Well, actually there aren’t two 2011 different trends I want to try. There are only 11. Anyway, bad grammar aside, here’s my list for this Autumn/Winter:
1- Capes: I’m not talking about the fastened at the neck, fluttering in the breeze behind me, superman style of cape; but a more tailored variety. My favourite styles have a collar of some sort, buttons down the front, have welted openings for your arms to poke through and finish at hip length. I’ll be avoiding red and black as I don’t want to be mistaken for little red riding hood or an overly zealous Harry Potter fan. My Gran used to wear capes back in her day. I’m hoping my Mum has kept some of them so I can take a photo to show you how pretty they are. They were tailored, chic and she usually made them herself. I’m thinking a creamy coloured cape in a cosy wool tweed would be just perfect.
2- Glossy Berry Lips: I find that a glossy finish prevents a berry or wine shade from looking too heavy. It will bring some warmth and colour to all the navy and grey I plan on wearing this winter.
3- All Things Ladylike: Think late 50’s and Mad Men style early 60s silhouettes, rather than the mod style looks of the late 60s. I’m loving feminine hourglass silhouettes and polished ladylike accessories like brooches, scarves and gloves.
I found the scarf at a thrift store, the gloves belonged to my Gran and I purchased the brooch from an antique store to wear with my wedding dress.
4- Navy Everything: After living in navy throughout my high school years I subconsciously avoided it for ages. Over the last few years it’s been seeping back into my wardrobe and now I can’t get enough of it. It’s chic and flattering but not as harsh as black. Although for evening it looks amazing when paired with black accents. I’m also searching for the perfect shade of navy blue nail polish.
5- Pants That Aren’t Jeans: I am a lazy dresser and always fall back on jeans. I want to branch out and make ladylike tailored trousers (or ‘slacks’ as my Gran always called them) a wardrobe staple. I’m not a huge fan of the flared styles that are popping up all over the place, but I will be keeping my eye out for slacks with a wide leg.
6- Black Lace: I’ve always loved lace and I think with black lace there’s less risk of ending up looking like you’re wearing a curtain. I’m keen to don a black lace blouse with simple and chic styling to keep it fresh and avoid looking gothic.
7- Collars buttoned up to the top: I’ll be keeping my neck warm this winter by buttoning up my shirts all the way to the collar. The look works well (and gets extra cosy) when layered with sweaters or cardigans. I’ll also be experimenting with a ribbon or scarf tied in a bow under the roll of my collar with the bow sitting at the front.
A bow stops the shirt from looking overly business like
8- Loafers: Opinion is divided over the humble loafer, but I’m definitely in the “love ‘em” camp. I want some with tassels! (Tassels are another trend you should expect to see popping up everywhere.) They’re dapper, preppy and comfy. What more could I want? Except perhaps a velvet jacket, antique studded armchair and mahogany filled library to match…
9- Orange: It’s a zingy, warm and comforting choice for the cooler months. I love it when teamed with charcoal. Unfortunately with my ultra pale complexion (the word “Xerox” has been thrown around on more than one occasion), orange is not my best friend. However, I reckon orange leather gloves would be just ace.
10- Socks with Heels: This is another trend that some love and some despise. From a purely practical standpoint, as someone who hates having cold toes, I’m on board. It’s just a bonus that it’s also a super cute look. I think I’ll keep things soft and simple with neutral creams, beiges and greys. An easy way to try the trend would be to wear black or charcoal ankle socks with black heels.
11- Hats: I love hats but I never quite know how to style my hair when wearing them. Once I’m wearing a hat I can’t take it off because I’ll have terrible hat hair, but what if I go somewhere where I’m expected to remove my hat? This has happened before! I was out at a fairly nice bar, wearing a soft yet chic beret and was asked by security to remove my “beanie”. Subsequently my hair looked crap for the rest of the evening. Devastated. What happened to the good ol’ days when ladies could wear hats indoors as it was considered part of her hairstyle? I think it’s time for me to toughen up and give it another go.
Hats are back!
What trends are you loving or hating this season?
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Good call on Navy. And Navy + Black? Love it. To all those who say the two should never be seen together, Angela is right on the money.