How To Style The Season Ahead
The arrival of December brings with it sartorial challenges. From dressing up and going out to cosying up in sumptuous enveloping layers and staying in, Jenny guides us through the styles that will take us into this season and beyond with ease.
Written by Jenny Garcia.
Photographs by Tayla Nebesky.
Being unsure, or flat out bemused by the British weather is nothing new, as I write this I am faced with rain showers and rainbows that are more reminiscent of April than November. It’s also unseasonably mild, but still, I can feel November in my bones. I am all too aware that in no time it will be December and time to dress up, get festive, go out, meet friends and family, or get cosy in sumptuous enveloping layers. Thankfully Maze is here to help manage these sartorial challenges with their beautiful AW collection.
Forgetting the weather if we can for a moment, what is the mood from a fashion perspective for the season ahead? There are a few key takeouts this season that very much play into the overall style mood of now, which is that of longevity, conscious consumption and versatility. The first being velvet and corduroy, still key fabrications, but they’re more earthy and neutral versus the bright jewel tones of previous festive seasons. The second is tradition, a feeling for items and pieces that hark back to a time of traditional craftsmanship, pieces that are made to last. This manifests in Fair Isle and cable knits, the humble cardigan, tank tops and gilets. Prints reflect rich autumnal blooms and foliage, collars and sleeves remain exaggerated, creating volume and drama. As layering continues as an underlying theme, we see the tunic dress making a return in woven and knitted textiles.
In the absence of big trends that we are happy to see the back of, the importance of colour is elevated. Red is most definitely dialling up, taking on a new persona when it sits back with brown, which is officially the new black. If you’re a 70s child and fear the return of brown, I urge you to give it a second chance. It’s softer than black but just as rich. Its warmth flatters pale and dark complexions in equal measure and partners beautifully with earthy tones, zingy brights or pretty pastels.
At this time of year, I start to think about party season, and in recent years I have taken to choosing pieces that will slot into my am-pm wardrobe seamlessly. Pieces you can style up or style down and wear all season long are my go to. A printed midi skirt is perfect for this layer up with chunky tights and finish off with boots and a parka, or for a simple yet beautiful evening look add a cardigan, but with a twist, backwards. The button detail looks gorgeous running down the spine, don't knock it till you've tried it.
For versatility, the aforementioned gilets and tanks are an easy way to switch up existing outfits. The Folk Puzzle Gilet is uber versatile. Layer it over dresses, knits and blouses, or under or over your coat as the weather turns.
Trouser silhouettes, thankfully, evolve slowly over many years. The skinny was the dominant shape for a good decade or more but in recent years we’ve seen various options come to the fore, such as the straight, the barrel and perhaps the newest shape on the block, the wide leg. What I love about the wide is its inclusivity. They come high waisted, low rise, cropped or full length, my particular favourite is the Bellerose Lottie or Sessun Captain, both so elegant in their reminiscence of Coco Chanel’s 1920s yachting pants.
Accessories are an inexpensive, accessible way to update a look. This season is all about the standout scarf. From a bold check to an easy pastel, a scarf can transform your old coat and give an instant refresh to your outerwear. This season's wardrobe looks and feels approachable and relaxed with something for everyone.
