Fashion's Folksy Year

In 2005, fashion was pretty and accessible with folksy patterns and knits, with just a touch of metallic glam to make it interesting.

It was also physically - friendly and forgiving with a nod to tiered skirts and flat ballet pumps.

The colour of nature, emeralds and envy - the various shades of green sashayed their way into the top spot this year.

Found liberally on a dress, or subtly on a wallet, green was de rigueur in the stylist's colour palette.

From frump to trump, tiered skirts were the toast of this season.

Whether as colourful Indian gypsy or plain virginal whites, this skirt hid a multitude of sins and made hippy chicks out of us.

Men were folksy too. A kaftan top with striking embroidery from Gucci.

Crochet used to be your grandmother's thing, but in the year past it came back in full force as trendy wrap tops, skirts and belts.

Especially popular were the crocheted cropped sweaters, which did nothing for keeping you warm but looked good.

Don't let anyone say you were wearing a tea cosy.

It never really went out of fashion, although it's been chastened occasionally for being boring.

This year, it came back with some force as black was touted the new black.

Gold and silver went daytime, either as a subtle shimmer of a thread in a jacket or as bold as