Following the Trend

 

Guest post written by Farfetch

Every season there’s a handful of items that everyone wants. They sell out within days, have a waiting list within weeks and seem to be in every magazine, all the time. For Autumn/Winter 2013 it was definitely pink coats, cut out boots and tartan that had this effect: it’s hard to walk down the street in London without spotting someone trialling at least one of these trends. So we couldn’t resist when Victoria asked us to pick out the most desirable versions for her readers. Whether you want to go full-on in a mohair sweater decked out with blue checks, or give a subtle nod to the cut out boot trend, these are the pieces you need to see.

This season the most covetable cover-ups come in sugar sweet shades of pink, tempered with masculine details and outsized silhouettes. We’ve picked three of the best…

If you’re reluctant to embrace pastel hues, consider Pinko’s brushed wool overcoat. In a shade of amaranth that’s not too girly, it’s been toughened up with square pockets and leather-trimmed lapels. The loose fit means it can be styled with plenty of attitude: wear it with the collar turned up for an androgynous take on standout colour.

Hyper feminine and so bright that it’s almost neon, Boutique by Jaeger’s boucle coat is the sartorial equivalent of a Sharpie highlighter. The neat collar and single round button give it a sweet, vintage feel but that intense dose of colour keeps everything modern. It’s ideal if you want to stand out amongst the more sensible shades of navy and grey – expect to be recognised from miles away.

If you’re looking to upgrade your overcoat for less than £200, Hobbs’ oversized car coat is a pretty twist on the everyday essential. With minimal styling and no fussy details, all focus falls on the mannish shape and classic lapels: a cut that stops it from getting too girly. I’d love to see this styled with clashing colours – think aquamarine or acidic lilac – but tasteful neutrals will offset it just as well.

Cut Out Boots 

If you like the look of bare legs in winter but can’t stand the cold, try cut out boots for a more practical flash of skin. These are our favourites…

These Jeffrey Campbell ankle boots nail two micro trends in one, with metal plates at the heel as well as cut outs at the side. That’s a lot of hardware packed into one pair of boots, giving them an industrial feel that works well with dark denim or leather skinnies.

If you prefer a shot of colour, expose your ankles in a pair of Topshop’s Amarie ankle boots. With a pointed toe, chunky heel and two thick, studded straps, they’ve got a boho quality that will work well with this season’s biggest prints. And when Spring/Summer 2014 comes around you can pair them with athletic, sports-luxe style pieces.

But it’s these Surface to Air boots that are the hot favourite. With just a slim cut out across the ankle, it’s the two-tone mix of leather and suede that makes them so exciting. Their glossy finish and Chelsea shape don’t hurt either, giving them a relaxed urban look that we’d love to style with cropped jeans, to show an extra inch or two of skin. And because the cut out is so subtle, these boots will last for years to come without looking dated.

Tartan 

Tartan is definitely having a moment right now. Channel the heritage mood in traditional checks, or go grunge with velvety textures…

Jigsaw’s velvet tartan tee wraps up two trends in one top. Velvet is the high street’s current crush when it comes to texture, and this understated silhouette keeps it from veering into Christmas party territory, circa 1990. But it’s the print that really makes this tee special, giving traditional tartan a contemporary feel with its oversized checks. It also comes in a green, navy, blue and purple colourway that feels extra sophisticated.

This pleated mini kilt from Alice + Olivia has a dose of schoolgirl charm, perfect for styling with cosy tights, chunky-heeled ankle boots and a cashmere sweatshirt. The navy, white and red stripes are on the right side of classic, so this is a great option for anyone who wants a more subtle dip into the tartan trend.

One of this season’s undisputed hero pieces, Stella McCartney’s mohair sweater is what fashion dreams are made of. With thick cuffs and a fuzzy texture that will beg strangers to start stroking you in coffee shop queues, it combines grunge with prettiness in the most desirable way possible. Mix it up with tailored separates and let a cute collar peek out from underneath, for androgynous style with a cosy edge.

Have you bought into this season’s statement trends? Will you be flirting with pink coats, checks or cut out boots? 

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