There’s a little bit of a chill in the air, so it is time to usher in some of the new trends for autumn/ winter. Maybe.
Some of them I’m thrilled to see, others I have no intention of giving a moment’s thought.
Let’s start with the “Absolutely not” list.
- High-waisted, wide-legged, baggy jeans. They are so hard to wear unless you are very tall and willowy, and most times, not very flattering from behind. Jeans are a staple in every wardrobe, so choosing the style that suits your body shape rather than what’s trending is wiser. For me, it’s straight-leg jeans cut off above the ankle, so I’ll avoid the current styles that make you look like a walking fridge.
- Fleece. I’m sure it feels warm and cosy, but fleece has a creepy cuteness, like a huggie that left the house.
- Cropped sweaters.Why, just why?
- Cargo pants. Designers bring these back around every few years or so, and again they are one of the trickiest cuts to pull off. They can look elegant in a silky fabric, worn with a heel, but otherwise, you’re heading into tradie territory. It’s a great trend for the very young. On young women with washboard abs wearing the aforementioned cropped sweaters, but they’re not a wardrobe essential for the rest of us.
On a positive note, there are some trends currently in store that I am absolutely in love with.
- The return of the man-style slip-on loafer. I bought a pair in soft tan leather from the brand Everlane and they go with absolutely everything, from jeans to dresses to a pantsuit. Loafers are a good option when you want to wear something slightly dressier than a sneaker but not commit to a heel, and there is something about them that makes a classic outfit look a bit cool.
- Parkas and puffer jackets in evening fabrics. Utilitarian shapes in a luxe fabric seem very modern, like a hooded parka in silk shantung or a cropped puffer in satin. These are the sort of pieces that can elevate your look during the day, worn with leggings or jeans and then look casually glamorous for night. It seems a very contemporary way to dress to me, merging luxury with the functional.
- Brightly coloured sweaters. However, this comes with a caveat. I saw a sweater online in a beautiful Tiffany shade of blue, but when I went to the store and tried it on, the combination of bright blue and a cowl neck put me straight into grandma territory. A V-neck would have been less ageing, or alternatively, a roll neck but in black, beige or navy.
- Leather motorcycle jackets have made a big comeback, with a very nice and relaxed Parisian vibe about them. I also love shearling, especially chic as a long sleeveless coat, sort of Ali McGraw 70s style, which looks less bulky and beautiful over a roll-neck sweater. A cream or black roll neck. Just not Tiffany blue.
