The knit poncho is...the new cardigan
From left: wool/cashmere, £299, Jaeger London, 0845 051 0063; cashmere-mix, £45, Marks & Spencer, 0845 302 1234
When Chloé showed its spring/summer 2010 collection, the audience were left trying to figure out what season they had just seen (the collection had both wool ponchos and khaki waterproofs). But the trans-seasonal feel reflects how most of us dress now. Breezy cover-ups like the poncho simply make more sense for our temperate climate. Like the gilet, the poncho has suffered derision for its part in the boho revival, but has come back in sleeker variations. Jaeger London has a cashmere-mix version that is similar to next spring’s Chloé poncho. To give ponchos definition, try wearing them with a wide belt.
The snood...is the new scarf
From left: acrylic, £14.99, River Island, 020 8991 4759; acrylic, £16, Oasis, 01865 881 986
As well as being glamorous — think of Forties movie stars such as Joan Crawford wearing theirs with wide-shouldered tailoring —snoods are cocooning and provide a great way to block out the world while you are getting from A to B. After appearing this year on countless autumn catwalks from Alexander Wang to Missoni, the snood has finally been picked up by the high street. Unsurprisingly, it was Paris Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld who kicked off this cosy winter trend aeons ago. And if it’s good enough for Carine…
The gilet...is the new coat
From left: shearling, £640, Karl Donoghue, net-a-porter.com; faux fur, £60, Topshop, 0845 121 4519
The gilet was once the height of fashion. Then it was monopolised by a certain type of Notting Hill bohemian who wore theirs with pastel cashmeres and jeans — and suddenly the gilet wasn’t cool anymore. But it’s back and it’s one of the handiest pieces you can buy for a British winter. It’s cosy enough for days when there’s a snap in the morning air, but not as bulky as a winter coat. The new versions have far more street cred, such as Haute Hippie’s Mongolian lamb’s wool gilet (at Net-a-Porter and Matches). King of the gilet, Karl Donoghue, has shearling styles with ragged edges and dramatic high necks, which are great for layering. Wear them with skinny pants and chunky, high-heeled boots.
The ankle boot is...the new knee-high boot
From left: suede, £140, Banana Republic, 020 7758 3550; leather, £140, Kurt Geiger, 0845 257 2571
Last week, a historic fashion house was launching its fragrance in Paris. Women of all ages were there, but what linked them was that they all wore high-heeled ankle boots. When ankle boots first became a big trend last year, it was girls in their twenties who wore them. Now they’ve grown up. They give edge to an LBD — if you pick black satin or suede , you’ll look sleek without any effort.
The maxi skirt is...the new trouser
From left: satin, £120, Coast, 01865 881986; polyester, £590, LPBG, brownsfashion.com
Only fashion-savvy readers are likely to be familiar with Haider Ackermann. The lean silhouette he has developed in his current and forthcoming collections, and is gathering pace. It has been a while since long skirts have been a notable trend. As such, they now look surprisingly fresh. Long skirts can also be a more flattering alternative to trousers during the winter. Ackermann’s look is all about textures, so mix long silk or satin skirts with a sculptural suede or leather biker jacket, or wear them with fitted textural knits.
(Daily Telegraph U.K.)
