes in these neutrals can work really well for the winter. A really striking minimalist look can be created by just wearing white or cream with perhaps a few tan leather accessories.

Navy is another very flattering colour that also looks amazingly chic. The colour navy is mostly associated with the nautical trend but can also be combined with many different colours for a really striking look. Finally brown is a great colour for autumn and looks great when combined with oranges, yellows and reds for a really rich and warm coloured outfit.

So even if you love bright colours, neutrals might have their place in  your wardrobe. They make a great background or base on which to feature your bright colours and to make sure that they can really stand out.

Picture – 3/4 sleeve camel cardigan with cable knit detail

The Military Coat

The trend for military inspired clothes goes on into to the winter with smart and structured winter coats with military featured including double breasted, brass buttons, epaulettes and belts. This long black military coat at Roman Originals is a great version of this trend with full lining and a really flattering shape.

Fur trim

Fur trim on a winter coat not only looks incredibly stylish but is also really warm. Faux fur was seen all over the catwalks for autumn and winter most notably at Chanel where models were dressed in plenty of faux fur for artic conditions.This brown padded coat with faux fur hood from Roman Originals is a  good version of the on trend parka coat which is practical and perfect for casual wear.

Animal Print Coat

Animal print is such a huge trend at the moment and a coat is a great way to make a real fashion statement. The grey, black and white colours are really versatile and go with most outfits. This black animal print coat with velvet trim from Roman Originals  is a really stylish way to wear animal prints. It is perfect for daytime or the evening and is even smart enough to wear to work.

Statement Coat

Whilst some people prefer a really neutral coat that goes with everything, others prefer a great statement coat that can be thrown on over any outfit for an amazing look. Bright colours, bold patterns, interesting shapes and textures are all great ways to make  a statement with your coat. This fully lined shoulder detail long sleeved coat by Roman Originals is really eye catching with its deep rich colours, patchwork effect and chalk effect design. It would look great with coloured tights for the daytime or worn over a little black dress for the evening.

Neutral Coat

Neutral coloured coats are set to huge for autumn winter 2010. With the camel coat being tipped as a must have by all of the fashion editors, it looks like everyone is going  neutral. A neutral coloured coat not only works really well with the seasons minimalist trend but it is also incredibly versatile and goes with most outfits. We love this high collared front buttoned long ash coat by Roman Originals.

Padded Coats

Padded coats never really go out of fashion because they are just so amazingly practical. They are really warm and usually waterproof too. This year with fashion going artic, there are bound to plenty of versions on this old favourite. Our favourite is this silver quilt coat with pockets and a detachable hood ideal for almost any casual outing.

For the uninitiated without an eye for style, the world of fashion can be a vast and sometimes scary arena.  Women commonly spend far too much time with their heads in their closets, fashion magazines or better yet panic buying.  If you are like many woman in todayâ??s society and simply  don’t have time between a hard day at work, changing nappies or generally dodging obstacles that life throws at us, and the idea of flipping through page after page of fashion magazines, trail the aisles of trendy stores is a distant student life memory,  fret not!

Here are some handy tips and tricks that may help you decide what to have in your wardrobe year after year, season after season:

• Above all, your clothes should fit your body. No one cares what size is on your tag. A good fit is essential to presenting a polished image and, more importantly, feeling great in your clothes.
  • Women’s clothing sizes vary hugely from designer, style, year, and even within a brand. If you can’t tell Donatella from Donald Duck just stick to what you know! After all, the high street stores and online boutique like Roman Originals tend to have all the current designs without the hefty price tag.
  • Shop like a man:  I know this may seem a bizarre statement, but consider buying multiples of items if you find a great fit. Especially when it comes to undergarments and in particular jeans.
  • Splurge on timeless classics, skimp on trends. Classic evening wear or an everyday coats are generally worth spending a little more money on.

  

  • If you’re most comfortable in a solid fitted dress shirt, buy several! If it’s a staple to your wardrobe, you should splurge on a well fitted, well made, quality item. You can make the same white button down look like a totally different shirt with an inexpensive cardigan, a pair of jeans, or jewellery.
  • If you’ve got no fashion instinct whatsoever, you can still have a cohesive collection of stylish clothing:
    • Put together an outfit that you feel really defines you. If you’re a cheerful person, try bright colours. If you’re low key, comfort clothes. Artistic? Try untraditional cuts or play with different patterns, and so on.
    • Once you’ve created your outfit, think about why it defines you. What is it that you like so much? The way the different colours look together? The variety of fabrics? The simplicity?
    • Whatever it is that makes you love that outfit should guide your shopping. Look for clothes that share these qualities and you’ll end up with a style of your own and a wardrobe that you love.
    • If shopping online, try on the clothes before you decide to keep them. Don’t be afraid to send clothing back.
    • Alternately, try clothes on in stores and then bargain shop online for those exact styles and sizes.
    • Don’t make rushed decisions. Shop with a level head and a list of needs, this way you’ll avoid making returns and ruining your finances.