Page 14 - Real Style Winter 2016 / 2017

The runway equivalent of this muse can be seen on the catwalks
at Gucci. The collections that creative director Alessandro Michele have been churning out have not only captivated the fashion press, but other designers as well. The look is exactly what we are talking about: geek chic with seemingly endless references and tons of accessories. Big sleeves, embroideries, lots of ’70s-inspired sparkly Lurex, quirky eyeglasses, fur-lined shoes and clashing hosiery round out this mix that seems to include everything but the kitchen sink. This way of dressing is not for the faint of heart, as it tends to scream “look at me,” although fun and tongue-in-cheek are at the heart of it. However, there are ways to participate without piling it on, so to speak.
One of the easiest ways to try this trend, especially in winter, is with an eye-catching coat. This necessary article of winter clothing need
not be staid and boring, especially if designers have their say. Here the options range from the very over the top as in Saint Laurent’s bright
red heart-shaped fur topper and Prada’s patch worked and nip-waisted furs to tamer yet still very fashion-forward shearling options from a multitude of designers. In fact, sheepskin is popular this season and comes in a variety of looks to suit almost everyone. Maison Mar- giela’s cozy shearling cape or a sleek biker jacket from Burberry are standouts, while oversized versions at Marc Jacobs or Balen- ciaga will certainly suit the more daring.
If you are not one for fur or shearling, there are so many other options for con- ventional and fashion-forward outerwear. Balenciaga showed puffer coats in the same silhouette as their shearlings, that of the over- sized and off-the-shoulder variety. Wet-look patent leather or vinyl toppers made a strong showing at Nina Ricci, Dior, Lanvin and Isabel Marant. The look is sexy yet chic; think Catherine Deneuve in all of her Belle de Jour glory. If that is still too racy, then perhaps leopard print as seen at Prada, Moschino, Dior and Dolce & Gabbana, or even military- inspired like Burberry, Marni and Valentino, might suit you. Point being, ditch the plain black or camel overcoat this season and have a little fun with your outerwear.
It also seems like this season a basic
sleeve won’t do, and the variety out there runs the gamut. From ’80s-inspired one-shouldered ruf ed frocks à la Dynasty at Saint Laurent
to the poufs of the same decade at Gucci or sleeves with a more tucked and gathered approach reminiscent of the ’40s at Prada,
it seems like it’s time for a new blouse. This feminine and unabashedly retro approach is sure to make its way down to mass retailers
and is an easy way to add some excitement to a winter wardrobe. Another easy way to participate in this season’s dizzying more-is-
more trend is simply by going with bright colour or adding some shine. There is no easier way to beat the winter blues than by injecting some colour not usually associated with the usual dark hues of the season. Red made a big showing this season across the board, however more unexpectedly so did bubblegum pink on the runways at Prada, Jil Sander, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Gucci. Another hue getting its
hoW to Wear it
• Sequins are not just for evening anymore. a sequined jacket is fresh over work attire as is a sequinned top with a suit.
• Be bold! An easy way to make a sparkly statement is with a cluster of inexpensive costume jewellery brooches. they work great on the lapel, or pin them to a hat for a touch more eccentricity.
• Oversized pieces are not for everyone. if you do indulge
in an oversized topper, be sure to balance the silhouette with well-tailored slimmer underpinnings.
• An easy way to add some pizzazz, especially in winter, is with hosiery. opaque tights in any pattern from oral to argyle will do!
14 Real Style Winter 2016/2017
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