Life

Fashion: Style that's sew cool for the catwalk this season

Move over minimalism – it's all about intricate embroidery and floral embellishment this season, but with a tough edge. Katie Wright has the trend all stitched up

Next Black Embroidered Maxi Dress and Gold Ankle Wrap Sandals, available from next.co.uk
Next Black Embroidered Maxi Dress and Gold Ankle Wrap Sandals, available from next.co.uk Next Black Embroidered Maxi Dress and Gold Ankle Wrap Sandals, available from next.co.uk

GLAMOROUS, gorgeous and opulent – the heavily embellished frocks that floated down the Alexander McQueen and Dolce and Gabbana AW16 catwalks were truly out of this world, and those shows have gone on to fuel one of autumn's biggest trends.

Embroidered detailing is now EVERYWHERE, and, luckily for us, the high street has taken that after-dark decadence and given it round-the-clock potential.

Here's how to work the edgy embroidery trend into your winter wardrobe...

DRESSES TO IMPRESS

If you're in possession of a party season invite that calls for a really show-stopping ensemble, look no further than the McQueen-inspired black dresses that combine mesh or tulle with oodles of embellishment.

Long or short, sleeved or not, these fabulous frocks can really hold their own, so just add simple black suede, or velvet heels and a boxy clutch, and you're ready to wow.

:: Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Black Winter Bird Embroidered Shift Dress, currently £187.50, down from £250 (www.debenhams.com)

:: Next Black Embroidered Maxi Dress, £85; Gold Ankle Wrap Sandals, £35 (www.next.co.uk)

:: Fenn Wright Manson Miranda Black Dress, £169, John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com)

:: Monsoon Abel Dress, £169 (www.monsoon.co.uk)

WORK IT

Bringing a hint of elegance to the everyday, delicate embroidery takes a sweatshirt from workout to work wear, and adds interest to the classic jeans-and-jumper combo.

Likewise, stylised floral stitching elevates a simple pinafore dress or sleeveless tee without being OTT.

:: Joy Fortune Embroidered Pocket Pinafore Dress, £39 (www.joythestore.com)

:: Sportmax Code Fiacre Sleeveless Ribbed Floral Top, £160, House of Fraser (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

:: Next Embroidered Sweat Top, £34 (www.next.co.uk)

JACKET IN

Whether bomber or biker, this season it's imperative that your trusty black jacket is adorned with colourful stitching.

Just a smattering of roses or a Japanese-inspired motif is all it takes to ensure your cover-up is in the cool crowd.

:: Monsoon Simone Embroidered Bomber, £69; Vivienne Velvet Wideleg Trousers, £69 (trainers, stylist's own; www.monsoon.co.uk)

:: Glamorous Black Embroidered PU Bomber Jacket, £25 (www.glamorous.com)

EVERYBODY SKIRTS

Give your midi skirts a rest and discover how useful a little A-line mini is in winter, teamed with thick tights and a chunky pair of boots.

Featuring pretty symmetrical embroidery, and in faux and leather fabrics, this season's minis are detailed enough, so keep your silhouette sleek - a soft roll-neck or cropped sweatshirt hits just the right note.

:: Miss Selfridge Black PU Embroidered Mini Skirt, £45 (www.missselfridge.com)

:: New Look Black Floral Embroidered A-line Skirt, £24.99 (www.newlook.com)

:: Glamorous Embroidered Floral PU Skirt, currently £35, down from £58, Littlewoods (www.littlewoods.com)

GET THE LOOK

Millie Mackintosh embraced this season's velvet vibes at the Red Women of the Year Awards, pairing her pyjama-style belted black suit with dark red lips and nails. Simple but very chic indeed.

:: Monsoon Vivienne Velvet Jacket, £79, and Wideleg Trousers, £69 (www.monsoon.co.uk)

BUY IT NOW

There's something so satisfying about pulling on a box-fresh pair of socks isn't there? Now you can enjoy that feeling every day of advent with a SockShop calendar. Choose from plain or patterned and men's or ladies – by Christmas day you'll have completely overhauled your hosiery drawer.

:: SockShop Ladies Colour Burst Socks Advent Calendar, £79.99 (www.sockshop.co.uk)

FASHION FLASH

:: DO YOU SUFFER FROM FOSO?

First it was FOMO (fear of missing out) that plagued the nation, now it's FOSO, the horror of finding yourself in the Same Outfit as someone else. Research by Etsy has found that 28 per cent of people know they own the same item of clothing as a friend or family member, with one in 10 admitting they've returned a garment after discovering their doppelganger. Unwilling to give up their favourite fashions, 38 per cent admit they coordinate outfits before events to keep the dreaded FOSO at bay.

:: FABULOUS AT FIFTY – AND BEYOND

Far from being 'over the hill,' a new survey reveals that women believe they reach their fashion peak in their 50s. According to the research from Kaleidoscope, 41 per cent said their sixth decade was when they really hit their style stride, compared to just 19 per cent who favoured their 30s and 12 per cent for the 20s. What's more, Helen Mirren and Mary Berry, aged 71 and 81 respectively, were named the two biggest fashion influencers, proving, yet again, that age is just a number – and style is eternal.

STYLE STEAL

How's this for fast fashion? Lesara.co.uk reacts to trends as they happen, bringing must-have pieces to market in as little as 10 days. It's super-affordable too, so you can snap up this season's essential rouched velvet dress for less than £20.

:: Velvet Optic Bandeau Dress, currently £19.99, down from £44.99 (www.lesara.co.uk)