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| Louis Vuitton's Spring-Summer 2017 ready-to-wear fashion collection Photo by: AP Photo/Francois Mori/ October 6, 2016 |
by Alice Newbold and Junior Style Editor, The Daily Telegraph, October 6, 2016
Forget trophy accessories and one-season-wonder pieces, the smartest women on the Paris street style scene have been projecting a strong back-to-work message at this week’s shows, navigating the last of the SS17 presentations in slick suits that mean business.
Caroline Issa, Natasha Goldenberg and Miroslava Duma have all chosen tailoring over trend-led pieces with limited longevity, and have subsequently served up plenty of workwear inspiration in the process.
Here are five styling tips first spotted in the French capital but which will work as well for the office as they do on the front row...
Heritage fabrics are key
Block navy and black palettes are out in favour of check and herringbone prints that nod to autumn’s heritage look . Before selecting your new season suit, ask yourself, would Princess Diana wear this? If the answer is yes, then proceed to purchase.
Swap blouses for a white tee
Unless you’re going for a ruffle-tastic eccentric vibe, as seen on Gucci’s catwalks, the age-old blouse and blazer formula can look a little lacklustre. Instead, switch chiffon blouses for a white crew-neck t-shirt. The fashion pack might be toting their best band or logo tees, but a crisp white cotton style will look just as modern. Add a pair of trophy earrings to elevate.
Team skirt suits with ankle boots
Take advantage of Hot-tober (October’s unseasonably good weather) and wear skirt suits with bare legs and ankle boots. Keep boots and accessories plain if pairing with heritage fabrics, though. The aim is to look sleek, not 'busy'.
White heels will punctuate your outfit
For fashion fanatics, white heels will be the only footwear option this autumn. We’re talking tippex-bright pumps in abstract shapes or white ankle boots with block heels. Though not for everyone (imagine trying to justify an impractical pair of snow-white stilettos to your other half), bright shoes will draw the eye down the body and elongate the legs. Just remember to avoid them on rainy days, and keep them pristine.
Wide-legged trousers are still a must
Sorry skinnies devotees, wide strides are still the easiest way to nod to the current mood for relaxed tailoring. Floor-trailing styles mean you can hide smart trainers underneath, too.
The fashion pack is still obsessed with pink
Though we should be reaching for the wine and mustard hues we typically associate with autumn, we’re still obsessed with a particular shade of pink. Part bubblegum, part marshmallow, this saccharine hue is not for the minimal dresser. Take pink suiting to work for one final hurrah to summer, but add hard-edged accents, like dark buttons, bags or shoes, to mute.
3 suits to buy now and wear all autumn
Suit jacket, £29.99, H&M; Suit trousers, £14.99, H&M
Multi jacquard jacket, £55, Next ; Multi jacquard trousers, £35, Next
Musk jacket, £245, Reiss ; Musk trousers, £135, Reiss
This article was written by Alice Newbold and Junior Style Editor from The Daily Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.
