Ever since I saw that gorgeous and very sparkly Balmain collection go down the catwalk for AW09, I have been in search of the perfect long sleeved dress/ tunic. This is most definitely the must have sihouette for the season and I love the sparkle which not only worksfor the evenings but daytime as well.

This French Connection embellished dress is the perfect affordable version of the Balmain dress with extra detail and embellishment around the shoulders, another key feature for this autumn and winter. I love the Hummigbird design on it which adds an unusual focal point to this dress. I can’t make up my mind whether to wear this dress with leggings for every day or save for parties and the evening.

picture from www.glamourmagazine.co.uk

Few would think of wearing a yellow and black dress but Audrey Tatou showed just how stunning it can look when she wore this yellow silk dress with a black waistline, teamed with zipped shoes by Sergio Rossi, for the Spanish premiere of her new film Coco Avant Chanel in Madrid. It takes someone who is fairly confident of their own style to wear a yellow and black dress but when done right it is a really striking combination. Here are some quirky but very stylish black and yellow combinations.

Planet feather striped black and yellow dress

Planet contrast dress

Precis Mustique dress

For autumn and winter there seemed to be an abundance of dresses in gorgeous prints on the catwalk. I love the rich colours and patterns, abstract prints and bold monochromes. Here are some of my favourite affordable versions of the gorgeous print dress.

Jungle Print dress - this dress is effortlessly stylish and very grown up.

Fireworks Print Wrap Dress - a subtle but stylish pattern on a very flattering style of dress.

Feather print dress - I love the colourful print and unusual style of this dress.

Jesir Floral print silk organza dress - bold and striking, this dress would work well for day or evening

Phase Eight Betsey Jersey Dress - this dress ticks all the boxes when it comes to being classic, timeless, flattering and stylish.

I love all three of these Ted Baker dresses. Each one though is a great and very stylish alternative to the classic shift dress. The tab fronted dress makes a really smart outfit for work when teamed with some court shoes and a neutral coloured tote bag. The gathered georgette dress would work really well for all sorts of occasions inlcuding work, lunch or an evening out and the ruffled front V neck dress would look great with coloured tights and heels for a  party or evening out.

Draped dresses are every where for autumn and winter this year but there are some designers who do the draped dress particularly well season after season. The beauty of these draped dresses is their effortless look, the way the draped fabric hangs so beautifully and the the clever use of diagonal lines and layered fabrics to make a really flattering piece.

Junya Watanabe - this draped asymmetric tunic worn with leggings is a really wearable version of the draped dress. Just the sort of thing I would love for every day wear.

Peter Pilotto - combines beautiful and colourful prints for an amazing and very stylish bodycon dress.

Vivienne Westwood - not  a new comer to draped dress. She has had many years practice at perfecting the perfect one.

pictures from www.style.com

For a really wearable version of the draped dress try this long sleeved jersey dress by sandwich.

Classic clothes are very on trend at the moment. I am thinking it may be something to do with the recession and people wanting to invest in key items that will last them for seasons to come, instead of a trend that will only last for one season. One of the most classic pieces of daytime clothing is the classic shift dress.  I have seen these absolutely every where lately both designer, high street and online. A really classic style of shift dress is definitely worth the investment. It can be accessorised in so many different ways and it is truly timeless. Try adding chunky beads, this season dogstooth or ladies tweed jacket, a brightly coloured clutch bag, shoes or tights. For a bit of a change, you even wear with long gloves

I love this Kaliko flannel shift dress in silver. It is a great alternative to a black shift dress and perfect for the office and the evening. It is a really sophisticated and stylish outfit that I would wear again and again.

Asymmetric dresses are a big trend for autumn winter 09, they are neat, they are sexy and they are flattering. Here are some of my favourites:

Lanvin - the knotted shoulder is a great way to give the classic style of dress a new and very elegant twist.

Jil Sander - shapes are the key theme to this asymmetric dress with contrasting round and angular shoulders creating an interesting shape.

Pringle of Scotland - a great version of the good all shift dress with interesting overlaps creating a flattering asymmetrical style.

pictures from www.style.com

For your very own version of the new asymmetric dress, try this Autograph essentials wool rich dress.  It is smart and tailored but also very on trend.

I see so many clothes described as having abstract prints but I’ll have to admit I am not 100% sure what an abstract print is. I just tend to think of the abstract print as being a kind of swirly or design of lines that does not represent anything. I have seen some really gorgeous abstract print dresses usually with very striking designs. I thought it was time that I found out exactly what abstract really means. I found the following definition in www.dictionary.reference.com

adjective

5.	Fine Arts. a. of or pertaining to the formal aspect of art, emphasizing lines, colors, generalized or geometrical forms, etc., esp. with reference to their relationship to one another. b. (often initial capital letter) pertaining to the nonrepresentational art styles of the 20th century.

I now fully understand what an abstract print dress is and I know that I definitely want one. Here are some of my favourites:

Abstract print pleat dress

Monochrome printed dress

Pure Silk Abstract Print Dress

Cotton Floral Abstract Print Dress

I am seeing strapless cocktail dresses every where in all sorts of bright colours and patterns and draped shapes. The lengths of these mini dresses vary from micro minis to just above the knee. It doesn’t realy matter what length they are as long as they are above the knee and make  a statement in some way. These dresses can be worn without accessories for a minimalist look or with full on accessories for a more interesting look. The strapless neckline is just perfect for showing off one of this seasons bib style necklaces.

At Anna Sui - a bold white embroidered design on black gives a really eye catching look. The statement necklace and pom pom bag add to the interest of the outfit but don’t look too much because of the simple colour scheme.

The first thing to strike you about this strapless mini dress at Matthew Williamson is the gorgeous peach colour. The dress also has a great shape and interesting beaded pocket detail, really typical of Matthew Williamsons ethnic style.

At Roberto Cavalli - this dress has a delicate and feminine design. The shorter than short flared skirt and pocket detail make it a very sexy style.

This draped satin mini dress is very typical of the minimalist style at Calvin Klein. The draping of the material provide all of the interest that is needed. It is incredibly elegant and chic.

This strapless tulip dress is a great every day version of thois seasons strapless mini. Great for the hot weather, holidays and evenings out.

pictures from www.style.com

For those ladies (like myself) who are vertically challenged or petite finding the right clothes can be a bit of  a challenge. First there is the issue of finding the right size, whilst you may be a size 10 or 12, the lengths are much too long. Even if you manage to find something that is not too long or you are an excellent seamstress and take up the hem, it will no doubt be wrong in other ways like the waist is too low of the body too long. Even worse many clothes that are in fashion are just not made to flatter short people and drown them making them look even shorter.

For all of these reasons, I tend to buy my clothes from petite ranges where possible. The sizes are usually just right, the shoulders not too wide and the waistline sits in the right place. The clothes are also all designed with short people in mind so tend to have smaller patterns, be fairly fitted and be fairly simple styles. Whilst black dresses may sound a bit boring, they are great for the lengthening the body and can be accessorised in so many different ways. Try lots of beads, bangles, colourful handbags and shoes.

Petite sleeveless curve sleeve petite dress

Petite knee length dart dress

Petite Shift Dress