This was published 6 months ago
From teddy bear to winter wear: New-season fashion trends
It’s getting colder, but there are bright spots on the darkening horizon – and they come in shades of hot pink, colourful faux fur and just a hint of glitter. From looks sophisticated to snuggly, we’ve got you covered.
Vested interest
The Princess of Wales in a classic wool sweater-vest (left); Oroton’s button-detailed knit (right).
The sweater vest has become a trans-seasonal essential, perfect for keeping your core warm when a cool front blows in. Worn over a shirt, the vest hints at blue skies above while layering snugly – and, importantly, bulk-free – beneath a blazer for when temperatures start to bite. Singer Harry Styles favours patterns that pop, but this classic grey sweater-vest worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, during the northern autumn is ready to enter high wardrobe rotation until the spring. Button-detail shell knit, $249.
Tinsel town
A touch of tinsel at Dries Van Noten’s show (left) and in this Scanlan Theodore skirt (right).
Bringing some sparkle to the sea of grey and black that dominates winter wardrobes is the perfect antidote to style-related seasonal affective disorder. At the latest shows, fashion houses from Loewe and Dries Van Noten to Gucci liberally applied glitter to banish the winter yips. Go all out in a full-tinsel jacket or offer just a hint of glitter on a skirt to elevate the season’s black tights and turtlenecks. Tinsel wrap skirt, $800.
Sweet and low-down
Actor Paul Mescal (left) models the white athletic sock trend.
After seasons spent subjecting our bare ankles to brisk winds, the sock has returned. In particular, white athletic socks have escaped their association with Michael Jackson to become the ultimate accompaniment to polished black loafers. It’s an instant update that can be found in your local sports store or on more rarefied sock racks for the cashed up. Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers) is on board. Meanwhile, a mottled, off-white is less startling for rookies and handy for an impromptu gym stop on the way home from work. Prada “Re-Nylon” socks, $570. Adidas lounge sock, $20.
Women at work
Actor Tracee Ellis Ross (left) layers a classic utility jacket with luxe fabrics; Carhartt’s corduroy-collared jacket (right).Credit: Prada, Supplied
The utility trend doesn’t require complete commitment. Take the belts and buckles too far and you could be mistaken for a member of the Village People or a worker on the nearest building site. Actor Tracee Ellis Ross nails construction style by layering a classic utility jacket with luxe fabrics. An uninformed observer might conclude she’s grabbed the nearest jacket in an emergency but, make no mistake about it, this is a considered clash. Carhartt “Detroit” jacket, $440.
High and dry
Supermodel Irina Shayk models over-the-knee boots (left); Camilla and Marc’s take (right).
When it comes to extending the life of short dresses and miniskirts
this winter, start from the ground up. For the past few seasons, boots have been reaching new heights, in some cases even morphing into pants, but we suggest stopping just above the knee. Cold thighs? Pair with skinny jeans, leggings and generous midi-skirts. In the northern winter, supermodel Irina Shayk made over-the-knee boots, worn with a voluminous coat, winter’s ultimate style statement. “Maya” boots, $1200.
Teddy wear
Take a small step to Moschino’s all-in matching sweats and boots (left) with toast-coloured, toasty trackie pants by New Balance (right).
Resist the urge to crawl into bed and cuddle a stuffed toy as the mercury plummets and dress like one instead. Outside the menswear shows in Italy, teddy bear-inspired tracksuits, fresh from the Moschino runway, offered emotional support. While Moschino’s kitsch embroidered sweats were accessorised with matching boots, you can start small by getting snuggly in a top-to-toe toast-coloured trackie. New Balance jogger pants, $90.
In the dark
Winter maxi-dress action on Paris’ streets during Fashion Week (left); Ganni’s floral frock (right).
Actually, forget Moschino’s teddy bears for a minute (cold weather needn’t mean social hibernation); a going-out dress remains an essential. While the warmer months encourage experimentation with cut-outs, backless styles and halter-necks, low temperatures require greater sophistication. Look to the dark florals seen on the runway at Giorgio Armani and on the streets of Paris during fashion week. Planted on long-sleeved maxi-dresses, almost gothic florals offer restrained signs of life until the new blooms of spring. Ganni floral dress, $320.
Not quite over the rainbow
A full-spectrum hit: Acne Studios’ rainbow plaid scarf.
The rainbow plaid scarf from Swedish brand Acne Studios has become an internet sensation, spawning countless hashtags and knock-offs. The oversized mohair accessory first appeared in 2019 and sales have grown year on year in lockstep with its social-media cachet. Has it peaked? Not yet. It remains an instant style update – with or without the label on display. Mohair scarf, $490.
Peak pink
Model Emily Ratajkowski in the pink (left); Valentino opera gloves (right).
Barbie continues to make her fashionable presence felt long after the circus has packed up and left town, with flashes of pink – in the form of luxurious gloves – peeking out from beneath the sleeves of this season’s winter coats. Model Emily Ratajkowski certainly understands the power of pink, pushing the palette even further with a matching bodysuit. Opt for conventional, to-the-wrist style. Or for a burst of yesteryear glamour, not to mention elbow insulation, try long opera gloves. Valentino “Vlogo” gloves, $1080.
She’s got the luxe
The big-fur-coat trend, as modelled by Kendall Jenner (left); Camilla’s take (right).
Can we please stop calling it “Mob Wife aesthetic”? Big hair and bigger coats were part of the fashion arsenal long before people started looking to crime figures for misguided style advice. Look away from the criminal element and pay attention to supermodel Kendall Jenner and rapper Nicki Minaj, who’ve both embraced the over-the-top coats that characterise the new trend. By going green – exhibit A: kaftan queen Camilla’s long teddy – everyone will know your fur is faux. Long teddy coat, $759.
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