A one-piece with print pattern. (C)Color & Design Research Room of Kyoritsu Women's Junior College

Winter fashions are usually characterized by dark tones and subdued solid-color items, but this season patterns are in, with brightly patterned dresses and tunics topping the list of must-have items. Brightly colored tights in such hues as pink and red are a popular complement to these ensembles, with a cute hat, particularly a knit or fur Cossack hat that covers the head completely, adding the finishing touch. This winter, the emphasis is shifting from the feminine look that has maintained a strong following in recent seasons to an active, energetic look characterized by vivid colors.

The Evolving Dress Boom
The one-piece dress has recently become firmly established as everyday wear. Until now, girlish baby-doll dresses in white or other solid colors and one-pieces with puff sleeves or a balloon silhouette have been the mainstream. This winter, however, the trend is toward cute eye-catching pieces with a folk-art feel.

Hippy-style one-pieces with small floral patterns reminiscent of the 1970s top the list, while one-pieces and skirts with geometric designs, such as the optical art and psychedelic patterns made popular in the 1960s, also stand out. Another feature is a preference for colorful, artistic pieces created using strong pattern lines and panel prints in vivid color combinations, such as red and purple or yellow and blue.

Knit hats are seen all over town. (C)Color & Design Research Room of Kyoritsu Women's Junior College

The Trend Toward Color
Fashion enthusiasts are painting the town red, pink, and every other bright color under the sun as they set the trend this winter with colorful one-pieces leading the way. Bright colors are everywhere - from colored tights and other accessories such as shawls, hats, and boots to outerwear, including wool coats and down jackets.

In the 2008 spring/summer collection shows in Milan and Paris, many of the top fashion brands, including Prada and Balenciaga, paraded vibrant colors and vivid print patterns. The fashion standard over the past several years has been defined by chic color combinations centered on black, resulting in the shutout of bright colorful pieces, but for this winter and into the coming spring, the trend among young women is in the direction of bright, cheery colors.