Seductive silhouettes and glamorous gowns are a cause for festivity this fall. Military motifs and double breasted jackets return this winter while brick heals, cinch belts and metallics remain a constant. The enchanted 1940’s Hollywood era evokes a dramatic style of lustrous embellishments, heavy headdresses and oversized clutch bags for an all too elegant high season. Glamorous Gowns – Long, shimmering seductive silhouettes matched with elbow length gloves add to the 1940’s Hollywood drama. Short lace gloves remain sexy and beautifully compliment veronica lake waves and over sized metallic clutches.

Below the knee – Dresses, pencil line skirts and cropped pants should be worn below or on the knee to create the ever desirable hour glass figure. They are best matched with high brick heals or the classic stiletto.

Shades – Jet black, the industries most loved shade, is bigger than ever. Various textures and patterns are combined to create diversity and glamour. Extreme trimmings are the course of action when matched with silks and cottons.

Colours – Monotone block colours are distinguished by various textured layers. Skirts and dresses can be paired with opaques and shoes of the same colour creating a desirable silhouette.

Chunky Knits – They are great alternatives to trenches and military style jackets. The free flowing over sized knit accentuates the feminine form. Over sized and cinched with belts they create a desired star shape. The trench coat remains a classic essential along with short padded bright jackets and clasped coats.

Leather – Soft leather dresses and skirts become the essentials this season. Simple classic styles will never date and remain a staple in all wardrobes.

Boots – Black classic boots are customised with buckles and zips. Classics are made edgy, while platforms and brick heals are the seasons essentials.

Belts – Belts are cinched to extremes. Ultra thick stiff corset styles are still going strong. The thin feminine belt has made an appearance and adds detail to every thigh grazing slim fit dress.

The skirt suit – The skirt suit is no longer exclusively for the office. It warrants the return of the double breasted jacket. The pencil line skirt adds to the desired silhouette. Best worn with an over sized beret or fedora and vintage jewels for dramatic effect. Classic colours and shades ensure a timeless piece for every wardrobe.

Bags – Bigger is better, over sized clutches and totes are forever chic. Crocodile and metallics are the most desired textures along with the addition of jewels and scarves to add to 1940’s glamour.

Silhouettes – Silhouettes and hour glass feminine lines are the desired shape this season. Cinched waists, covered shoulders and midway lengths accentuate the form when classic colours are paired with outlandish headdresses and vintage jewels.

Military influence – Large coats can be fitted over layered pieces to create a desired form. Smaller jackets become edgy and sexy with the appearance of buttons and embellishments.

Metallics – Gold and silver are no longer the only popular metallic. Bronze and beige paired with subtle make up are a beautiful combination. The less adventurous can opt for a funky bright metallic clutch to compliment a casual monotone knit.

Above Prada's fall 2008 collection