A bend in this year's trends

Well how are we all doing facing into another week of lockdown?

I’m currently thinking about how much fashion has changed due to Covid, and while we would normally be thinking of autumn/winter trends around this time of year, the word ‘trend’ seems to no longer be so relevant.

Instead of quick fashion fixes, I see that we are all more interested in making the most of what we have and while people are still shopping it’s with a much more considered attitude, choosing pieces we know we are going to get the wear out of for a long time.

It comes as no surprise that occasion wear and sales of dressy items has dropped off and we are all focusing our time and money on the more day to day casual pieces. While I don’t want to talk about trends per se, there are still some fashion looks that are proving to be popular this season and that I know I’ll be wearing for many winters to come. Another coat trend that I’m loving is leather or faux leather coats in longer lengths and I’ve seen a version of this in both high end and high street stores with tan, brown and beige being key colours. Add a faux fur collar and you’ve got a luxe and textured look whatever your budget.

Boots, outerwear, knitwear and a beautiful piece of jewellery will never be out of place in a good capsule wardrobe and these are the pieces I always invest in.

Coats and jackets are, of course, something that is an essential in the Irish wardrobe and classic silhouettes and colours are really to the fore. Black, camel and navy overcoats are always a safe bet and one way that you can update your classic outerwear is by belting them at the waist to give a new lease of life and create an interesting styling detail. It may also come as a surprise, given that Covid kilos that have crept up during the last few months, but bodycon is on the rise again. Fear not though as this bodycon update is a million miles away from the Girls Aloud-style bandage dresses that immediately come to mind.

Instead it’s more elegant in knitwear fabrics with longer hemlines and long sleeves in a more jumper dress fashion. Wear with knee high boots underneath and layers of delicate jewellery. It’s a celebration of curves so embrace the look, plus it’s comfortable enough to wear around the house.

Boots are another wardrobe staple that I find hard not to buy whenever I see a good pair and the styles of the season seem to be the chunky boot which is incredibly comfortable, and the over the knee boot. I picked up a chunky soled pair of Chelsea boots in Office which look the same as the Prada versions and which will be perfect for giving a tough edge to my winter dresses and skirts. The over the knee style gives more of an elegant feel and looks great layered under dresses and I actually find them easier to wear than knee-high boots in which I struggle to fit my calves.

I think this is owing to the more flexible sock style over the knees that I favour. Really, whatever your style, it’s possible to make an impact with the perfect coat and boots pairing. It’s really all anyone outside of our homes is going to see of us for a little while yet.