Say goodbye to flashy logos, spike heels and camouflage prints. As the world recovers from the September 11 attacks on the United States, people are seeking refuge at home and the guiding concept for fashion in 2002 is comfort.

Style consultants say the big trend for next year is nesting. Couch potatoes no longer spend hours slumped in front of the television. Instead, experts predict a big rise in laid-back home entertaining.

``There is a return to real values and the things that are important to us, our wellbeing and the wellbeing of our family,'' said Pierre-Francois Le Louet, managing director of the Nelly Rodi trend consultancy in Paris.

The yen to go back to basics means consumers will shun garish status symbols to focus on core values like quality.

With firms firing staff and stock markets tumbling, it may seem tasteless to flout a new 0 Dior ``saddle'' bag, but buying a cashmere sweater from Donna Karan qualifies as an investment.

HIPPIE CHIC

Designers heralded the change in mood at the spring-summer catwalk shows in October, which saw a return of the soft, romantic silhouettes of the hippie era after a season that gave birth to such dubious trends as ``terrorist chic.''

Camouflage prints and cartridge belts, now deemed inappropriate, were sent to the scrapheap.

Key looks that will hit stores in February include puff-sleeved blouses in crisp embroidered white cotton with a Victorian-era feel.

Fringed tunics, tie-dye patterns, suede boots and even kaftans are set to make a comeback as designers hark back to the peace-loving 1969 ``Summer of Love.''

And ruffles will be absolutely everywhere, softening the neckline of a blouse or adorning the hem of a peasant skirt.

Prominent shades include coral pink and yellow, mainly in mellow tones of buttercup and cream. But trend mavens agree the big color story of 2002 is white.

America's infatuation with the patriotic red, white and blue of the U.S. flag, a source of solace in the wake of the attacks，will lose steam by the middle of next year.

DESIGNERS PROPOSE, CLIENTS DISPOSE

Most importantly, industry oracles believe no single look will overshadow the rest. The growing focus on self-expression is set to breed a more individual way of dressing.

As interest soars in crafts and home improvement, customizing clothes will become de rigueur. Trawling shops for ribbons, beads and buttons is seen as a hot fad for autumn.

Luxury goods giants will also be searching for ways to stand out as the global economic downturn shrinks consumer demand.

``There was a need to send a strong image, but the role of luxury brands today is to continue standing out, to continue setting their own rules and expressing the designer's vision,'' said Pascale Weil, associate director at Publicis Consultants.

(Agencies)