10 NEW SEASON FASHION RULES
Haven’t got your head around the styles to come? Don’t worry, help is at hand with our 10 essential steps to dressing for autumn/ winter ‘11. Stick to these and you can’t go wrong...
Rule 1
GO RETRO
Delve into the fashion archives for a spot of decade-blending. Are you a 20s tassel-clad flapper; a 40s femme fatale or perhaps a 70s disco diva? You decide!
Rule 2
GLAM IT UP
Last season’s Céline inspired sobriety has espoused a new age of polished elegance. Think hyper-feminine silhouettes and glossy jewel tones. Best bet? Invest in a black lace dress for classic vava-voom – perfect with pillar-box red lips and lust-have Louboutins.
Rule 3
MASTER METALLICS
Do daywear by adding a cashmere polo neck to a lamé skirt or a lurex-panelled shirt to a skinny jeans and blazer combo. Desk-todinner? Transform that LBD instantly with metallic heels.
Rule 4
SPLURGE ON NATTY KNITS
Ponchos are big news and perfect for transitioning from autumn to winter. Feeling the chill? Belt a cable knit sweater over a pencil skirt or drape loose over a fitted maxi dress and Chelsea boots.
Rule 5
BUY INTO BURGUNDY
Hot colour alert! This season’s burgundy buzz is deep, rich and a welcome departure from fail-safe black. Wear it head-to-toe; with natty neutrals like grey and navy or make it pop with patent accessories.
Rule 6
MAKE LIKE A BOY
Channel your androgynous side with tailored separates like tunics and cigarette trousers or a boxy double-breasted jacket. Man up with a bowler hat and rogues; or modify the macho with sky-high stilettos.
Rule 7
INVEST IN OUTERWEAR
Shearling, leather and faux fur coats figure strongly this season, with the ubiquitous cape proving it’s what’s on the outside that counts. Simply layer up and go.
Rule 8
CHECK YOURSELF OUT
Prints have acquired a mathematical slant with 60s-inspired checks and strong geometric shapes. Keep it contemporary with on-trend print clashing or make like Burberry with a notice-me overcoat.
Rule 9
TOY WITH TEXTURE
Create visual interest with 3-D finishes like faux-fur hems, tactile trims and skin print shoes.
Rule 10
BIGGER IS BETTER
Turn up the volume with cocoon coats, bell-shaped hems and super-sized peplums in stiff bonded fabrics. For a sleek look, keep separates simple, pare back accessories and add a must-have midparting.
