Dressing for Britain
A Joseph classic with a pop of red could be just the boost you need to face the world again
Ilove researching what the “FROW” discovered at the shows each season. They pinpoint the looks that permeated a number of collections, then whittle down the “Top 10 trends to know now”. Yes, fashion is cyclical. Yes, you will see the usual suspects every three to four seasons (monochrome, pastels, nautical, utility chic). My tip? Hone in on those trends and styles that work for you and ignore the rest. My favourite trend? Timeless classics.
What better classic to shine a light on than Joseph? You might associate it with cream, navy, black, or camel. So today I’m wearing… red. Red divides many of us but, in the right dosage, it can remedy an outfit and really invigorate it.
Since next week sees the big British awakening, I thought I’d offer up some red rocket fuel. Of course this red suit is full throttle, so option two (top right) shows just one pop of red. I was once advised by a lady at the top of her business game that red was the colour to wear for a challenging situation. A confidence booster, it’s a hint of “I can handle this”. Don’t let that put you off wearing it for your everyday, though. It’s simply about getting the shade right.
Red has many guises, which work on many skin tones. More pinkish reds will be gentler on paler skin or blonde/grey hair. Darker hair can take a more tomato or scarlet red. Red, generally, requires a tiny bit more make-up so that the clothes don’t overpower your facial features or complexion. If you think red feels too bright, then try it with powder blue – a good way to take red down a notch. If in doubt, start by wearing it as a nail colour. Then you can build up to a red striped shirt, a red trouser, or sundress. For inspiration, look at Queen Rania of Jordan. She wears red beautifully.
Joseph was founded in 1966 by Casablancan Joseph Ettedgui, and his legacy has been continued by strong creative direction and a defined sense of what this brand stands for. This means, season after season, you are bound to find something you like at Joseph. There’s never a lot that will throw us off course. Its prices sit at a – in my opinion, precarious – point on the “baulk barometer” (the point at which we feel sick with guilt), where we have to really think before shifting from