Winter is here – at least in shop window terms. So what key items should you consider buying to update your wardrobe, and what should you keep from the last season?
Go-to blazers
A great boyfriend blazer is still a must-have item. They go with everything from jeans to floral dresses. This season you’ll also wear them with track-style trousers or printed pants.
Speaking of printed pants, they are also still big news this season. If you bought lightweight silk ones for summer, these can be updated for winter with warm ankle boots, a polo neck (this is another item you should keep hold of) and that aforementioned blazer.
Suits You
For an update on both these trends, the printed suit has had a remarkable impact on the fashion landscape. Floral suits are particularly hot this season (see Lisa Ho, above), and the great thing is that they are a very fashion-forward version of a work suit, but can also be separated into their top and bottom portions to wear with other separates. A printed blazer will work well with jeans or clashing with another print in a dress or top. And the trousers will go well with jumpers and plain jackets.
Knit One, Pearl One
Knitwear of the chunky, homespun variety is having a real moment, too. Especially popular this season are contemporary cable knits (see Jac + Jack, above) and updates on the Aran knit. They are often shorter than their traditional counterparts or have a more interesting neckline. Snowflake sweaters and fluffy mohair are also looking good, worn with short, full skirts or jeans alike.
Lacy Days
If you don’t’ already have anything lacy in your wardrobe, it’s time to find one. A pretty lace dress in a bright or subtle colour will be your perfect winter party dress (such as this one from Lover). Of course, black lace won’t date as quickly, so if you’re looking for a long-term investment, opt for this or classic cream. Similarly, a great lace top or tee will dress up jeans or cropped trousers; a lace skirt will be great paired with a plain tee, shell top or knit.
Bold and the beautiful
Brights are still holding strong, so these are definitely worth keeping this season. Bold hues of crimson, Klein blue, fuchsia, emerald and purple (even together, as per this look from David Lawrence) will be striking against the more traditional winter shades of black, grey, black and black. One thing you can definitely ditch, however, are those bright tights of a couple of winters ago, unless you’re under 25.
Age-appropriate dressing
Which brings us to another subject: what exactly is age-appropriate dressing? I actually hate to say that you shouldn’t wear certain things after certain ages – if you still have great legs, a miniskirt is fine. But really, no-one should be wearing those micro-minis always spotted in Kings Cross at 2am on a Saturday, whether you’re 21 or 41. It’s really about knowing what suits you and your lifestyle.
One approach of assessing what you should be dressing like at different ages is looking to your favourite celebrities. I’m hoping here that Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian don’t rate highly here.
Some celebrities worth noting, however, at different ages are…
20s:
Zooey Deschanel, Emma Watson
30s:
Diane Kruger, Kate Moss, Rachel Bilson
40s:
Elle Machperson, Sarah Jessica Parker
50s:
Julianne Moore, Ellen Barkin
60s+:
Helen Mirren, Sophia Loren, Iris Apfel
It’s about finding your signature – and that’s something that just keeps getting refined the older you get. Your 20s should be all about experimenting; your 30s about starting to work out what really works for you; your 40s about knowing what works for you; from there on it’s easy. And always be prepared to embrace your own idiosyncracies and eccentricities.
Having an identifiable look that sets you apart from the crowd is a beautiful thing at any age.
