CATCHING FEELINGS

Words by Lesego Ntsime | Images: Getty Images

Farewell, lightweight fabrics. Feel-good textures are here to reclaim their annual spot in our wardrobes. As the warmth of the sun travels elsewhere for a few months, feelings of warmth are for us to recreate. A cup of coffee gains a tad more significance and fashion assumes the role of a cuddle buddy. If it’s feels you must catch this season, catch some that will reciprocate your energy. Think feathery ruffles, silky-smooth satin finishes and decorated feminine touches that will contrast well with gritty denim.

Runways and streets continue to embrace texture, with designers and fashion enthusiasts opting for ostentatious and flamboyant displays of (faux) leather, denim and silk among other textiles. This season, the talk of texture is the talk of going all the way. Ruffle up some feathers with ruffles and faux fur or strengthen your love for the tried-and-tested classics like denim and faux leather. There’s no escaping it; short and frosty days are here. If we’re going to get through it, let’s do it in style.

A quilted jacket? A winter essential for sure. Opt for longer lengths and larger proportions in striking colours to make the ultimate statement. Style with utility pieces for a look that gives a nod to the adventurer within you or contrast with more feminine accents like dresses and skirts for a balanced look.

If you’re going to own the moment, do it in ever-so-whimsical ruffles. Groovy and voluminous - ruffles add dimension to any look. Enjoy these timeless tiers with textiles like satin and chiffon for an element of flow or risk it all by opting for more structured layers that come in cotton, leather or denim. Go full-on ethereal and pair your ruffles with longline coats and faux fur bucket hats for a touch of flair.

How soft can you go? That is the question fashion poses to us this season. Rich and smooth satin finishes have been draping us season after season, and are revisiting jewel tones once more. Give your style a royal touch with silky slip dresses, shirts and bottoms that pair well with jacquard jackets, fur coats and heels for date night or sneakers for casual Friday. PS: satin is a pretty lightweight fabric for autumn/winter but it layers well. Use it to add some texture by layering it over bottoms and knitwear.

Tough crowd, even tougher skin. There’s certainly no winter without our seasonal faves: faux leather and denim. However, this season they receive a do-over with exaggerated silhouettes, proportions and styling options. Head-to-toe denim or faux leather? Yes. Battle of the classics in one outfit? Even better. Indeed, you can put these two queens against one another and they’ll both come out on top. There’s nowhere these two textiles won’t go. From bottoms to coats, shoes to accessories - throw on some tough skin.

Saturn just entered Pisces and will chill there for 3 years. In other words: even the stars agree it’s time to start dressing up again. Embellishments and embroideries, decorative details, flowing lines and most importantly, lace. Channel your inner goddess with rich velvet (yeah, she’s cool again), midi skirts, enchanting blouses and thanks to Balletcore, the return of the ballet pump. This is a trend to embrace fully so don’t hold back. Pair all your ultra-feminine pieces with ultra-feminine accessories like headbands and quirky accessories à la Blair Waldorf. If you’re looking for something different, contrast your feminine details with oversized tees, baggy denim and grunge-inspired pieces for a touch of edge.

Guess who’s back? Yet another winter fave: knitwear. Cosy, versatile and fashionably warm, this textile has filtered down from zeitgeist to zeitgeist for its ability to provide warmth during colder seasons and sprinkle charm to any outfit. This season, all the knitwear eras come together. From ‘60s-inspired preppy-collegiate styles to ‘90 sport-luxe details to timeless malume touches and modern additions, you can be whoever you want to be in knitwear. Create a seamless knitwear rotation with cropped vests, sleek turtlenecks, curtaining ponchos and easy loungewear. Think retro, think different, think texture and don’t be afraid to layer your knits.

Keep warm and keep (fur)bulous. Faux fur is perhaps one of the most exciting winter textiles out there. Whether you’re sporting it in subtle trimmings and details on clothing and accessories or letting the fur speak for itself with a dazzling fur coat, this feathery fabric invites glamour and allure to any autumn/winter wardrobe. Spruce up your ‘fits with fun accessories like faux fur bags and hats or make it a (faux) furry fashionable affair with coats and cropped jackets that go well with just about anything because there’s no going wrong with forever faux fur.