The Dress Factor

Finally the X Factor UK is back, and the live shows have commenced - giving me a great excuse to spend my saturday evenings in! The nations sweetheart Cheryl Cole and Aussie-born fashionista, Danii Minouge, have left the panel and since Simon Cowell has jetted off to the States, we are introduced to the new generation of X Factor judges; Gary Barlow (a bit of eye candy never hurts), Tulisa, Kelly Rowland, and Louis Walsh. 

One of the definite highlights of last year's X Factor series was Cheryl Cole's and Danni Minouge's extravagant fashion parade! But rest assured that Kelly and Tulisa are going to do a fabulous job of filling their (designer) shoes.  

With the panel intensely judging the remaining contestants, I thought it was only fair to turn the tables as I critique four looks the glamorous Kelly and Tulisa have worn so far!

Working this season's hot dark gothic trend, Tulisa wore a fabulous black monocrome dress with cutout detail. This statement outfit cements Tulisa's new inner fashion goddess! As she plays around with quirky materials that effortlessly flatter her body. The plunging neckline remains classy and elegant as it is cleverly balanced by the quaint cap sleeves. This dress also nods to the mullet trend (where the dress is short at the front but long at the back) a new season fashion that is being rolled out on catwalks that belong to some of the hottest names in fashion right now, such as Mary Katrantzou.

Standing next to Tulisa on the X Factor stage was Miss. Kelly Rowland in a figure-hugging, simplistic, yet stunning red draped dress by Todd Lynn. This deep red compliments her beautiful skin tone and the short cut makes her legs look as though they go on forever. Not to mention the bling that Kelly brings to the outfit, which make this a perfect evening dress that could have also been worn at work during the day - not that I'm suggesting for a moment that Kelly Rowland would wear the same outfit on the X Factor that she had done all day.

Another look that the ladies sport is leather - the perfect illustration to rock week.

Tulisa wears a full-length leather and chain gown, which a lot of people commented was too old for her. I, on the other hand, thought that she made it work (however sitting down in that can't have been comfortable). How refreshing and unique - a rock outfit that is also elegant and with a classy hairstyle to match.

Kelly, on the other hand, went for the plunging neckline on her leather frock - much more common to the rock chic trend. Having said that, Kelly still looked fierce and radiant, and both ladies rock their designer dresses, showing heaps of potential in the weeks to come.