Rome Fashion: Black and Purple are the new trend

Body hugging sweaters and sensuous leg wear are "in"

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Black and purple are the way for women to look chic this winter season. Dark, bold black and purple sweaters, long, and running over the hips down the thighs, a coupled with matching leggings or bold patterns, are hot this year. Dressing up one's legs will be discussed later on. The sweaters of the season feature large cowls draped below the neckline, accentuating the bosom. The look becomes even more enticing when the hips are graced with a wide belt. The belt reflects one's personality and sets the mood. It isn't just the black and purple, but red and white sweaters are pretty too, with either cowl neckline or v - neck styles.

Like I said earlier, the hot looks for this season are the big long sweaters - a fashion item that "every" woman can wear regardless of her physique. It is practical, it's comfortable, and it's fun and fashionable. What more could a woman want? Then of course the look a woman creates with sweater and leggings combination is her own, developed through adding her own personal touches. This could be, for example, pretty patterned knee socks or tights that show off her boots. The look is genuine and its "in".

Legs are an important feature this winter season and it is not just about flattering the ultra skinny body, but to flatter all female body shapes. Leggings, hose and knee socks are all very in vogue. Now I will talk a bit more about the leggings. Leggings, those that were so popular back in the 80's, are making a strong impression this season. Black tends to be the most popular color, followed by dark gray and silver. Leggings can be bought in all colors of the imagination and in various thicknesses as well; so don't worry about feeling cold because thick leggings are in style to match those long sweaters making your entire outfit practical, yet chic. Remember this is all about functionality, comfort and looking spectacular. One of my favorite shops on Via Del Corso 122/125 is "Stefanel" because it offers clothing and sizes for all women, their sweater and legging outfits were some of the nicest I found. "Stefanel" has various locations throughout Rome.

And, women are showing off their legs in yet another way: wearing tights of very bold colors and patterns. I have never seen anything like it! A must have. This is the way to spice up the relationship between the dresses, skirts, knee - length trousers and shoes and boots. It is also the way to stamp on your personality. The ideas for interjecting mood and personality into one's outfit are endless. Socks and hosiery have finally been given priority on the fashion scene. They are no longer just a covering for the legs, rather this season hosiery has other functions: color, vitality and creating a unique look for yourself. And, knee socks have made a strong statement as well. They are once again popular, but forget about that plain look - they way we remember them from the old days - now they have loads of color and presence. They are eye catching, and seducing because they are dressed - up with lace, ribbons and patterns.

My favorites are the ones with the lace trimming on top. Wow. I never imagined knee socks could look so great! Gone are the days when socks were available only in boring neutral colors. All one needs to look really great in the 2006  -  2007 winter season is to stand back, pull out a few pieces from one's wardrobe, pull on some striking colorful knee socks that will peek over your boots. Here is a hint: my favorite place to look for hose, knee socks and tights is "Calzedonia" in the Spanish Steps area located at 64 Via Fratina in Rome.  But this is not the only place, the city of Rome is with numerous hosiery shops and one needs to take a peek in each shop because every store has something special to offer. I roamed around different neighborhoods and was having so much fun finding things.

Blouses and casual wear dresses are another sought after item. The next hot fashion item I found in Rome - and so exquisite - are the shiny, purple satin blouses worn under black jackets of all styles and lengths - a very sophisticated look and inviting. Just imagine the delicate purple lace bra and thong you could wear underneath it? If one is searching for a trendy dress design, one's eyes will definitely be confronted with the geometric. Geometric patterns dominate and the most popular colors are patterns using mauve, purple, black and crème. What makes these dresses so special is that they cling so nicely to the body and can be worn also with black leggings.

What does one wear under the sweater, dress or blouse of the season? The answer is: sexy black, purple or mauve lingerie. Black corsets are very popular this year, not to mention the dainty purple ones. Bras, panties and thongs abound in sensuous shades of alluring purple, mauve crème and black. Black and purple transcend the whole fashion scene from the sweater you wear right down to the delicate intimate underwear next to your skin -  sexy intimates worn in this seasons rich dark palette. So, there is no reason not to feel warm, cozy and sensuous..

What about footwear? The first thing I noticed when arriving in Rome on a December day was how many women were wearing boots. You cannot help but notice the variety of boots on women's legs in Rome - they obviously love them, probably for all sorts of reasons like comfort, just making them look stylish. But, what is the newest trend in boots? Brown or black leather boots are equally loved. Since so many designs are available, you will probably have difficulty making a decision. The Italians really do know how to make good boots! My favorite is the slouched down leather boot and seems to be hard to find. Boots in general this season are to be teamed - up with one's favorite sweater outfit or skirt or even cropped trousers.

Rome is one of my favorite cities for shopping and that is because the personality of the city and culture is so distinct from other Italian cities. While in the shopping mood, I like to stroll down

Via del Corso and then turn my attention to the smaller streets leading toward the Spanish steps area. However, these are not the only areas to find beautiful clothes. Don't ever believe that it is only in one area of the city where you will find the best buys. Some of my favorite shops are also in the Torre Argentina area. Actually, one has to look around every corner. If you have the desire to walk all day and are willing to walk for many kilometers your feet will take you to the most interesting shops in Rome. And, don't' forget the upcoming sale season starting in early January and running until mid - February as this will be the time to walk all over Rome to find those desirable clothing items.

Like I said earlier, the hot looks for this season are big long sweaters - a fashion item that every woman can wear regardless of her physique. The look a woman creates is her own, developed through adding her own personal touches. Leggings dominate leg fashion and are loved by women for all sorts of reasons, and it is just a matter of finding the particular color to accentuate one's outfit. And, remember, pretty patterned knee socks or tights that show off boots are particularly strong in making statements this year.

Mixing hose and sock colors and skirt fabrics creates a look that is genuine and its "in". Indulge yourself into the blacks and purples of the season whether it is a cuddly long sweater sensuously draped over your hips or you dare to experience the sexy lingerie looks of black and purple. So go and try them...

By Karin S. Fester - Scala