SO WHAT’S NEXT?

Paula looks at the key trends for winter.

Icannot see past the lightweight puffer jackets this season. So light in fact, you can scrunch them into a hosiery bag. The style above weighs 280gms (the weight of your favourite glass of champagne!) and the longer style, page 50 is 350gms, both come with their own packable bag. These weightless wonders are great little travellers and far removed from the après ski styles of the 90’s. These are city or country chic and covetable, especially the navy. It’s a graphic season print wise and architecturally a step up from prints of the past. Note pages 28 and 29, it seems that fashion is at last moving forward. Boots and shoes are noticeably chunky except for the classic knee high flat or stiletto styles. You’ll enjoy the new stretch boots available in light brown, blue or dark brown, add-ons to black (see flat knee highs right) which everyone will want a pair of. And don’t just think leather. The patent bootie is a gem with opaque hose, as is the Avana wedge in the slim version (my personal favourite) on page 53. Lace up brogues look at home with man style cropped pants and trouser suits, see page 22. Adding our new packaged sporty stripe tights will keep the look modern. I have a passion right now for the big cabled sweaters. We have them in a Merino Angora blend, shorter styles for wearing with a skirt, page 64 and long for skinny pants or tights. I need to tell you that we have introduced a light winter fabric with a cosy handle. It’s a mix of cashmere, Micromodal and Lycra and yes… it’s washable. Styles are quite forgiving and a little looser than our ESSENTIAL classics. Women are now understanding how our affordable LAYERS pieces can transform necklines and sleeve lengths. I will add and alter styles but the colourfast fabric is fantastic. I take them on every trip to create day to dinner looks for warmth or when I want to add a sleeve. Take note: the black is a perfect match with Microjersey and you can now get them online at www.paularyanlayers.com