I love October:
largely because my birthday’s on the 20th (presents
welcome, large or small) but also because fashion does
a bit of a turn around.
Into September we’re still
managing to get away with our summer wardrobes, even if
we are having to pull on cardies or jackets to protect
bare arms but when you reach October, that’s it.
Time to pack away the spaghetti straps and embrace the
Autumn/Winter collections. And embrace it I intend to.
I’m actually really excited about the advent
of cooler climes; I’m so over fake tans and can’t
wait to be pale and interesting again. I’m looking
forward to bundling up in warm fabrics and making the most
of the seasons key styles; because that’s exactly
what this season beholds: style. Autumn/Winter 2005 is
all about being womanly again, so I’m ready to turn
my back on the shapeless (but oh so comfy!) components
of hippy deluxe and embrace a more tailored, sharpened
look. So it’s bye-bye bo-ho and hello Hitchcock heroine
Hollywood glamour. Glamour is back, yea!!
My ultimate priority when October
draws in is to buy a coat and I don’t think it’s
an item worth scrimping on in the style stakes. I’ve
made that mistake many times in the past but this year
I intend to rectify the matter. After all, for the majority
of people that you encounter on a day-to-day basis, your
coat is the only garment they see, so it needs to speak
volumes. Whether it’s an overcoat or jacket, the
key here is tailoring. Jackets should be nipped in to give
a waspish waist: think Tippi Hedren in Marnie. Likewise
an overcoat should be sharpened with a belt. Incidentally,
belts are a key accessory for the season and should be
worn a good six inches higher than they have been for the
summer, i.e. around the waist and not the hips.
For tailored jackets look no further than Roland Mouret
for inspiration, unless you’ve got the cash to splash,
head to H&M for cheaper alternatives.
In terms of overcoats steal style from Roberto Cavalli, Fendi and Daks
and spend your money in Karen Millen, Warehouse and H&M. My favourite
coat on the high street is a red collar and cuffs wool number from
H&M. It satisfies the latest craze for the military/naval inspired
whilst remaining deeply feminine. For £69.99 it doesn’t
matter if the style is old before the season is out…
Don’t forget to continue the
old school glamour when you remove the coat too. High-waisted,
knee length, fitted skirts are a must, especially when
coupled with a Victoriana lacy blouse. Remember to carry
the look on down to your feet, ditch the summertime flats
and return to peep toe, skyscraper heels. Let’s face
it: this isn’t a look that we’re going to be
especially comfortable in. The shoes will be killing us
and our Converse pumps are going to look so damn tempting.
But persevere, and enjoy it! Fashion is supposed to be
fun after all, and it doesn’t hurt to remind everyone
once in a while that “I’m a laydeee don’t
you know…”
