ALWAYS TAKE THE LEATHER WITH YOU
Bring the catwalk trend to your wardrobe from just under £30, says KATIE WRIGHT
THERE was a lot of talk at the autumn/winter shows about clothing as armour, which translated to capacious coats (sometimes worn two at a time), shiny rain-repellent fabrics and fierce animal prints that scream ‘back off!’.
Another example of the protective fashion trend in action was designers’ collective obsession with leather dresses, seen everywhere from Alexander McQueen (edgy and asymmetric) to Miu Miu (super-short and brightly coloured).
Houses that are known for their leather goods like Tod’s, Loewe and Hermes naturally excelled in this area, sending out beautiful, buttersoft frocks, while Stella McCartney made excellent use of her fauxleather ‘skin free skin’ fabric, creating ruched midi dresses in blue and black.
On the high street, retailers have really run with the trend, but there are a few style notes you need before you go hell for leather.
First up, this isn’t about clingy, sexy pencil dresses – there’s a toughness to the trend, so think loose shirt dresses or A-line styles.
If you’re opting for a sleeveless or pinafore-style dress, layer it with a jersey rollneck or chunky knit to make it daytime appropriate.
Muted colours are also best for day.
Black is the classic hue, of course, but deep red, burgundy or forest green are really wearable, too.
Finally, it doesn’t actually have to be real leather.
If you want to avoid animal fabrics – or steeper prices – there are some excellent PU (Polyurethane) alternatives that are much more affordable.
Here’s our pick.