FASHION + STYLE
JULIE ROULSTON A FASHIONISTA’S GUIDE TO LAYERING
VANILLA INK
WITH AUCKLAND’S NOTORIOUS FOUR-SEASONS-IN-A-DAY CLIMATE, AUTUMN is definitely a time to layer up your look. For some of us that’s cause for celebration and pulling out those stylish little pieces of cashmere and fab skinny pants. For others it’s yet another fashion challenge. How to layer with witty elegance (as opposed to looking like you are trying to wear two completely separate outfits at once, or that you are dressing for a polar expedition)? Our local experts tell all... ANDREA MOORE “The key to layering is not to over-layer, but to create clean, simple lines that look chic and enhance your body shape. In The Andrea Moore Neon Jungle collection we have beautiful tops that are 10% and 40% wool, in colours that go back with all our colour stories - khaki, navy, deep cerise and crisp white for winter. Layer with a tunic and the result can be either strong and bright, or clean and simple, depending on the colour combination. “In Auckland especially, weather can change quite dramatically and you need to be able to de-layer, too. Shirts are a great way to do this - we have beautiful Wall liberty fabric shirts that you can easily pop a cardigan over. As for slim pants over which to layer, Andrea Moore has ‘Secret park skinnies’ in khaki and black corduroy which look fantastic styled with a drapier piece of knitwear. Happy layering!” DALSTON “Layering is a great way to wear different textures and add colour to your outfit, but you don’t want to add a size to your figure or overheat! Start with a base layer of fabric that is soft and thin, as it’s important that the layer closest to your skin doesn’t itch or make you feel clammy. A silk or wool fibre mixed with tencel (a regenerated wood fibre) is good, as are organic cottons and pure wool merino, but make sure the merino feels good on your skin. Rubbing the fabric on your face is a good test for softness. Leggings and a long sleeve top are perfect as your base layer. Once you have your warm base layer on, pull on a drapey dress or tunic top. Make sure the two layers don’t argue with each other - i.e. don’t stick together! The Dalston girls are also loving Dalston’s Sophia Coat in cactus tweed and dark jewel colours, the warmest layer of all!” OCTOBER REIGN “Ioanna Kourbela (imported from Athens and stocked by October Reign) believes that the secret is all in the fabric mix. Ioanna uses luxurious blends of silk, cashmere, mohair and cotton to get comfort and warmth from layering in the winter months. You can never go wrong by throwing on an amazing coat or piece of knitwear if you are in a hurry - and all that’s underneath will be forgiven!” PEARL “One of the pleasures of dressing for Autumn is layering contrasting fabrics, such as knits with silk, leather with tulle or organza with wool crepe, to create elegant, considered looks that are both practical and stylish. With the addition of a few key layers, your entire existing wardrobe can become a collection of transseasonal pieces that can be worn right through the colder months.
VANILLA INK Eclair dress at New Zealand Fashion Festival, March 2011
PEARL
“At Pearl, we start layering an outfit with our legendary Cigar Pants – a sophisticated alternative to leggings, with a zip cuff allowing you to wear them over the top or inside your favourite boots. “Team these with our Sigourney Slips - 100% fine merino wool and perfect under everything to keep you snug. With these as a base, you can wear almost any of your gorgeous floaty silk pieces over the top. “Finish with a chunky knit, a smile, and enjoy those beautiful crisp Autumn days in style.” PN
52 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2011
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)