Women wearing a velour jacket (left) and knee-length shorts (right) (Color & Design Research Room of Kyoritsu Women's Junior College)

Versatile Velour
The velour jacket is an essential element in the Victorian look, which has been all the rage this winter, but it is also earning a place in other styles, too. The fabric has been around for a long time, which means that it can be paired with a variety of items and is suitable for all sorts of occasions. Black tailored jackets are popular among working women, who need only don a basic jacket to make an outfit look sharp. Though black is certainly in, younger women are tending to go for bold green or red, colors that accentuate the fabric's luster and give them a stylish, original look.

Velour is considered a dressy material, but velour jackets can be worn casually over light hooded jackets and sweaters or paired with jeans or work pants, creating an interesting blend of the chic and the informal. Velour jackets are great for parties, and a colorful stole, accessory, pair of shoes, or bag is all they need to accentuate their more formal side.

Women sporting knee-length shorts (Color & Design Research Room of Kyoritsu Women's Junior College)

Knee-Length Shorts
Knee-length shorts are newcomers to this year's fashion scene. Though shorts are associated with boys' wear, longer shorts actually can be quite feminine and refined, depending on their shape and what they are worn with.

Suede shorts in shades of brown and gray are in. Shorts with a straight silhouette and cuff are also popular. A pair costs around ¥20,000 (about $174 at ¥115 to the dollar). Shorts with vertical pleats paired with a short tailored jacket create a weighty look suitable for the office. The outfit can be rounded off with a pair of pumps or even high-heeled boots, a good choice for women who want to keep their legs covered. Shorts matched with a jacket made out of a rough knit or down are also an attractive casual outfit.

Even after the weather warms up, women will probably continue wearing knee-length shorts, choosing lighter wool fabrics and whites and other bright colors that are good for spring.

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