We may be reaching for scarves but last week Gap unveiled its Spring 2011 vision. The look can be summed up as clean and pristine. Think lots of neutral, white and soft-but-sophisticated shapes. Patrick Robinson, vice president of design, says it’s “a little sexier than in the past”. For women, key pieces are minimal blouses with breast pockets, soft blazers and draped trenches; the key trouser shape is a high-waisted, flared jean. For men, there are hooded macs, coloured slim-leg khakis and soft, Alexander Wang-ish T-shirts. Photograph: Guardian
Oh, the sweet fashion poetry that has been created via knitwear maestro Missoni hooking up with Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Stars. It’s not cheap, admittedly, but it’s still more affordable than a House of Missoni zig-zag jumper. Note: the Italian label’s men’s knits for spring are amaze. So if you start saving now . . .
£220, 020-7823 1910 Photograph: Guardian
The involvement of Stella McCartney with Team GB’s Olympic kit design was announced earlier in the year with great fanfare. McCartney’s range of sports fashion for Adidas is already a hit, so the collaboration makes total sense. This jumpsuit (is it slightly crying out for heels and a cocktail?) is taken from the launch collection of fan wear – ie, a collection to build momentum around the games. The fashion desk approves of the navy-ness, the judo/karate-style belting and, of course, the gold hardware.
£100, adidas.com Photograph: Guardian
George at Asda and bespoke tailor Charlie Allen have created a super-affordable range of smart men’s clothing, including this purple striped shirt for £16. We were sceptical, but the quality of the fabrics, as Allen acknowledges, is impressive. The jacket and coat interior details reveal that someone who really knows about menswear and tailoring has been involved. Allen’s favourite piece is the £79 evening suit, which, as he says, invites the question: why bother to hire one?
£16, available from 8 November, george.com Photograph: Guardian
There’s a three-point excitement plan behind this swingy Oasis skirt. First, its scarlet hue is fabulously on-trend – try it with camel. Second, it’s a no-brainer option for festive ice skating. Third, it’s screaming for a jig around the Christmas tree, and will clash like a treat with a dash of eggnog.
£35, available from 8 November, 01865 881986 Photograph: Guardian
