Life

Fashion: Lift your mood with a a feel for modern folk styles

Tribal prints and cosy fabrics spell out a laid-back Americana vibe that's perfect for winter. Katie Wright pokes into the folk trend

Valley of the Dolls Indiana Sweatshirt, available from joythestore.com
Valley of the Dolls Indiana Sweatshirt, available from joythestore.com Valley of the Dolls Indiana Sweatshirt, available from joythestore.com

IT started on the catwalks last spring, when Valentino's floaty, fringe and feather print-filled autumn show caused fashion editors everywhere to swoon.

Now, the high street has latched onto folksy fashion in a big way, and the Valentino SS16 collection is another dreamy prairie girl parade, meaning this is a trend that's got legs.

So stock up on snuggly wraps, muted prints and textured knits and fight the cold snap in style...

FROCK FOUNDATION

Make a long-sleeved dress the basis of your look. Think high-necked hippyish baby-doll or drop-waist frocks (they have more of a retro feel than cinched-in skater dresses) in dark, stylised florals, rather than chintzy prints.

Alternatively, a woollen tube skirt in an ethnic print makes for a warm but sleek silhouette, to which you can add chunky knits on your top half.

:: Floral Print High-Neck Jersey Dress, £26; Platform Sandals, £45 (available soon), and Fringe Duffle Bag, £25, all SimplyBe (www.simplybe.co.uk)

:: H&M Skirt, £24.99 (available in February, www.hm.com)

NATTY KNITS

A cardigan or sweater is the next key piece you need, but not just any old fine knit.

The bigger the better, so look for shaggy yarns in open weave fabrics that won't weigh you down.

If all-over texture feels too bulky, look for jumpers with a touch of fringing at the sleeve or hem – cream or ivory are ideal for breaking up a dark colour palette.

:: Navy & Ivory Stitch Cardigan, £99; Ivory Woven Hem Tee, £39; Hartford Indigo Flared Jean, £79; Tan Edie Sandal, £129; all Mint Velvet (www.mintvelvet.co.uk)

:: Valley Of The Dolls Indiana Sweatshirt, currently reduced to £17.50 from £35 (www.joythestore.com)

:: Girls On Film Knitted Ragged Grey Jacket, £38 (Little-Mistress.com)

COSY COATS

Your shortcut to the old school folk trend? That'll be a blanket coat in a dark hue and hefty fabric.

Buttonless and with a big shawl collar, this mid-length jacket eschews the need for a belt or scarf and is easy to throw on over jeans and a jumper on winter mornings, when it's too cold to contemplate lots of wardrobe options.

Just add a bobble beanie or wide-brimmed felt hat and you're good to go.

:: Valley Of The Dolls Wyomey Aztec Coat, currently reduced to £39.50 from £79, and Boston Dress, currently reduced to £19.50 from £39, both Joy (www.joythestore.com)

:: Monsoon Kosmo Blanket Coat in Stone, £89 (www.monsoon.co.uk)

AMERICANA ACCESSORIES

You don't need masses of accessories to complete your foray into folk, but a pair of sturdy brown boots – anywhere from burgundy to tan - is a must.

Bag-wise, you want an unfussy cross-body in a similar shade.

If you've invested in this season's saddle bag, you're all set, but for a flippy flourish, a feather-strewn, whipstitched duffle bag is bang on trend.

:: Duffle Bag With Feathers, £38 (www.simplybe.co.uk)

:: New Look Light Brown Knitted Cuff Block Heel Boots, £29.99 (www.newlook.com)

:: Accessorize Sable Panel Saddle Bag, £25 (www.accessorize.com)

GET THE LOOK

Even when she's not treading the red carpet, Amal Clooney always manages to look immaculate, with her staple of sleek, below-the-knee frocks. Recently, the human rights lawyer was pictured in a boat neck plum S Dress, which is designed to give a comfortable slimming effect - not that Mrs Clooney needs it.

:: S Dress Ava Contrast Detail Black Dress, £495 (www.sdress.com)

BUY IT NOW

A Mary Jane with benefits, the Clarks Griffin Mia, £50, is essentially two pairs of shoes in one, thanks to its detachable fringe. Pick up a pair in dusty blue-grey or pale pink suede (www.clarks.co.uk).

FASHION FLASH

:: TOP OF THE SHOPS

Have you booked your summer hols yet? If shopping is a favourite vacay activity, check out Expedia's list of the the best retail destinations across the globe. New York comes top, obviously, while Berlin's mix of department stores and vintage boutiques puts it second, designer Mecca Los Angeles is third and London rounds out the top four. There are a couple of less obvious cities in the top 10 too, with Kuala Lumper at number five and Istanbul at number eight, while the so-called fashion capital of the world, Paris, languishes in ninth place. Quelle horreur! See the full Top 25 at www.expediablog.co.uk

:: STYLE STEAL

The Sunglasses Shop is offering up to 60 per cent off in its January sale, which is great if want to snap up some trendy new sunnies for your late winter getaway. Alternatively, pick up a classic pair now, like these black chunky cat-eyes from Prada, reduced from £230 to £95, and you'll be glad you did once summer comes round again (www.sunglasses-shop.co.uk).