At the risk of sounding like every other fashion editor right now, I do feel that you all need to know (be told) what you should be wearing in the next six months when the weather is colder. It’s shaping up to be a very dramatic season, sartorially speaking, which means it’s time to clear those wardrobes out and get rid of that cut-away swimsuit and any other summer nonsense. Statement necklaces? – old news, harem trousers? – give me a break, Star Trek shoulders? – do me a favour; it’s time for some decent clothes (read that how you want to). So here are some handy guidelines for you:
FUR - Potentially one of the biggest stories of the season. Some don’t think it’ll be that big. But it’s been a growing trend over the last few winters and I think it’ll be even bigger this season. Don’t think you have to wear the real thing. No-one has to these days as fake fur is so authentic. Yes, I do realise that’s a contradiction in terms, but bear with me. It’s warm, looks glamorous and says that you have balls. In fact, it sums me up in a fabric.
What should you go for? Well, like most trends, you have a choice. Short mink-like trapeze jackets, ¾ length shaggy coats, shearling aviator jackets, lambswool gillets and a whole host of accessories to bring out the inner yeti in you.
How should you wear it? Sparingly. Go for one item on the body at the time and, advised like a good bartender, don’t mix your fur.
CAPES – I’ve been doing these for years (she said smugly) and I can tell you, there’s no quicker way to add drama to your wardrobe. You’ll get stared at on the tube or train (buses are for the young, old and unfashionable) but that’s a good thing. Who wants to blend in? If you can’t do a cape, do a pashmina (yes, they do still exist) and wrap it around and fasten it with a brooch. Yes, I did say a brooch. Do I have to explain about those too? OK then. Later.
Capes are easy to use, go brilliantly over suits, for those of you that still have to wear the infernal things, and you can hide/protect/forget about your bag underneath them. Marvellous stuff.
What should you go for? Capes come in all lengths and some come with belts to really help you out. Keep it neutral; black, navy (flattering on the skin) or camel. Steer clear of red unless you want a wolf after you.
How should you wear it? With panache! Have all your items organised in your bag so you don’t flap about at doors or in shops, Batman style.
SIMPLICITY – Undoubtedly the biggest story of the season, though technically it started last season at Celine and head designer, Phoebe Philo, has continued the trend for this winter. Think quiet clothes, no embellishment. Frills, fringes and sequins are all out, (except at Valentino where they obviously couldn’t control themselves). Go for cut and quality fabric instead. This trend is all about clean lines and fit. You could say it’s subdued. But before you all start shouting ‘boring!’, let me tell you that it isn’t. It’s bliss. It’s the way clothes for women are meant to be. All that time wondering what goes with what will be a thing of the past. Your wardrobe will be so simple you’ll not worry about it for six months. This is a trend for sorted women, not dithering girls.
What should you go for? Muted colours and classic garments. Camel coats (though they will be everywhere), navy trousers, plain cashmere sweaters, leather skirts, silk t-shirts. Think soft fabrics, think sharp tailoring and remember that simplicity is the master. This season has it in droves.
How should you wear it? With strength and a bit of effort. When you’re simply dressed, people notice your clothes more. Keep your hair clean and tidy, your accessories to a minimum (that includes jewellery) and your shoes polished.
THE NEW BOOT CUT TROUSERS – “Woohooo! They’re back!” I hear you all shout. Yes, right. That’s all well and good but these are not the boot-cuts you remember from yesteryear. These are better (gasp). Why? These are high-waisted which means that they give you the appearance of legs the length of a supermodel (gasp again). I happen to be a convert to high waisted trousers for the simple reason that they are so comfortable. High waisted actually means they sit on the waist. Not under the bust (everyone thinks this) and not on or under the hip. What else is new about these? The hem. It’s a very slim boot cut. So, very tailored to the thigh (I said tailored, not tight), straight down from the knee, then a small flick at the bottom. So not a kick-flare in any guise, and not a typical prominent boot cut.
What should you go for? Good quality fabric, no bullet proof material please – these trousers have to flow. Secondly, make sure they are long. Choose your heel height and alter the trousers accordingly. There is nothing more leg shortening than trousers at the wrong height.
How should you wear it? With a simple top – tucked in. You will ruin the illusion if you have material swimming about your hips. Slinky satin blouses, fitted sweaters, tailored t-shirts. Keep any jacket you wear short too. There is no getting away from it though; this is a trouser that needs to be worn with a heel. Thank god kitten heels are back in, that’s all I can say.
THE NEW SKIRT LENGTH – Well, it had to happen at some point. We can’t go round in mini’s forever. Skirts are decidedly below the knee this season. I am a little worried. For a start, the average teenager will probably keel over at the thought of all that excess fabric on their thighs. Furthermore, we’ve all had mini’s on for so long, I think it’ll take divine intervention to change things, or as I call it, an Act Of Kate Moss. It’s an austere length for an austere time. Covered up and a little bit furtive. A bit like an investment banker who got us into this austere mess really.
What should you go for? You have three choices: a) The Midi. This is full skirted and either just below the knee or mid-calf; b) The Pencil. Needs no introduction but again, it’s on the knee and is as fitted as it ever was; or c) The Maxi. Floor length and either a straight column or on the bias. Your choice of fabric, from jersey to wool.
How should you wear it? Any longer length skirt dictates a simple, fitted top. The waist is particularly important for this trend. Get your belts out and tuck those tops and shirts in. This will automatically emphasise any curves but the length of the skirts will balance those out. It’s all about proportion. And apart from the Maxi, this is another trend that requires heels. Sorry about that.
Al photos: http://www.style.com/
FUR - Potentially one of the biggest stories of the season. Some don’t think it’ll be that big. But it’s been a growing trend over the last few winters and I think it’ll be even bigger this season. Don’t think you have to wear the real thing. No-one has to these days as fake fur is so authentic. Yes, I do realise that’s a contradiction in terms, but bear with me. It’s warm, looks glamorous and says that you have balls. In fact, it sums me up in a fabric.
CAPES – I’ve been doing these for years (she said smugly) and I can tell you, there’s no quicker way to add drama to your wardrobe. You’ll get stared at on the tube or train (buses are for the young, old and unfashionable) but that’s a good thing. Who wants to blend in? If you can’t do a cape, do a pashmina (yes, they do still exist) and wrap it around and fasten it with a brooch. Yes, I did say a brooch. Do I have to explain about those too? OK then. Later.
SIMPLICITY – Undoubtedly the biggest story of the season, though technically it started last season at Celine and head designer, Phoebe Philo, has continued the trend for this winter. Think quiet clothes, no embellishment. Frills, fringes and sequins are all out, (except at Valentino where they obviously couldn’t control themselves). Go for cut and quality fabric instead. This trend is all about clean lines and fit. You could say it’s subdued. But before you all start shouting ‘boring!’, let me tell you that it isn’t. It’s bliss. It’s the way clothes for women are meant to be. All that time wondering what goes with what will be a thing of the past. Your wardrobe will be so simple you’ll not worry about it for six months. This is a trend for sorted women, not dithering girls.
THE NEW BOOT CUT TROUSERS – “Woohooo! They’re back!” I hear you all shout. Yes, right. That’s all well and good but these are not the boot-cuts you remember from yesteryear. These are better (gasp). Why? These are high-waisted which means that they give you the appearance of legs the length of a supermodel (gasp again). I happen to be a convert to high waisted trousers for the simple reason that they are so comfortable. High waisted actually means they sit on the waist. Not under the bust (everyone thinks this) and not on or under the hip. What else is new about these? The hem. It’s a very slim boot cut. So, very tailored to the thigh (I said tailored, not tight), straight down from the knee, then a small flick at the bottom. So not a kick-flare in any guise, and not a typical prominent boot cut.
THE NEW SKIRT LENGTH – Well, it had to happen at some point. We can’t go round in mini’s forever. Skirts are decidedly below the knee this season. I am a little worried. For a start, the average teenager will probably keel over at the thought of all that excess fabric on their thighs. Furthermore, we’ve all had mini’s on for so long, I think it’ll take divine intervention to change things, or as I call it, an Act Of Kate Moss. It’s an austere length for an austere time. Covered up and a little bit furtive. A bit like an investment banker who got us into this austere mess really.