Recent world events have people contemplating whether there may be some truth behind the Mayan prediction of the end of the world, so why not do this in style? Queenslands warmer climate can be quite temperamental, and by this time of year there is usually only very subtle hints that winter is on our doorstep. What perfect time to find a new trans-seasonal jacket to play with and make a profound first impression.
Investing in the right coat can make a huge difference to your appearance and self-confidence, and for autumn a lightweight jacket in cotton or drill type fabric is the simplest option. Lightweight jackets or cardigans easily compliment dresses, skirts or pants. But why stick to basics when there is so much on offer?!
This season’s look is diverse so there is much to experiment with as our local retailers are pushing for ladylike silhouettes and subtle sexiness, whilst the high fashion darlings are embracing androgyny, think ‘women behaving manly’. The subtly sexy style is predominantly seen in Bardot, Forever New and French Connection. Tailored blazers celebrate the female figure for the corporate lioness and light cardigans for the hours away from work. Forever New’s campaign is adorned with pastel and neutral tones, easy on the eye with lace and intricate detail for the feminine appeal. Androgny has made an impact, especially in the high fashion campaigns, with many enjoying the authority that bold tailoring and tweed provides. The most predominant colour being splashed about is red - bright, bold and the colour of a powerful and ambitious woman. If conservative tones are more your forte, then invest in a black blazer, grey knits or a tan trenchcoat as these will always remain wardrobe staples for both work and play, no matter the season.
For the fashionista, kimono jackets have come out in force on the catwalk featuring in the shows for Alexander Wang, Roland Mouret, Dries van Noten and Haider Ackermnn. These designers have adapted the traditional oriental style adding bold, dragmatic lines and colours, best suited for evening wear.
My basic tips for choosing a jacket are:
+ Slim/Boyish figure: double-breasted and belted coats help create a waistline.
+ Larger bust: avoid styles with high closures and aim for V-necklines.
+ Curvy: invest in an A-line or empire-line shape and coats with shoulder details help balance the bodyshape and draw the eye upwards.
+ Long torso: a belted trenchcoat is a never fail, as are cropped jackets and cardigans.
My favourite alternate option to that of a jacket, coat or cardigan is a cape. Your trans-seasonal jacket may also be slung casually around your shoulders as seen on the runway for Hermès and Thom Browne and on Freja Beha in the MaxMara campaign. I am fast becoming a faux-cape junkie, besides everyone has a little superhero inside of them!
So whether you’re a boho beauty, behaving badly or harbour a superhero alias, do it in style and always be prepared for whatever this weather throws at us!
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Words by Rachel Conway
Photography by Laura Seeds
Makeup by Kathryn Rose
Coat by Ally & Shoes by Isabella Brown
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