It looks like blustery autumn weather has truly set in down here in London, and while we wave a fond farewell at figleaves.comto all those feather light styles of summer, personally I'm getting excited at the thought of the gorgeous textures I'll be piling on for the next...oh 9 months or so! A/W styling tends to be much more interesting and complex than simple summer outfits, so I've picked out our 3 key textures to inspire you.
Knitted
From chunky, thick cable knitsthat snuggle you up in fat woollen yarns, to delicate, elegantly draping Merino, silk or jersey blends, the texture that defines autumn/winter style is ‘knitted’.For comfort you can’t beat soft knitted textures, but keep things sleek and modern by focusing on knitwear as tactile, sensual and flattering.
How to wear:
Layering is the key to getting knitted texture right. Invest in some warmer pieces you’ll wear time and again such as a thick scarfand chunky cardigan, and then make sure you have plenty of lighter weight options to wear with.
Experiment with weights and colour of knitwear to see what works. A lightweight tunic dresswould look great with a fine jersey top layered underneath, woolenor delicate lace tights, and a scarf wound loosely round the neck. Wear with sheepskin bootsto keep things casual. For a really sensual look and dramatic contrast, throw a heavy knit wrap or cardigan over delicate silk lingerie.
How to pair:
Pair knitted and glitter textures by adding a small sparkling clutch bagto a delicate jersey knit outfit after dark, or by loading up on diamante bangles.
Glitter
The glitter texture encompasses everything from intricate sequin detailing to heavy studs and rock chick diamante. Perfect for the party season, add some sparkle to lift your outfit or go all out glam with heavy textural detail.
How to wear:
A simple way to get this look right is to use a sequinned accessory as a statement piece; try pairing a sequin boleroor clutch bag with a simple jeans and t-shirt combo. For a more formal look, a dress embellished with studs or glitter creates a fabulous ‘look at me’ party style. Wear with low-key accessories that won’t clash or overload on sparkle. The most subtle way to wear the glitter texture is by adding a chunky beaded necklaceor bracelet to everyday outfits.
How to pair:
Pair glitter and leather textures to create a cool, indie vibe – a leather clutchor patent shopperbag would add a twist to the jeans, t-shirt and sequin bolero outfit. With simple knitted textures, pile up glitzy beaded jewels over a fine cashmere tunic dress or layered jersey tops.
Leather:
From buttery smooth styles to warm, soft suede and glossy patents, the leather texture is versatile but tough, adding an edge to any outfit.
How to wear:
Avoid going overboard with leather – you don’t want to recreate any 80s mistakes... Instead add key accessories and focus on unusual or luxurious textural details. For example, a crocodile stylefinish or a patent in a deeply lush jewel tonemakes a gorgeous statement bag. Invest in a wear-all-season jacket in leather or suede that you can throw over any outfit.
How to pair:
Leather is a great texture to add structure. Cinch chunky knits with a leather belt or wear a suede jacket with a nipped in waist over layers of fine jersey. Wrap a thick woolen scarf round the neck of a leather bomber for a cosy and relaxed look.
I LOVE those high socks with buttons in the first picture. But I can't seem to find them on Figleaves anywhere - do you have a link or a name you can point me to?
Posted by: Kelly | October 14, 2009 at 05:27 PM
Hi Kelly. They're lovely I know, but unfortunately we don't have them. These grey socks by Jonathon Aston are very similar http://tinyurl.com/ykhuvx5 or try these over-the-knee Levante's http://tinyurl.com/yhykxcl Hope that helps!
Posted by: Sophie | October 14, 2009 at 05:38 PM