Author: Rosie Steer

WEEKEND FORECAST: Rain Man

This dapper Fashionisto shows how to master smart/ casual and rocks menswear’s key cover-up this season: the trenchcoat.

The unique history of the quintessentially British garment dates back to the Nineteenth Century, with the officers’ item of dress widespread by the First World War. Since then the style has moved beyond its military roots and evolved (mainly functionally) but the trenchcoat has always maintained its classic style and key purpose – to protect the wearer during inclement weather.

Burberry and Aquascutum both lay claim to the invention of the garment, which has since become a timeless wardrobe staple. Both brands are known world over as purveyors of the finest luxury trenchcoats and are responsible for making the coat so covetable for Fashionistas and Fashionistos alike.

This Fashionisto’s lightweight, casual trench is your best friend during the unpredictable British summer; a brilliant transitional piece that will see you through cool summer nights and blustery autumnal days. The 3/4 length, neutral shade and lighter fabric (instead of heavy-duty gaberdine) make this trenchcoat a versatile garment.

This grey cotton belted three quarter trench from Topman is equally smart but relaxed. The simple addition of a trenchcoat makes a shirt and jeans look effortlessly stylish. This Fashionisto’s straight leg jeans are more versatile than skinny jeans and the relaxed vibe is continued with the rolled up hems. Try Acne for the kind of jeans that will instantly make an outfit.

The ensemble combines smart and casual with skill for a slick daytime look. A bowtie such as this Fashionisto’s could be too much for day if worn with a tailored jacket, but looks effortlessly chic combined with a trenchcoat and jeans.

Hint: Search vintage and charity shops for one-of-a-kind bowties: this Fashionisto’s is from vintage shop Armstrong’s, which has a great selection of vintage and retro accessories for Fashionistos and Fashionistas.


 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Sailor Stripes

This Fashionisto is a perfect example of simple yet stylish summer dressing. Donning a T-shirt and jeans may seem basic, but the Fashionisto makes the outfit his own with stylish touches.

Nautical influences have become a summer sartorial staple over recent years for both Fashionistas and Fashionistos. Still a big trend this summer, nautical ensembles were inspired by nostalgia for British beach holidays of the past; think multicoloured beach huts, horizontal stripes and whimsical references, offset by light tailoring.

Jil Sander sent nautical T-shirts and popping colours down the catwalk and Junya Watanabe showed a seaside-inspired collection with stripes and rolled-up trousers worn with boat shoes and sailing jackets. A horizontal striped T-shirt, such as this Fashionisto’s, is a simple and effective way to channel the trend; go for a red and white version such as this red stripe crew T-shirt from Topman or navy and white such as this ecru stripe crew T-shirt from Burton for an authentically nautical look.

Pairing your striped T-shirt with tapered trousers will make your look more current. Dark skinny jeans such as this Fashionisto’s add a stylish edge. These Levi’s 511 skinny jeans in a flattering dark wash will achieve a similar effect.

Chinos are a great alternative to jeans and look chic on summer days worn with a simple T-shirt. These slim fit chinos from ASOS would look great with a striped T-shirt, like this week's Fashionisto's, worn with the hem rolled above the ankle — the most fashionable length just now.

Hint: This Fashionisto’s square frame sunglasses are the hottest style around. Perspex frames are also big news; these Oakley Holbrook clear sunglasses from ASOS tick both trends.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Snow White

This Fashionista combines two key trends with aplomb — white and maxi. A full length white maxi may seem scary but this Fashionista uses clever accessorising for a unique and stylish look.

On hot summer days, a loose cotton maxi dress is the answer to wardrobe dilemmas and a perfect base for a variety of looks. The simple shape of this Fashionista’s button through shirt style dress and white colour make it a versatile choice, easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion.

If full-on white seems too much for you, then make like this Fashionista and add pops of colour. Red touches add interest to the subdued colour palette; this Fashionista’s red floppy hat from a vintage shop in Brighton is a perfect retro touch, evoking the glamour of the '70s. Beyond Retro have some stylish and bright retro headwear such as this red bowler hat. Bobbi Brown’s "Old Hollywood" lipstick will brighten any ensemble.

A chunky belt cinches the waist, and breaks up the look — essential with such a colour and style of dress. Try ASOS for chunky belts and fasten yours like this Fashionista to add interest to your look and draw the eye down the body, elongating the silhouette.

Chunky boots are the perfect contrast to sweet dresses. This Fashionista’s Vivienne Westwood pirate boots are a classic piece and great investment for your wardrobe. The multiple buckles and slouchy shape add just the right amount of attitude to girly dresses and can be worn all year round.

Hint: Wearing multiple charm necklaces is a big trend just now; wear all at once like this Fashionista for extra style points. Accessorize have some great charm necklaces that are perfect for stacking.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Do it Like a Dude

Androgynous was the word on everyone’s lips to describe a key theme to the autumn/winter shows. Different from previous seasons’ take on the style, A/W 2011-12 androgyny is about nostalgic references to the past and anti-glamour.

Androgyny ruled the catwalks with looks ranging from subtle references such as boyish cuts at Acne, to full on menswear ensembles at Paul Smith and Dolce & Gabbana, complete with ties, waistcoats and an air of insouciance.

This Fashionista channels next season trends with her blouse and skinny trousers combination and clever accessorising. The Peter Pan collar is a major trend for next season, referencing nostalgic '60s style. Urban Outfitters has some cute detatchable collars, which are a really versatile accessory. This Fashionista’s Miss Sixty skinny trousers are a great base for lots of different looks and zip details to give a rock chick edge.

The look is given a feminine twist with classically feminine Ferragamo pumps. The limited edition sparkly style adds everyday glamour to an otherwise simple outfit. Jason Wu dressed his models for his A/W show with menswear-inspired ensembles, topped off by chic bow ties around the collar. This is a more feminine alternative to a tie and a great way to give your staple shirts and blouses an update. This Fashionista’s Balenciaga bag adds an edge with its slouchy shape and metal hardware.

Hint: A stylish fedora is a simple way to channel the trend. This Fashionista’s pink fedora is from New Look, or why not scour vintage fairs and charity shops for the real deal?


 

 


 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Jil Sander-Inspired

This Fashionista takes a tip from Jil Sander and makes a minimal maxi skirt the focus of her simple but chic ensemble.

Raf Simons reinvented the maxi this season with his fluorescent colour block skirts. Simple styling kept all eyes on those skirts; the colourful maxis packed a punch against plain, simple cut white T-shirts. The clean lines and modern, unfussy aesthetic made this catwalk look one of the season’s most coveted.

This Fashionista takes the look straight from the catwalk to the streets with her brightly coloured maxi skirt from Topshop. High street store has several different zesty hues in this style, just perfect for summer and easily dressed up for a night out or kept simple for day.

Side splits in the skirt offer the hint of subtle sexiness this look is all about. This Fashionista takes note from the catwalk, pairing her skirt with simple separates. A classic black vest and staple biker jacket cleverly keep the focus on the skirt, whilst adding toughness to an overtly feminine look.

This Fashionista gives her look an edge with chunky silver rings and layered charm necklaces. The envelope style bag is big news this summer — from clutches to satchels such as this Fashionista’s Urban Outfitters cross-body bag.

Hint: Don’t be afraid to match your lips to your outfit. At Jil Sander, models wore bright orange and fuchsia lipstick to match their skirts. This Fashionista chooses a flattering pinky red hue to complement her skirt. Barry M has a great range of bright but wearable lipsticks that will take your look up a notch.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Do the Polka

Fashionistos take note: why not give your everyday striped shirt a rest and mix things up with a different pattern? Polka-dots are the coolest print around and this Fashionisto shows it’s not just for the girls with his kooky monochrome spotted shirt.

The Fashionisto’s monochrome shirt is very versatile and can be styled up or down, depending on the occasion. This Fashionisto styles his attention-grabbing shirt in a casual manner for day, letting the shirt do all the talking by combining it with classic black straight leg jeans. The subdued colour pallet makes for a stylish statement, even down to the footwear with the Fashionisto’s quirky monochrome canvas shoes. Try Vans for the original monochrome skater shoe, which gives any look the edgy cool of street style.

Likewise, the shirt could be easily dressed up, buttoned to the neck and tucked into skinny tailored trousers with a sharply tailored jacket and brogues. This polka-dot shirt from ASOS is equally versatile and can be worn in both formal and casual contexts.

As we move towards winter, this Paul Smith polka-dot jumper will keep the cold at bay. A statement in itself or you could mix things up with clashing colours and prints for a look that will brighten even the gloomiest of days.

This Fashionisto adds a splash of colour to his monochrome ensemble with an eye-catching turquoise watch. Colourful, toy-inspired watches are a massive trend for both Fashionistas and Fashionistos. Toy Watch has some fashionable chunky, colourful watches that will liven up any outfit.


 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Spice Up Your Life

Spice colours are going to be big news next season — think hot and spicy mustard and paprika hues. This Fashionista is way ahead in the colour stakes with her rusty red tunic. Invest in similar spice-inspired colours now for maximum style mileage from your autumn/winter wardrobe such as this burgundy sheer shirt. This Fashionista’s oversized sheer chiffon dress makes a statement and ticks several trends at once. The midi length is still going to be hot for next season and the side splits in this dress add subtle sex appeal. The oversized cut has been a growing trend thanks to Swedish brand Acne’s relaxed cuts and draped cool. This Fashionista shows how to rock the trend without looking shapeless — the key is in the details.

First, when wearing this kind of anti-tailored clothing, the fabric is central. Sheer chiffon and flowing jersey are the most flattering fabrics for oversized cuts, as they hang well, skimming the wearer effortlessly. The sheer trend can be a difficult one to pull off, but this Fashionista shows how to make it work for day, with clever layering. She layers her tunic dress over a strapless top and snakeskin trousers. This breaks up the look and stops it from drowning her.

This Fashionista brings the look together by pairing her midi length dress and hot length of the moment ankle-skimming trousers with some fabulous statement wedges. The wooden heel is fashion’s latest obsession, which started a few seasons ago when clogs took to the catwalk at Chanel and has now reached fever pitch, with blogger favourite clog company Sweedish Hasbeens gaining a cult following. Bertie also has some gorgeous retro style wooden heels such as these studded wooden wedges. The stud details add a tough edge to the look.

Hint: With a look this fashion-forward, styling is best kept to a minimum. Chunky silver rings are the only items of jewellery here and this Fashionista's oversized leather bag is unfussy, ensuring all eyes are on the clothes. Sometimes less is so much more.
 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Get Your Colours On

Colour has certainly been a runaway trend this season, with high street a veritable rainbow of brights. The trend can be a tricky one to pull off, but this Fashionista demonstrates how to wear brights effortlessly.

First, classic wardrobe pieces rendered in colour pop brights are a stylishy wearable way to don the trend. The trench coat should be every Fashionista’s wardrobe staple; trans-seasonal and timeless this classic cut is a great go with everything basic. This season inject some colour into your wardrobe with a colourful trench such as this Fashionista’s bright blue version. Hobbs has some trench coats in a range of bright hues to satisfy your appetite for colour such as this red trench coat. 

This Fashionista pairs her colourful trench coat with a chic white lace shift dress. White is another major trend that looks crisp and fresh for summer. Combining white and brights was a trend seen at Jil Sander, where fluorescent maxi skirts were paired with plain white T-shirts. Contrasting white with bright makes for an effortlessly chic look as this Fashionista demonstrates.

The simple cut of the dress makes it a versatile day to night transitional piece that can be easily dressed up or down. This lace French Connection frock evokes the femininity of the season summed up by Dolce & Gabbana's white, lace-heavy collection. The Fashionista emphasises the overt femininity of the dress by pairing it with her girly black patent T-bar pumps from Urban Outfitters. 

Hint: Red lips give any ensemble added fashion clout, especially when paired with a clashing coloured outfit. The trend for red lips shows no signs of waning and looks set to continue into the autumn from shades of claret to pillarbox red. MAC red by MAC will really get you noticed and adds a polished touch. 


 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: The Doctor is in

With temperatures soaring in London, the capital's Fashionistas are trying to keep cool and stay chic. The maxi dress has proven to be one of the biggest trends I’ve seen around London and they were certainly prolific this weekend. Eclectic styles ranged from hippie, floaty maxis to minimal jersey maxi tube dresses.

It was this Fashionista’s maxi dress that caught my eye with its bold print and simple shape. The unfussy cut of the dress makes it comfy for summer days and is also very flattering. The leopard print is eye-catching and really makes the Fashionista stand out from the crowd.

When wearing bold prints, it can be easy to feel, and look, swamped. Smaller prints such as this leopard print are generally more flattering as they keep things in proportion. This Fashionista’s leopard print dress is from H&M which has some great staple simple maxis.

The other key detail that drew me to her ensemble was this Fashionista’s kooky choice of footwear. Her clumpy Dr. Martens really add toughness to the girly dress and are a quirky touch. DMs have seen a resurgence recently: the punk reference seems so right for now and is an easy way to grunge up an otherwise feminine look. Her classic DMs are a great go with everything purchase or why not try a metallic pair to see you through autumn/winter’s trends?

Hint: In the heat of summer, minimal styling is a must. A stylish and petite cross-body bag such as this helps cut down the clutter and also keeps your outfit looking streamlined. Miss Selfridge has some stylish (but still practical) options such as this tan cross-body bag.
 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Urban Fox

This Fashionista demonstrates how decadent touches can take basic outfit staples from simple to stylish.

The basic foundations of this outfit are items every Fashionista should have in her wardrobe. High-waisted denim shorts and a grey marl top are wardrobe hard workers. Channel the laid-back cool of Kate Moss, Alexa Chung et al with shorter than short denim hotpants. Urban Outfitters Urban Renewal range has a great selection of vintage Levi’s shorts made from upcycled jeans. Worn high on the waist is the look du jour, and makes the latest crop top trend less daunting.

A grey marl top is a great go with everything basic. Try GAP or American Apparel for every kind of cut and shape you can think of in shades from dove grey to charcoal. The pared down outfit lets accessories do all the talking, making a unique statement.

An oversized bag adds serious style points and becomes the focal point of the outfit. This Fashionista’s structured, oversized Mulberry Bayswater gives polish to an otherwise simple but effective look. The brand has just celebrated its 40th Birthday and epitomises quality British craftsmanship. The Bayswater is a classic, timeless design: if you’re looking to invest in a handbag that will last for years to come and never go out of style, the Bayswater is it.

With the ever-unpredictable British weather, a stylish cover-up is essential. This Fashionista’s fur stole adds an extra layer of warmth and makes a luxurious statement. Her stole is second hand, and if the idea of wearing real fur doesn’t bother you, then recycled fur is at least a more ethical way of obtaining it. Otherwise, keep an eye on ASOS and Topshop for the first drop of Autumnal accessories that are beginning to hit the high street to get the most wear out of your stole.

Hint: Moccasin-style footwear is still hot for Summer; for a hippy, bohemian look opt for shoes with fringing and beading details. These suede moccasin boots from ASOS are ideal to see you through the festival season.