1. The vanishing collar
The collarless jacket is our pick for this season’s most chic item. From cropped jackets to three-quarter coats, and everything in between, there is no limit to what we can pair these pieces with. Roll necks, round necks, collared shirts, roundneck dresses and T-shirts, the collarless jacket does it all. Spend a bit extra here.
2. Trainers in training
How fabulous they look on the catwalk – a wee Chanel boucle frock teamed with pastel sneakers. Warning: do not try this at home. This season’s hottest catwalk trend definitely does not translate well from runway to real life. Instead of looking chic and up-to-the-minute, you’ll risk looking like a dowdy “comfort before all else” type power walking to the office. The range of trainers and sneakers available in all manner of styles and designs does make them a must-have for this season, but be smart and team with stylish leisure wear and sports-inspired casual wear. If you insist on wearing your sneakers with jeans, ensure they are boyfriend or skinny styles and have the bottoms rolled up or the youth of today will be sniggering at your “sneans”. You have been warned.
3. Leather up
In a nod to the punk revival of 2014, the cropped, fitted leather biker jacket is key to nailing this season’s look. But team your jacket with more classic and understated pieces to avoid looking like you’re off to a theme party.
4. Roll with it
Last season we spied the return of the turtle neck. This season makes an even bigger statement with a roll or cowl-neck knit. Cosy, comfortable and self-accessorised – no necklace needed.
5. Tell me about it, stud
Loving the juxtaposition of the luxury and refined elegance of Valentino sunglasses embellished with on-trend studs. A fabulous accessory to acknowledge you are in vogue without pretending you’re something you’re not.
6. In the trenches
Winter fashion lends itself perfectly to timeless, investment purchasing and a trench coat is the leader of the classic pack. Tie the belt to the back to open the coat up when wearing with jeans, a T-shirt and ballet flats for autumn. Add boots and a roll-neck knit, and belt it closed for the cooler winter days.
7. Cut for class
They are back, and they are going to be around for a while, so go and invest in those fabulously comfortable, effortlessly chic wide-legged trousers. There are only two rules: get them professionally hemmed to work with your desired heels and ensure that whatever is on the top half is tailored and tucked in. The look is to be “effortless”, not “couldn’t be bothered”.
8. A Noe-ing look
The drawsting bucket-style bag is big, big news this season. My mind instantly goes to the ultimate in this genre; the Louis Vuitton Noe, designed in 1932 by Mr Louis Vuitton’s son and heir, Gaston-Louis Vuitton. The Noe was originally created at the request of a French Champagne maker who dreamed of a bag chic enough, yet sturdy enough, to carry no less than five bottles of his “divine” nectar. The Noe was the fashion house’s best-selling bag in 1986, 1990, 1991 and 1992, and is back to enjoy yet another season, Available in small, medium and large.
9. Denim diva
There are now no decent excuses for not owning great jeans. The monumental rise of the skinny jean over the last decade shows no sign of abating. The good news for those who can’t, or shouldn’t, be rocking skinny jeans is that fashion has eased up on its single-minded view. Boyfriend jeans (baggy and rolled up at the hem) are back.
What lies beneath
Summer is about simple lingerie that doesn’t give the game away when you are wearing lighter fabrics and skimpier cuts. Winter is a great time to refresh the beautiful lace sets that make us feel gorgeous and fabulous, despite the layers of wool.
