October’s just begun and Autumn/Winter 2012 collections are in stores. But with so much choice and a limited budget, what should you buy this season? I’ve put together a guide to help you decide what clothes will take you through the season (hence a good fashion investment).
The idea is to select pieces that you can wear from October till January based on function, fashion and wearability.
The Winter Dress
Cold weather calls for knit or wool fitted dresses that can be paired with opaque tights or even slim-fit trousers. Depending on the weather in your city, choose a dress in a neutral or favourite colour in solids or simple prints, but with a great fit or interesting detailing.
Below: Cable Knit Dress from Mango
The Evening Dress
It’s still too early in the season for bling, and heavy sequins are not something you really wear too often, unless you’re a party animal. So smartly choose an elegant luxurious and feminine dress that says it in style. Lace is the best bet- and it will take you from evening to night!
Below: Lori Lace Jersey Dress from French Connection
The Knit Top
A knit top is the building block of winter layering. Before it freezes over, you can wear it under a light jacket or blazer, or as it is. A print, pattern or hint of embellishment would add some life to an otherwise basic piece.
Below: Knit top from Allen Solly
The Jeans
You can never go wrong with classic blue skinny or bootcut jeans. But with the range of options in colours, fits and textures, what should you choose? For daily wear, try a new fit you haven’t worn before- like the high waist or the flared styles.
Below: Bootcut skinny jeans from Levi’s.
The Light Cardigan
You’ll need plenty of light cardigans and sweaters over the next few months. Choose pieces with interesting details like zippers, buttons or even embellishments. Hot colours this season? Bold, brights, jewel tones!
Below: Cardigan from Sisley
The Jacket
In the past couple of years, blazers have slowly crept their way into every woman’s wardrobe, and not just as office wear. For this winter, try a wool-based blazer to keep you warm and stylish. Choose either a subtle pattern or an eye-catching monotone. Androgyny is in so wide lapels and a slightly oversized fit would work well.
Below: Checked blazer from Zara
The Pre-Christmas Must-Have
Gold and silver metallic finishes will be hot this party season, not just on dresses and tops, but also on jeans! Buy gold finish jeans in the run-up to the party season (which means right now!) and get labelled a trendsetter.
Below: Liquid metal jeans from Calvin Klein Jeans
The Footwear
No more open sandals or chappals. Switch to boots, booties and closed shoes to avoid getting cold feet (sorry, pun unintended).
Below: Shoes from Vanilla Moon
The Day Bag
I believe bags are seasonless, but there’s something about soft textured bags that say winter. Subtle prints make them all the more desirable.
Below: Bag from Lecoanet Hemant
What are you investing in this season?