-
How to solve the big style questions
It’s been a tough few months in fashion. The pickings – Goth/Neo-Goth/Punk-Goth/Elemental-Goth and Goth meets the Geldofs – have been slim. Looking on the bright side, a season where one finds little to tempt and much to make one feel 175 provides an opportunity to ponder the style issues that in more fecund times would get swept under the carpet, or at least buried beneath a tidal wave of carrier bags. Let’s call them the Great Imponderables, since coming up with solutions could while away the idle hours generously provided by this winter’s inevitable commuting delays.
Is it wrong to find yourself lusting after something an X Factor contestant wore? We all know the knee-jerk response to this. But tarry; the contestant in question was Lucie Jones, Wales’s own Avril Lavigne, and the dress was a tasteful (by X Factor standards) navy, swooshy number from BCBG. Presumably the X Factor stylists didn’t have time to muck up Lucie’s outfit that night, because there wasn’t a stud, slash or handkerchief hem in sight. She got booted out shortly after, so there may be a moral there. But I don’t mind admitting I was tempted by this dress. Fortunately, it was sold out on My-Wardrobe.com. Conclusion: keep an open mind – and move on. Also, remember, that while X Factor contestants are generally styled in a shambolic pile-up of tat, at least it’s cheap tat. Provided you aren’t tempted to mimic Dannii or Cheryl (in which case you will look ridiculous and bankrupt yourself), you have nothing to lose but your own prejudices.
Will you ever wear colour again? Not if you adhere to this winter’s catwalk diktats. Which means by the time spring/summer collections hit the rails, you will be as dazzled as a mole emerging into the Ibizan sun. My advice? Ease your way in by smuggling in a bright scarf or bag to your usual black/grey/navy routine. Avoid coloured shoes. They’re so 2004.
Are ballet pumps really over? Officially, yes. So their revival can only be minutes away.
Will you look supercilious if you don’t wear sequins this Christmas? Personally, I don’t wish to see another sequin until I come face to face with the great Mae West herself. I’m picturing myself in the chicest of slouchy, smoke-coloured silk one-shouldered Lanvin tops this party season – the kind that makes everyone else look hopelessly tinselly. Unfortunately, while I have yet to discover a decent Lanvin copy on the high street, I have found myself drawn to a pair of sequined trousers in Topshop which, worn with a white T-shirt, would have the same nonchalant effect. I think we know how this is going to play out.
If pearls are so fashionable, how come they still make you feel like Kate Middleton? You’re wearing the wrong kind. It was sweet of granny to leave you her discreet string, but sweet and discreet don’t cut it right now. Head to the high street to stock up on Freedom’s pearl, diamanté and neon ropes. Alternatively, spend a bomb at Chanel. They’ll probably look nicer. Isn’t that so often the way?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
![[Valid Atom 1.0]](valid-atom.png "Validate my Atom 1.0 feed")
0 comments: