Find your front row style tribe
Forget outlandish catwalk looks at London Fashion Week – and take autumn style inspiration from the A-listers who get the best seats in the house...
THE MAXIMALISTS
WHO? Kate Hudson.
WHAT IT SAYS: These women aren’t shy of the limelight — and they know how to grab it without looking silly. Take actress Kate’s empire-line dress with flared sleeves (above), a real statement silhouette covered in attention-grabbing print. It signals confidence and a fun, youthful style. MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU: This may not be one for the school-run — but a dress like Kate’s is perfect for a big evening event. If you choose a statement print, opt for a flattering, easy-to-wear shape such as Kate’s flowing Chanel number.
THE CASUAL CREW
WHO? Katie Holmes.
WHAT IT SAYS: Katie’s combination of denim, leather and slouchy cardi (above) is a masterclass in how to look like you haven’t tried too hard — even though she probably spent ages putting her outfit together. And with every luxury label from Dior to Gucci producing chunky trainers, the casual look is here to stay. MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU: This is a rare trend that’s both comfortable and the height of cool, and it lends itself to autumn layering.
THE ACCESSORISERS
WHO? Julianne Moore.
WHAT IT SAYS: When you’re faced with a fashion month’s worth of outfits to plan, A-list accessories are the easiest way to add sparkle. Many an editor will be wearing a Cos dress elevated with a must-have bag or statement sandals from Staud or Cult Gaia. Actress Julianne Moore’s outfit (right) is perfect — a simple, wellcut dress, woven bag from Salvatore Ferragamo and matching sandals. MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU: Great accessories are a style short cut when you’re in a rush and want to impress. If you’re pulling out your ‘wow’ bag or shoes for an important meeting, take a tip from Julianne and let them do the talking. Opt for a block colour in your clothing — such as her burnished orange — to allow them to take centre stage.
THE MONOCHROMES
WHO? Alexa Chung. WHAT IT SAYS: Fashion stylists are renowned for their love of black. The addition of a dash of white lifts it into chic Parisienne territory — as model Alexa Chung well knows. MAKE IT WORK
FOR YOU: The joy of monochrome is that you can easily adapt it for myriad occasions — a crisp white blouse and black trousers never fails for the office, while a black blouse under a white dress gives a twist for a party. Take a leaf out of Alexa’s book and opt for texture, such as a wet-look blouse.
THE FROCK STARS
WHO? Lady Kitty Spencer. WHAT IT SAYS: Model Lady Kitty’s neat dress oozes elegance. This look is unapologetically feminine and dresses for the occasion — it’s the opposite of casual. MAKE IT WORK
FOR YOU: Wearing this kind of style is the ultimate compliment to a host — it shows you really care. If you opt for a vintageinspired dress, bring it up to date with accessories or the look could become mumsy. Lady Kitty’s dress has a cut-out neckline and split sleeves, while her pointy shoes give a youthful edge.
THE SUITED SET
WHO: Emily Blunt.
WHAT IT SAYS: This look is clean, fuss-free and says: ‘I’m in control.’ Masculine trouser suits have made a big comeback in the past few seasons, with designers from Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton, to Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller turning out sharp takes on the classic power combo. For the A-list, it’s all about a bold block colour, such as actress Emily’s tomato red version (above).
MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU: This is the trouser suit as a style statement, rather than a nine-to-five option, so wear it for a social event — dinner or a party. There are some good High Street versions in pastel shades, too, which are easier to pull off than Crayola brights.