The nights are drawing in and temperatures are definitely dropping: say ‘hello!’ to winter everyone. Yes, it’s the season most fashionista
The nights are drawing in and temperatures are definitely dropping: say ‘hello!’ to winter everyone. Yes, it’s the season most fashionistas dread, where snowstorms, icy pavements and seriously chilly winds threaten to render any attempts at stylish dressing useless.Yet why should you have to settle for the boring old jumper and jeans routine? The A/W 2013/14 catwalks were filled with unconventional takes on winter dressing to liven up your wardrobe.
Here’s a list of five of the most surprising:
1) Pastel Pale. Yep, that’s right- shades of blush pink, nude, ice grey and winter white are the shades of the moment if you want to stand out this winter. It’s a daunting concept; wearing a 50 Shades of White outfit can either make you look washed out or as though you are pretending it’s still summer, but done right and this is a seriously chic look. Why not try one of this season’s must-have cocoon coats in a pastel pink with a pair of light grey trousers, such as these from Boohoo.com? Add a white roll-neck jumper and lashings of eyeliner to create a sixties-inspired look.
Or, if you’re not quite brave enough (or can’t afford the dry-cleaning bills!) for a white-on-white ensemble, a pale pink or beige jumper, such as this one from Zara, is elegant and cosy when tucked into a leather-look skater skirt.
2) Florals. This season’s gothic update of florals proves they are not just for summer. Givenchy reimagined the leather biker with a printed floral pattern, while Vera Wang used a black and silver design to add a touch of luxury to peg-leg trousers.
The key is to look for darker colours and opulent materials. Missguided have it nailed with these floral flock leggings: their combination of comfort and style makes them a big yes for winter dressing.
3) Sleeveless Coats. If you’re really looking to make a statement this winter, then follow the likes of Victoria Beckham and buy a sleeveless coat.
We’ve come to know and love the gilet, but this season it’s about longer lengths, such as this bold design from H&M. This is definitely a difficult trend to work but if you really want to look like you’ve just stepped off the catwalk, this is the look to be wearing now. Try teaming a dark sleeveless coat with a bold-coloured or printed jumper. Alternatively, the coat can be buttoned up and worn as a dress for a look that really screams ‘style icon’!
4) Ethnic Prints. We have Isabel Marant’s new collection for H&M to thank for carrying this mostly summer trend into the new season. Marant styles the look by pairing Aztec-detailed accessories with a more natural pallet of clothing or going for bold prints in autumnal shades. If you can’t quite afford Marant’s collection for H&M, then this cardigan from Boohoo.com is as similar as you’ll find elsewhere on the High Street. Team with some burgundy skinnies to liven up the look.
5) Slipper Shoes. What’s that, I hear you say? You only wear boots in winter? Well this season why not go wild and invest in the shoe of the moment?
Whether they be velvet, studded or animal print, flats are having a luxury upgrade this winter. Ok, they won’t beat your trusty builder boots for practicality and are definitely not suitable for trudging through the snow. Instead, why not invest in a pair like these glittery ones from Next, to replace your stilettos on a night out? Comfort and sparkle, what’s not to love?
Slipper shoes and sleeveless coats? What do you think to this year’s winter trends? Have your say in the comments section.
