The recent Glamour Galore event at Thorpe Hall saw the ESP models take to the catwalk to showcase the latest winter looks and gorgeous party wear from John Lewis.
The fashion shows were part of the shopping and pampering event which raised over £2,000 for the new hospice appeal.
If you missed out, ESP’s style guru Sue Donnelly has her round up of the new season trends and how to wear them…
WHAT’S IN THIS SEASON
RAINBOW COATS. This means winter can be cheerful for once. There is very little black in coats this season but instead, bright colours such as cobalt, magenta, coral, orange, teal, red, chartreuse, the richest purples and the ubiquitous pink. Yes, pink. You can find it all hues from the palest pastels to the hottest corals. To ensure the coat has the focus, pare down the rest of your clothing and use your neutrals to balance the overall look. Grey, navy, black, chocolate, cream and stone are always good bets. Belted styles with overlarge collars look great on hour glass or pear shape bodies. Double breasted styles with a half belt at the back, look better on straighter shapes.
FAUX FUR. You can find this in outrageous colour ways and not just black and white. It’s in jackets, shrugs, handbags and even skirts. It can be fluffy and feminine or unexpected, with designers using new and inventive ways to work with the fabric.
WOMANLY. Elegance, chic, simplicity and silhouette all make a comeback. Look for peplums to exaggerate the waist and hips, sheer fabrics to entice, fitted dresses to show off curves. Many are knee length. A flattering length for everyone, regardless of age. Look for garments with stretch and ruching if you want to hide lumps and bumps.
SKIRTS. Another nod to the ladylike, skirts come in all shapes and designs from the full and flared circular to the long, straight midi. There is something for every shape here. Just beware of hem lengths. Mid calf, especially if worn with ankle boots, can be deceptively cruel on the legs giving a stumpy appearance rather than a well turned feminine ankle.
CAMOUFLAGE. No longer the remit of the army, camouflage has morphed into beautiful colourways. Look for pastel blue with cream and grey, navy and red, ox blood and pink. This type of multi pattern is also great at covering the parts of the body you don’t want to showcase.
TARTAN. Yes, checks are back. The influence of the punk era has arrived. Look for checks in trousers as well as skirts or dresses. Pair with a plain sweater, rather than checks from head to toe. It will then be a great cost per wear piece rather than a back of the wardrobe trend.
OVERSIZE. Dismiss thoughts of borrowing from your partner. This is all ours. Softly curving shoulders and luxurious fabrics, such as cashmere, make this all woman.
BLOCK PATTERN.One of which is animal print. Yes, we’ve seen this year after year but this time it’s in pink and red and worn together. Not keen? Then try mixing checks or stripes. To get the right effect, make sure there is a colour or size connection so you create a style ‘rhythm’.
For more style tips visit www.suedonnelly.com
All clothes featured available at John Lewis, Queensgate.
Photos: Emma Bothamley for ESP Magazine