Trend report: Loving the long hemline

The longer hemline is a trend that we can all actually wear instead of lust after longingly.

This season’s sartorial saviour - despite all the lust-worthy trends shown on the runway - has to be the longer hemline. It is a trend that we can all actually wear instead of lust after longingly.

From the sidewalks of Pakistan to the streets of downtown New York, staying stylish is a piece of cake this season as the hottest look is also the simplest. Whoever claimed ‘beauty is a pain’ has obviously never been introduced to the wonders of a longer hemline.

The best thing is that women can wear this trend regardless of their body type or budget. To test-drive the style without breaking the bank, look no further than Topshop, Zara or H&M if you’re abroad, or stores such as Daaman and Generation in Pakistan.

As with all trends, longer styles cropped up more in some designers’ collections. A handful of established names set themselves apart as the go-to brands for Autumn/Winter 2010’s hottest hemlines.

Erdem:

Erdem has been hailed as one of the most exciting up-and-coming designers. It is hardly surprising that this Turkish design sensation pioneered the longer hemlines trend. The designer sees his ‘heroine’ as traipsing through the Andes with birds circulating overhead. This idea is represented in the distinctive swallow bird print that appears throughout the collection.

How to wear: For a high-voltage glamour look, choose full-length, flowing styles in silk or satin. Team it up with stilettos and an elegant clutch.

Kenzo:

Kenzo’s relaxed 1970s vibe and use of contrasting colours and textures and haphazard detailing won it kudos. The collection was titled ‘Freedom’ and what garment embodies this more than a flowing maxi skirt? Kenzo was all about boho styles and fabrics that were a patchwork of florals, plaids, embroidery and applique. The mood was very much the vintage-influenced chic of 1970’s style icons such as Tina Chow and Farrah Fawcett.

How to wear: For a casual look, choose a loose skirt in fabrics such as chiffon, cotton or even denim. Wear with flat boots, chunky knit sweaters and a satchel.

Aquascutum

The newly remodelled British brand presented long, fluted skirts and narrow dresses, perfectly styled for winter with small, leather-belted jackets, white shirts, capes and pointy silver flats. The collection had a classic feel as designer Michael Herz used luxurious fabrics that included fine wool and rich cashmere, which nodded to the practical outerwear which Aquascutum was once known for.

How to wear: Look for slim-cut styles in neutral tones such as camel, beige or grey. Create an elegant silhouette by teaming it with a simple cashmere sweater or ladylike blouse and cinching it with a skinny belt.

Sana Safinaz

The designer duo produces all manner of beautiful dresses from intricately embellished bridals to floor-sweeping print numbers. Safinaz Munir sums up the brand’s aesthetic, “Our look is very sleek, not over-embellished. Our clothes are for confident, sexy woman.” Sana Safinaz produces elegant dresses in a variety of rich fabrics and eye-popping hues.

How to wear: With embroidered pieces, it is often best to go for an A-line shape to keep the intricate detailing in focus.

This look works well with satin slippers or a simple pair of heels.

Iman’s Dos:

Combine elegant silk maxi skirts and chunky knits

Pair full-length styles with unlikely footwear such as army boots

Choose loose styles and team with a slouchy shoulder bag

Define your waist by wearing your top tucked in and cinched with a skinny belt

Accessorise with geek-chic librarian spectacles

Iman’s Don’ts:

Be afraid of bold colours. Invest in jewel toned pieces to stand out

Let full-length skirts swamp you. Make sure that you choose the right size and fabric

Pair them with long or oversized tops

Let your maxi drag on the floor. Ensure the length is right and keep in mind the type of shoes you intend to wear

Ever wear with Ugg boots!

Iman Pasha is a London-based fashion consultant and fashion journalist. Her website is www.imanpasha.com

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th, 2010.