softgrey
flaunt the imperfection
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some decent tips here...
Variable to good weather
(Filed: 05/09/2005)
In late summer your wardrobe should be as changeable as the weather, writes Charlotte Mackaness
Choosing clothes can be a struggle at the best of times, but the transition from summer to autumn is particularly tricky. The weather is still mild and there's the annual tantalising promise of an Indian summer; yet shops and magazines are full of wintry clothes in rich colours and cosy materials. It can be hard to resist the temptation to pick up new pieces and wear them straight away, but there's nothing cool about sweating under heavy fabric, however fashionable. ...
By selecting pieces that straddle both seasons, it's possible to satisfy the urge to shop and the need to update your wardrobe. "Cropped trousers and jackets, and wrap dresses are everywhere at the moment. These are excellent buys," says Jenny Siese, a personal shopper at Fenwick of Bond Street. "I particularly like wrap dresses because they're so versatile. You can wear them with sandals and flip-flops, or with opaque tights and boots once the weather turns colder. Wraps are good news for women of all shapes and sizes, as they flatter curves but also help to soften boyish figures."
Although autumn-winter collections are more tailored than summer's carefree clothes, haphazard layering is still prevalent. The result is what stylist Chloe Beeney describes as "dishevelled chic", which is ideal for unpredictable conditions. For instance, shrugs and capes work equally well with a skinny top or over a thick polo-neck. "You can add or remove layers as you need," says Chloe. "And don't worry about mismatched lengths, textures or patterns - anything goes."
Adaptability is just as important when it comes to colour, especially with key pieces such as trousers and jackets. Heritage fabrics and dense, Highland-inspired hues are perfect for later in the year, but only grouse-shooting enthusiasts would consider them summer staples. Caramels, nudes and creams are classic colours that work with both a winter and summer palette. "Metallics are another good bet during this transitional period as they look great with everything," says Beeney.
• Cropped trousers look equally good worn with bare legs and Mary Janes or with thick tights and boots.However, cropped trousers should be worn with care - cutting off the leg makes your bottom look larger. Heels help to lengthen legs, and wearing boots the same colour as the trousers will elongate them further.
• Cropped jackets, especially with a military feel, are big news. However, the high cut highlights the midriff. Unless you've got a flat tummy that you wish to show off, distract the eye with appealing detailing above or below this area - a Victorian-style ruffled shirt is ideal.
• Shrugs, capes and boleros come in styles to suit all tastes and shapes. (not so sure about this one myself)...
• Tank tops are a fun way of layering with any kind of shirt, whether it's a T-shirt or something more tailored. They are generally flattering, but watch out for short ones that allow tummies to protrude.
• Wrap dresses are incredibly versatile and flattering. *-personally i' just say all dresses
• Metallics go with just about any colour, but it's best to limit them to accessories.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/...&grid=P8&xml=/fashion/2005/09/05/eflate03.xml
Variable to good weather
(Filed: 05/09/2005)
In late summer your wardrobe should be as changeable as the weather, writes Charlotte Mackaness
Choosing clothes can be a struggle at the best of times, but the transition from summer to autumn is particularly tricky. The weather is still mild and there's the annual tantalising promise of an Indian summer; yet shops and magazines are full of wintry clothes in rich colours and cosy materials. It can be hard to resist the temptation to pick up new pieces and wear them straight away, but there's nothing cool about sweating under heavy fabric, however fashionable. ...
By selecting pieces that straddle both seasons, it's possible to satisfy the urge to shop and the need to update your wardrobe. "Cropped trousers and jackets, and wrap dresses are everywhere at the moment. These are excellent buys," says Jenny Siese, a personal shopper at Fenwick of Bond Street. "I particularly like wrap dresses because they're so versatile. You can wear them with sandals and flip-flops, or with opaque tights and boots once the weather turns colder. Wraps are good news for women of all shapes and sizes, as they flatter curves but also help to soften boyish figures."
Although autumn-winter collections are more tailored than summer's carefree clothes, haphazard layering is still prevalent. The result is what stylist Chloe Beeney describes as "dishevelled chic", which is ideal for unpredictable conditions. For instance, shrugs and capes work equally well with a skinny top or over a thick polo-neck. "You can add or remove layers as you need," says Chloe. "And don't worry about mismatched lengths, textures or patterns - anything goes."
Adaptability is just as important when it comes to colour, especially with key pieces such as trousers and jackets. Heritage fabrics and dense, Highland-inspired hues are perfect for later in the year, but only grouse-shooting enthusiasts would consider them summer staples. Caramels, nudes and creams are classic colours that work with both a winter and summer palette. "Metallics are another good bet during this transitional period as they look great with everything," says Beeney.
• Cropped trousers look equally good worn with bare legs and Mary Janes or with thick tights and boots.However, cropped trousers should be worn with care - cutting off the leg makes your bottom look larger. Heels help to lengthen legs, and wearing boots the same colour as the trousers will elongate them further.
• Cropped jackets, especially with a military feel, are big news. However, the high cut highlights the midriff. Unless you've got a flat tummy that you wish to show off, distract the eye with appealing detailing above or below this area - a Victorian-style ruffled shirt is ideal.
• Shrugs, capes and boleros come in styles to suit all tastes and shapes. (not so sure about this one myself)...
• Tank tops are a fun way of layering with any kind of shirt, whether it's a T-shirt or something more tailored. They are generally flattering, but watch out for short ones that allow tummies to protrude.
• Wrap dresses are incredibly versatile and flattering. *-personally i' just say all dresses
• Metallics go with just about any colour, but it's best to limit them to accessories.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/...&grid=P8&xml=/fashion/2005/09/05/eflate03.xml
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unless it's a really summery day ! 
