From statements coats to spangly party dresses to cashmere knits – there are plenty of reasons to be cheerful about winter fashion, and not just because we can happily forgo leg shaving for a few months.
Many of us look forward to ditching uncomfortable flip flops for cosy boots and forgetting fake tan to disappear inside a snuggly jumper instead, but winter dressing is not without its perils, particularly if you want to look modern.
We enlisted the help of House of Fraser personal shopper Thiaba Diallo to find out the mistakes you need to avoid in order to look fabulous rather than frumpy…
1. Getting outfit proportions wrong
The formula for a perfectly flattering outfit is all about balance.
Wearing winter clothes that are all baggy and shapeless can be deeply unflattering, while an all-over bodycon outfit is generally not going to be your best friend over the age of, well, about 21 (unless you’re Naomi Campbell, in which case do whatever you damn well want).
The sports-luxe trend is a good example of where you need to get the balance right. ‘This can go very wrong if you don’t team the right top with the right bottoms’ says Thiaba. ‘Either wear a baggy sports-style trouser with a fitted top and heels to look sophisticated, or alternatively, if you prefer a tighter trouser, wear a floaty shirt tucked in at the waist.’
2. Failing to adapt trends for yourself
The pre-Christmas season is awash with seductive adverts showing us the outfits we simply need to buy – normally modelled by a 19-year-old. Ugh.
Although we want to stress there is absolutely not an age limit on any type of clothing, simply popping on the exact same outfit you’ve seen in an ad or on a mannequin, without adapting the trend to your own body shape, is a route to fashion disaster at any age.
Trends and fashion campaigns are great for inspiration, but be savvy and recreate the look according to your own body.
For example, while a mannish, boxy red coat might work on one body shape, others will prefer a coat cinched in at the waist, or you can switch a sequin mini skirt in favour of a sexy sequin pencil skirt.
3. Wearing ‘frumpy’ fabrics the wrong way
Certain fabrics which once had old-fashioned connotations have seen a revival of late, such a velvet.
‘Velvet is a key trend for autumn/winter 2017, but has also long been associated with being outdated and worn by more mature women’ says Thiaba. ‘Of course you can still wear it if you’re older – but choosing an outfit that compliments your shape is extra important.’
Thiaba recommends a dress that accentuates your best asset, whether that’s waist or legs, and avoiding fuss with a simple, bold cut.
4. Wearing the wrong bra
Like the foundations of a building, underwear is key to keeping everything in place and providing a good structure when you don your Christmas party dress.
‘Around 80 per cent of women wear the wrong bra size,’ reveals Thiaba. ‘Wearing the right bra will make a huge difference to your body shape, giving you an instant breast lift, a better posture and a more slender shape.’
Visit a lingerie department to be accurately measured (remember, your bra size is likely to change frequently throughout your lifetime) and choose a supportive, underwired style to hoik everything into place.
If you’re wearing a figure-hugging dress, you can also consider shapewear to ensure you avoid the dreaded VPL and produce a smooth silhouette.
5. Going too long or too short
Again when it comes to party dressing, you need to be careful about length.
‘If your dress is too long, particularly if you are petite, it can look frumpy, while a dress that’s too short can also be unflattering’ says Thiaba. ‘That’s why this season I love the high-low hem, as seen on the Issa dress below (red is also THE colour to be wearing right now). Whether you’re petite or tall, a fitted A-line shape suits everyone.’
6. Wearing leggings as trousers
Thiaba sits firmly in the anti-leggings-as-trousers camp and says it is ‘by far the biggest fashion faux pas, especially during winter’.
‘Unless are a supermodel, go for skinny jeans instead, as the thickness of the fabric will offer more support’ she says. ‘Skinny jeans are a timeless piece to have in your wardrobe, and can be smart, as well as casual.
‘Experiment with a pair of coated skinny jeans in burgundy if you want something more on-trend.’
7. Sticking to black all the time
‘During my 12 years of styling, I have met many clients who only wear black’ says Thiaba. ‘Not every complexion suits the colour, and for some it can look too harsh and ageing, especially if you have paler skin’.
Luckily, you don’t have to ditch your beloved black coat entirely – just learn to accessorize. ‘Add a statement necklace or scarf’ advises Thiaba. ‘Introducing bright shoes is also a great way to add youthful colour to your outfit’.
