Roll with it
PUFF UP YOUR SLEEVES, KICK OUT YOUR FLARES, NIP IN YOUR WAIST AND RAISE THOSE HEMLINES, IT’S TIME TO SWING INTO SPRING IN A HEADY MIX OF 1970S-INSPIRED SEPARATES
What’s news in shoes? Well, not everyone will like it, but cowboy boots are back. And we’re not just talking a subtle squared-off toe or a western-shaped heel on a classic ankle boot, but proper bobby-dazzler calf-length cowboys with decorative patterns and embellishment. They may not be for everyone, but if you’re game, they’ll add so much fun to everything, from suits to maxi skirts and, of course, denim. We say, do-si-do!
Opposite: Meet the safari skirt suit. Worn as a two-piece, it has smart 1970s swagger. Belt the jacket over flared jeans and you get polished uptown chic, slip the skirt on with a cashmere rollneck and you’re channelling Ali Macgraw in Love Story. It’s a three-way wonder.
JACKET, £1,295; SHIRT, £461; SKIRT, £769, all Rochas
Brown has come to town and it is far from drab. Thanks to Miuccia Prada (who always knows what we want before we do), chocolate is the colour. Mix it with French navy and grey for a fresh, modern and cool look.
JACKET, £1,950; TOP, £790; TROUSERS, £910; SUNGLASSES, £310; BAG, £1,720; SHOES, £795, all Prada
It may feel a bit out there, but Paul & Joe’s peppermint-striped flared trouser suit most definitely sums up spring’s groovy new mood. Made from a stiff textured silk (hence the amazing flare on the trousers) it will look perfect with a rock chick T-shirt and heels or well-worn sneakers.
JACKET, £515; TROUSERS, £330, both Paul & Joe. SHIRT, £330, Tory Burch
One thing‘s for sure, this glam rock renaissance is giving licence to clash your prints and play with textures. Wear bright checks with bold florals, or layer leather and suede with wool and crisp cottons. Anything goes.
BLAZER, £329; LEATHER DRESS, £449; FLORAL BLOUSE, £185; HAT, £65, all Marc Cain
Re-think your winter shearling as a cover-up for cool summer nights. Slouch it over a billowing maxi dress for a rich, folky edge, and finish off the look with oversized shades.
GILET, £3,375; CARDIGAN, £570; DRESS, £1,495, all Miu Miu. SUNGLASSES, £244, Miu Miu at Sunglass Hut
Introducing the dress jacket: a clever time-saver for busy modern women. This neat jacket hits mid thigh and, when buttoned up, masquerades beautifully as a chic little dress. It has a carefree 1960s beatnik vibe, so wear with flat Mary Janes and sling on a little chain bag.
COAT, £4,820; BAG, £4,070, both Chanel
Waistcoats are summer’s answer to the blazer, giving your look all the tailored smartness a blazer brings, but allowing the billowing sleeves of a statement blouse to shine. It’s a spring winner, so you really should take the plunge.
BLOUSE, £635; WAISTCOAT, £620, both Sportmax. BOOTS, around £423, Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini
Sometimes there’s one designer’s collection that really resonates, and Nicolas Ghesquière’s 1970s glam rock collection for Louis Vuitton S/S 20 made hearts beat a little faster. With Biba-inspired silhouettes (think exaggerated sleeves, glittery knits and punky checks), it felt exciting and new after seasons of minimalism and prettiness. It was the sharp, belted mini dresses that really turned heads: short enough to be daring but neatly cut to still feel elegant and grown-up.
DRESS, £4,800, Louis Vuitton