Awards season has begun with the usual furore over dress choices. The Golden Globes were dominated by neutrals and ruffles; the National TV Awards a smorgasbord of wild-card frocks, flammable satin and lashings of unnecessary sparkle. In among the carnage was actor Kara Tointon in this stunning Alexander McQueen gown, which, like Marion Cotillard’s Dior number at the Globes, figured out a way to incorporate the underwear-as-outerwear trend on the red carpet without any fancy-dress connotations. It’s also a clever way to wear a safe choice – black – but with an on-trend twist. Also triumphant was her hair – neat but not dull and, crucially, not a distraction from the outfit. Similarly, jewellery was minimal with just a statement cocktail ring to make the whole thing pop. Photograph: Mike Marsland/WireImage.com
The drape/knot/pleat trio are hard at work this spring, pulling together to create skirts of wonder, such as this super-sweet one coming soon to River Island. Aside from the fact that if you squint, it’s practically a new-season Burberry, its prettiness coupled with the tone of soft pink ticks off the curent romance and pastel trends in one sugary swoop.
£36.99, 020-8991 4904, riverisland.com
Photograph: Guardian
Gather round as we play 1970s Girl Guide, reinvented 2010-style. Those clever clogs at Gap with their spring utility story – coming soon: a shirt-dress, “cadet” chino and cropped parka – know what the smart woman wants in that odd time between spring and summer. This poncho has poppers inside to create a more defined armhole and reduce flapping. Style with slim trousers and a heel.
£49.50, gap.eu
Photograph: Guardian
If you’re finding the current “neutrals are the new black” fashion hype a bit wishy-washy, then how about cream festooned with angry gold studs? These stilettos are from knitwear whizz-kid and London fashion week star Louise Goldin’s first shoe range for Topshop. Still not convinced by pale neutrals? Ah well, these come in black with black studs too.
£150, available from 19 February, topshop.com Photograph: Guardian
Alice by Temperley. More affordable than Temperley London (prices range from £80 to £500), this debut collection is supremely nonchalant. There are lots of punchy prints – the tiger-print scarf has already been worn by Ben Grimes and Cat Deeley – alongside dots, stripes, quilted leather and slate-grey denim. The cardinal jacket in grey with a white trim is neat and has military leanings, making it the sensible buy for this season. But this jumpsuit, also in the tiger print, is both offbeat and outrageously fun.
£240, temperleylondon.com
Photograph: markhatfield/photo com
Short-sleeved shirts get a bad rap. It’s something that factions within the fashion desk feel strongly about. Take this fine specimen: it’s like a dressier T-shirt, is it not? Plus, it’s from Dover Street Market’s own- label spring range, which surely confirms the style’s underrated fabulousness.
£162, doverstreetmarket.com
Photograph: David Levene
