This all sounds great in theory, but how will it work in a way that will also refresh our wardrobes to feel more relevant to the new season? The trick is to audit your current wardrobe through the lens of the new trends and in particular, through colour. We’ve seen lots of colours carry over from the last two seasons, particularly mocha browns and burgundies which you may already have in your wardrobe. However, it’s how we match these that will bring our looks up to date. New colour combinations such as burgundy with grey, brown with cream or powder pink with either brown, burgundy or grey, are particularly complementary. Orange is also a colour you will see lots of over the coming months. This can be introduced mindfully through accessories like jewellery or scarves and works surprisingly well, brightening up most neutral colours such as khaki or taupe. If you don’t happen to have any of these tones, or perhaps pinks and brights are not your thing, blacks, winter whites and creams are your go to. These classic colours are also contemporary, the mainstay of any fashion editors wardrobe, so you’ll always be in good company.
Trends are also reflected in new silhouettes. Blazers are big and boxy, reminiscent of the 1980s. So why not ‘borrow from the boys’? A mens oversized blazer belted over a pencil skirt or trousers will give you instant fashion credibility. Shirts are also square and mannish. Combine two trends in one with a current favourite, the tailored pima cotton shirt from COS, in the most stunning shade of blush pink.
Anything goes in terms of skirt lengths but key fabrics include satin and the use of lace trimmings. NEXT has a great example of a navy satin midi length skirt with a deep lace trim and an elegant all satin version in powder pink. These could be dressed up with a kitten heel or down with trainers, night or day respectively.
The barrel style and wide high waisted trousers are here to stay. If you feel it’s time to give these a try but don’t want to over invest, the high street offers lots of great inexpensive options, like these chocolate brown trousers from Zara. Make sure to always tuck in tops when wearing these styles in order to see your waist. A thin knit or shirt tucked in with a cropped jacket, will give you both height and longer legs.
The easiest and most affordable way to incorporate the new trends is with the addition of a simple satin or silk scarf. They continue to grow in popularity, worn every which way. It’s a good idea to choose one with multiple colours in your preferred shades so that it can be worn with as much as possible in your wardrobe. Parfois has a great collection, including a multi-coloured option in rich browns and a bright royal blue which shouldn’t work, but absolutely does!
Lastly, you can’t ignore suede this season. It’s in everything from bags to jackets, shirts and shoes and is a great way to add a little luxury and to soften your overall look. Loafers are both practical, stylish and never go out of fashion. NEXT do a great pair as do M&S but unlike your other purchases, it’s best not to overthink so you don’t miss out!
