Strike a pose

Above: Billy Bag

Above: Fiorelli Carlton Neutral Snake

Above: Marc O'Polo

Above: Marie Mero

Above: Nougat

Above: Pause Cafe

Above: Stuart Weitzman

As a new fashion season gets underway, first impressions are created by a fresh array of colours and interesting shapes. Then beyond those broad brush strokes are details and finishing touches that are the true secret of success
with the latest looks.

Take black, for example. You will hear a great deal about its importance this autumn, but the way you wear it is paramount. Head-to-toe black might be stark, nay even – dare I say – dull, but for texture and shiny patent.
Wear black in simple shapes, go for crafted cuts, and always add ‘surface interest’.

Colour can be added in small doses or one large block – in bright accessories or a single colour statement coat or jacket, perhaps.One of the boldest new colours is purple, another that works extremely well solo, but partners beautifully
with black, though don’t miss seeing how well it sits alongside brown.

Red is a rival attention seeker, this autumn as vivid as a postlbox, ready to cheer up black, complement grey and stand out from the crowd if you dare wear it all on its own. A great antidote to any dull day, red is a must in coats and knitwear.

Said coats might be structured, funnel neck three-quarter styles with over-sized buttons, or an elegant belted mac, or a more casual padded but quite posh parka. Knitwear for this season is lightweight but cosy, either cropped short in neat or flared shapes, or ultra long. Yarns are always luxurious, soft and often add that all-important texture to an outfit.

Black, grey and off-white knits form the foundations, but there are also interesting alternatives in new greens, flexible neutrals, berry colours and glitzy metallics.

Knitwear, in particular, plays a vital role in autumnal layering. Shorter sleeves are worn over long, short tops over tunics, contrasts are created with varying lengths, layers, textures and tone-on-tone colours.

Some jumpers are voluminous enough to be mini dresses, which requires a great set of legs to be worn with just a pair of opaque tights, boots and a trailing scarf. If you don’t have the pins, wear yours over skinny jeans.

Leather has a new role for the season. Butter soft, gorgeously textured, carefully cut to be chic or casual. Keep it smart with tailored pants or a slimming pencil skirt, or go ‘biker’ and throw on your leather over a floaty dress.

Stylish and practical
Trousers are practical, but also supremely stylish. With wide legs, sharp creases and deep turn-ups, they add inches worn over high shoes. Some also, like many tailored skirts, look even taller with a grown-on waist. Deep greys rival black as basics, but watch too for darkest navy and chocolate in more slender shapes.

Any and all of these styles will fall apart if they are presented with the wrong footwear. Love or loathe them, shoe-boots really can make or break a quirky look.

Long boots either have stiletto-sharp toes and heels or stand as flat as riding boots, dressed with buckles and fringing, or polished to a mirror finish in plain or quilted patent.

_______________________________________________________________________________