Dressing up as sexy secretaries (pencil skirts, pussy bows and pointy courts), 1960s mod babes (minidresses and coloured tights) or gypsy-skirted bohemians (self-explanatory) has been a lot of fun, but these recent trends are rooted in fantasy. They don’t so much reflect the times we live in as the times we wished we’d lived in. And so, we have been presented with limo shoes for those who wish they were famous, white coats for untouchable beauties and hourglass corset dresses for those film-noir vamp moments.
This autumn, however, something startling has happened. Utility, wearability, comfort and function are back on the the agenda, because fashion is having a reality check. Designers are not taking inspiration from fantasy muses, but from modern urban life. Luxury and style have not been forgotten. It is just that, as well as looking good, autumn’s key items must also perform. I am talking about a truly practical coat, such as a parka, which will keep the rain and cold out. Another essential is a pockety bag that’s big enough to put your life in. Footwear is also in keeping with this new mood of realism. Top of the shopping list? A stomping pair of puddle- proof boots.
Clotheswise, it is the items that work hard and are versatile that you should invest in. An oversized boyfriend knit, which could be worn on its own as a dress or over jeans is a very useful item. A tunic dress or tunic top is equally versatile and looks particularly good with leggings or a pair of the new skinny, tailored trousers. These slender pants might seem daunting at first, but a well-cut pair can be far more flattering and forgiving than skinny jeans, because they skim rather than cling. If you have ever wished that fashion would get real, then this is the season for you.
BOYFRIEND KNIT
Loose, slouchy and comfortable, the boyfriend knit is a hugely versatile piece. Wear it over trousers and jeans or with leggings. It also works as a dress, providing you buy one that is long enough. If not, you’ll end up looking like you’ve left the house without the bottom half of your outfit.
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1 Grey and navy striped V neck, £14, from George at Asda; 0500 100055
2 Green cashmere V neck, £69, from Marks & Spencer; 0845 302 1234
3 Grey V neck, £358, by 3.1 Phillip Lim, from Matches; 020 7221 06255
SKINNY TROUSERS
Keep the lower half of your silhouette slender with leggings (ribbed ones look great) or neat, tailored pencil trousers. A well-cut pair is more flattering than skinny jeans. They are also a good layering piece with something long and loose on top.
1 Grey trousers (with stirrup), £295, by Miu Miu, from Start; 020 7729 3334
2 Purple leggings, £18, by American Apparel; 020 7734 4477
3 Black skinny trousers, £225, by Freda, from Matches, as before
4 Grey trousers, £425, by Proenza Schouler, from www.net-a-porter.com
BIG BAGS
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Forget about polite little bags — practicality is the key. The best totes come oversized and with tons of pockets. Slouchy shapes, washed leathers and exaggerated hardware are also important.
1 Oversized shopper, £265, by Russell & Bromley; 020 7629 6903
2 Oversized tan bag, £659, by Chloé, from Matches, as before
3 Black baguette bag, £58, from Gap; 0800 427789
TUNICS
Neat, clean and unfussy, the tunic is a good option for smart or more dressy occasions. Wear it alone with tights, or layered over leggings for parties. Alternatively, try it over skinny trousers or a pencil skirt as an alternative to the work suit. Or belt it for an hourglass look.
1 Grey tunic, £300, by Marc by Marc Jacobs, from Selfridges; 0870 837 7377
2 Red tunic, £38, from Topshop; 0845 121 4519
3 Green patterned tunic, £140, by See by Chloé, from www.my-wardrobe.com
COATS
The watchwords for coats are warm, cosy and practical, and the parka ticks all these boxes — wear it slouchy and oversized. Snuggly, quilted, down jackets are also making a stylish reappearance.
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1 Bronze parka, from £175, from Topshop, as before
2 Green parka, £80, from River Island; 020 8991 4759
3 Black quilted jacket, £360, by Belstaff; 020 7495 5897
4 Black quilted jacket, £58, from Gap, as before
STOMPING BOOTS
The tough, uncompromising, all-terrain boots are the footwear equivalent of the 4WD. Buckles, straps and heavy-duty soles add to their practical appeal. Their chunky proportions work best when worn with something skinny, such as leggings, and a voluminous top.
1 Brown biker boots, £110, from Office; www.office.co.uk
2 Flat boots with sheepskin lining, £190, from French Connection; 020 7935 4880
3 Brown suede boots, £520, by Purdey; 020 7499 1801, www.purdey.com