Some trends focus on prints, others concentrate on colour, but this season there’s a look that’s based entirely on touch.
The fashion premise is simple: pick two pieces in completely opposing fabrics. Think slick patent skirt with fuzzy angora jumper. Or feathers and leather, or sequins and denim – anything goes, but dramatic contrasts emphasise the two-tone texture.
LEATHER LOVE
It’s official, leather is the hottest fabric in fashion. The shift is evident on the high street, with rails of leather skirts, dresses, trousers and tops giving the ubiquitous biker jacket a run for its money.
Black is the obvious choice, but you can mix things up with chic navy, berry or forest green tones for a stylish twist.
If funds are running low, look to pleather – PVC made to resemble matte leather – with a lived-in, grainy texture.
PERFECT PAIRING: Team your tough leather staple (skirt or leggings) with a girly fluffy jumper.
HIGH SHINE
Banish visions of Pretty Woman-style knee-high boots. Patent, PVC and vinyl are of-the-moment fabrics the fashion pack can’t get enough of.
Look to super-feminine silhouettes like full circle skirts or pretty pleats to offset the dominatrix vibe and swap the bin bag black for candy floss pink or rich burgundy.
Be careful – these slick synthetics can add bulk to your frame, so if you’re pear-shaped, avoid wearing on your lower half.
PERFECT PAIRING: Work your patent next to a woolly cable knit for the ultimate contrast.
PATCHWORK QUILT
You no longer need to save up for a Chanel bag for some luxurious quilting. Quilted fabrics are adorning jumpers, skirts, dresses and boots, as well as slightly more affordable bags!
Designer Victoria Beckham made quilting a big feature of her collection for spring 2014, so the look is set to stick around.
Accessories are the most accessible way to work quilted couture – try a leather bag or riding boots.
PERFECT PAIRING: Wear your padded quilts with super-smooth textures like leather or patent.
RAZZLE DAZZLE
Think showgirl – by day. Feathers, sequins and heavy beading are no longer just for party season. Contrasted with casual pieces, like woolly jumpers and black leather, these eye-catching fabrics are instantly pared down.
You’ll also find glistening embellishment on casual-wear like sweatshirts and jumpers this season, making them instantly daytime appropriate.
If full-on sequins or feathers feel a little too West End stage, look to more subtle trims on hems and necklines.
PERFECT PAIRING: Bring glitzy textures back down to earth teamed with an everyday slouchy knit.
FURRY MONSTER
With temperatures plummeting, furry materials are back in a big way, but think outside the big coat box.
For a more accessible take on the trend, try faux pony skin panels on tops, skirts and dresses – it has a denser, flatter appearance than ‘fluffy’ fur, making it more flattering on the body.
Knits haven’t escaped the teddy bear texture makeover. Check out jumpers and dresses with a fuzzy eyelash finish for a twist on traditional mohair.
PERFECT PAIRING: Faux fur and leather are perfect texture teammates – wear in the same tone for a put-together look.
