Fashion statement
Velvet underground
There’s something about velvet that makes everyone on the fashion desk under 30 pull a face – and not in a good way. As the Grande Dame of Fabulous fashion I can only laugh at their naivety. Velvet is cool! Back in the ’80s it was all about the New Romantics, with added flounce and frills. Fast-forward three decades and velvet has lost its costume-drama comparisons and is used by the coolest designers on the catwalk, including Christopher Kane and Giles Deacon.
Go for the loungewear vibe with a tuxedo jacket or a piece that you wouldn’t expect to see in velvet, such as a sweatshirt or shoes. It’s a velvet goldmine!
1 Dress, £19.99, New Look; 2 top, £45, ASOS; 3 blazer, £85, Oasis; 4 shoes, £50, ASOS
How to wear
An after-hours all-in-one
If dresses just don’t do it for you and you have a date that you want to impress, a jumpsuit is the answer. This all-in-one and shirt combo is the perfect way to layer up while still looking chic at dinner.
With its hint of classic Coco Chanel, there’s something so timeless about this monochrome look. Finish it off with a statement necklace.
Just be sure to focus on the detail – a sprinkle of lace on the shirt and the contrast bandeau on the jumpsuit is enough to create an expensive feel. Just slick back your hair for an androgynous look and add some lippy… Et
voila! Dinner-date ready.
Tatiana, 22, a model, wears: jumpsuit, £39.99, Zara; shirt, £30, Next; necklace, £8, F&F at Tesco; shoes, £39.99, H&M
* On the weekend Utility-style jumpsuits work best by day, teamed with slouchy boots and a biker jacket. River Island does a cool utility version for £45.
* At work Power dress in a tailored jacket and all-in-one trouser suit. Mary Portas at House of Fraser does it best, for £105.
* Hot date Go hell for pleather in ASOS’ jumpsuit, £70. You’ll look like you’ve stepped straight off the catwalk.
The wanted…
Killer boots
Not only will these add valuable extra inches, but these hot hiking boots come in the shade of the season – khaki. Worth splashing out on!
Boots, £120, Topshop Unique
