London Fashion Week Trend Report: Belts

Hey it's Allison McNamara and you're watching Fab Flash. Today, we're putting the spotlight on one of the biggest and most flattering trends from London Fashion Week - bold belts. For some of our favorite ready-to-wear brands like Mulberry, Topshop, and Burberry, Fall 2012 was a cinch, with belted silhouettes taking the London Fashion Week runways by storm. From military inspired, to brightly colored, to bows and belts, belts are sure to be a key accessory for fall. At Burberry, Christopher Bailey belted pencil skirts, cool dresses, military jackets parkas and more with ladylike bow belts in thick leather or a thinner rope tie, adding a feminine flounce to his structured pieces. Over at Mulberry, belts were also seen to be an outerwear, like Mongolian fur coats, vests, dresses and chunky hand-knits inspired by Where the Wild Things Are. The belts were mostly thin and neutral colored, but two standouts were, a hardware version over a psychedelic print dress and a bright orange cincher layered on top of an equally bold old lace and satin frock. Things were edgier over at McQ for Alexander McQueen. Designer Sarah Burton turned out models in military inspired coats and dramatic tulle, velvet and laced applique frocks tightly held together by wide, structured belts with gold hardware, giving off a dark, romantic vibe that was enhanced by the fall leaves lining the catwalk. Topshop Unique also had a utilitarian feel with thick, olive green belts artfully tied on wide menswear inspired trousers, dresses, and even hot pants. But unlike Burberry and McQ, belts were occasionally worn at the hip, for the burgundy maxi skirt, and an overall style dress. Belts are an easy and super flattering way to update any look, and we're adding this styling trick to our wardrobe right now. I'm Allison McNamara and I'll see you next time on Fab Flash on Fab Sugar TV.