Style status
Looks you can’t live without this winter
Words / Nicky Adams
Key pieces
Brace for a wet and windy winter with the ultimate wardrobe staple - the trench coat. This year outerwear silhouettes are trending as oversized, and while the extra wiggle room is handy for when you need to layer up underneath, upsized can feel just plain big on smaller frames. If you feel like you’re wearing a sack, then look for structure with exaggerated shoulders as an option. Pleats have cemented their place in every capsule wardrobe by becoming more prolific than ever – skirts, shirts, and dresses, you name it, you can find a pleat in it. The beauty of the pleat is that there’s something for everyone, and they’re quick and easy to style. A pleated skirt or dress looks sophisticated with a long blazer or pair a floaty fabric pleat with a heavy jumper for casual. The trick is to pick a pleat width to flatter your figure – an elasticated waist will create more bulk in this area, a dropped pleat less. Skirts themselves are having a hey-day; again, they offer versatility and open up colourways and patterns that you might not usually wear close to your face. Equally fabric that you may feel too ‘evening’ i.e., silk or sequins, can easily be dressed down for day wear in skirt form. It’s hard not to mention leather/faux leather trousers as a staple – now very much a daywear option they are more versatile, and hardwearing, than you would ever have imagined. Wide, straight, or tapered leg, leather is the new denim.
Trending now
Most wanted this season
In the pink
There’s so much to love about trends this winter – from the rush to get a fringe cut in (better than Botox it’s claimed) to a huge surge in searches for yellow after the UK Jubilee celebrations. Bright, feelgood colours are in vogue, and pink is most definitely the hue of the season (particularly fuchsia). People can’t get enough of the uplifting nature of this palette: psychologically soothing, it tends to be flattering on all skin tones, and with no age limit on wearing it, it’s hard to resist. If diaphanous pink dresses aren’t your thing, then try sharp tailoring – a pink blazer suit with a simple white vest top or t-shirt and white sneakers is a modern classic. If this is too much, then a colour pop with shoes or bag will do nicely.
Metallic Moments
Another big look this season is the vest, which can be tied into so many different styles, from preppy knits to boho. Throw on with a skirt, pants or over a dress - super quick, super chic. If there is ever a time to revel in the decadence of molten metal, it’s winter, and this season it’s all about the look of liquid metallics. While gorgeous sequins are perennially popular, the subtle, grown-up feel of a shimmering metallic is contemporary and luxurious all in one. If all over sheen is too much, then look for lurex which can be found woven through everything from knitwear to a basic tee.
Jean genie
The magic of getting to grips with wearing baggy jeans.
I think it’s fair to say that unless you happen to be a Gen Z, most women are currently struggling with the concept of finally retiring their beloved skinny jeans. I must confess that even though I haven’t worn mine for some time, they still haven’t been culled from the wardrobe. A bit like a breakup when it’s hard to know when to finally rip up the photos in case there’s a reunion, many of us have stashed our pairs still within reach. Nevertheless, when Kate Moss – the original pioneer of the skinny jean – moved on, the rest of us were on notice.
Most of the reticence to replace the skinny is simply that unlike a close fit jean, which tends to fit any form - even if, in my case, it involved a fight against the cotton/Lycra mix fuelled saggy bum look - baggy presents myriad style quandaries. Mention the move to baggies and the concerns fly from all directions - too short, too stumpy, too old – unless you are a 5ft 10 beanpole, it can initially seem daunting. In fact, the slouchier look is far more flattering to a far wider spectrum of figures and ages than it initially appears, and as a bonus its comfort levels put it up there with loungewear.
The first difference with baggies, is unlike skinny leg, there is an awful lot of choice. From wide leg to tapered, mom to boyfriend, high waist or low slung – there are many variations on the theme. Which means that there really is something for everyone, no matter body shape or height. Another key factor is there is a huge amount to be said for styling the top half, as well as footwear – these simple things will make the difference between feeling less like Eminem and more like Hailey Bieber.
The high waist tends to be a go-to for the more mature among us – not only will it elongate the legs, but nothing feels better than relaxing those lack lustre stomach muscles and letting the denim do the work. Pair with a knotted satin shirt, a boxy Chanel style jacket or blazer for a sleek look. High waist is also a winner for the younger and tauter of tummy – a loose crop top tee for a casual vibe, or bralette style for evening. Proportion and fit are key – a more relaxed bottom looks chicest with the contrast of a neater top.
When it comes to the fit of the leg if you are shorter and curvier seek out something specific to your shape -multiple brands offer both petite and curvy options (Abrand, Nobody Denim, Good American to name a few). Try to avoid too much fabric through the hips – loose rather than voluminous. Don’t buy a flare that is too long with a view to taking it up, the flare will get lost when shortened and you’ll be left with a bootleg.
Those long of limb and boyish of hip are the perfect candidate for a low rise, as well as the baggy style. Again, style with a silky shirt, this time pick a slightly more tailored look and tuck it in. A skinny belt looks fab with low rise, and if you’re on the shorter side then keep the top simple. Without the high waist to lengthen the leg, footwear becomes more important. While sneakers and chunky boots look fab with relaxed jeans, a stacked heel looks great, or a chunky loafer with added sole.
Ultimately getting in the changing room with an armful of denim is the only foolproof way to find the right amount of baggy for you. And if when all is said and done you prefer a more streamlined silhouette, that’s fine – personal style is always on trend.
Fashion forecast
Put a spring in your step by incorporating upcoming trends into this season’s wardrobe.
Ultra mini
As temperatures start to rise, so will hemlines. The micro-mini has been awaiting its return, and it’s back with a vengeance for spring. With everything from sequin to satin to stretch knit, these miniscule minis are in super statement shades, prints and fabrics, and are ready to pack a punch. Designers are aching to recreate the late 90s vibe, so there’s a smattering of everything replayed - hemlines are frayed, waists are low, and for the more sophisticated feel matching tweed jackets are paired with the teeny tiny skirts.
A bit of fluff
If you’re looking ahead for the perfect transitional statement to take into the new season – then you’ve found it in feather detailing. Feature feathers have been edging back in on the runway for a wee while, and whether a feather accent on a shoe or full marabou jacket, even the most casual outfit can be transported to old school glamour with the addition of a little plumage.
Colour me pretty
Cast aside your dingy sweaters and bring out the bright, bold colourways. For spring prints are big and boisterous with abstract prints and stripes reigning supreme. While the Breton stripe simply never goes away, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal stripes all feature heavily this spring. Oh, and so much green to come – from lime to grass, this colour will freshen up every wardrobe.
Net worth
Stretchy sheer knits in spring hues have taken off. Ultra-fine and uber comfortable, netted knits are the next step in the ribbed knitwear dress / pant/ skirt-top style that has been trending for the last couple of years. With the netted look coming at us in everything from tops to bags, this is an offbeat fashion that can be styled for day or night.
