Joanne Hegarty: Wardrobe superheroes to the rescue!
Polishing my look with a white Joseph blazer. The Skirt is from Zara and the flats are by Jil Sander, bought in the Harvey Nichols sale
Like the people who flit in and out of your life, trends come and go. Some friends and acquaintances always circle back, even after you think they might be lost. Others remain constant, quietly present in the background.
In my closet, there are some vital pieces that tie me together season after season. I call these my wardrobe constants.
For the autumn season – too quickly approaching – there’s always one trend I’ll indulge in. This year I’m on the hunt for the perfect easy-to-wear leopard coat: not too much bulk and just the right amount of spots (fussy? moi?). I’m thinking of something similar to one Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy wore in the 90s. Leopard is one of those cheeky trends that leaves briefly but always gets back in touch. Let the thrill of the chase begin!
Meanwhile, here are the loyal constants that will be joining it in my autumn-winter wardrobe…
The White Shirt
I’m always on the hunt for the perfect one. Fortunately, this summer I found it when my husband declared his had mysteriously shrunk in the wash – plenty more hot cycles to come, then!
A white shirt is the perfect companion to blue jeans and flats, or dressed up with black high-waist trousers and heels for a night out. I loved seeing Jane Birkin wearing her white shirt with jeans at Cannes last month, while Sharon Stone tucked hers into an embellished skirt.
The Blazer
This is not just a jacket, it’s a tool in your chic armoury for busy days. It adds gloss and polish when you’re not feeling it. I reach for one when I have the least time to think or on a tired morning after the night before.
Jeans
I have two rotating favourites – high-waist flares and the straight-legged crop. Work out what’s best for your body shape, but low-rise jeans are nobody’s friend. Darker rinses are more flattering on all leg shapes and look great with T-shirts and knits. & Other Stories does great flares and Frame is my favourite for stylish cuts.
The hard-working dress
As I’ve grown older, my relationship with dresses has become more complicated. But a beautiful dress is always heaven. Now, in my 40s, I prefer simplicity over flounce – and a good cut. And colour? Black and white have been my favourites this year. Halternecks, a shirt silhouette, thin straps and low backs are my dress jams. And always linen on a hot summer’s day.
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Arket sells stylish jackets for all seasons. Blazer, £150, arket.com. I’m loving this brand’s boyfriend styles. Shirt, £85, withnothingunderneath.com. Part of the InTheFrow collab for Edge of Ember, this signet is divine. Ring, £105, edgeofember.com
The perfect linen dress? SIR always has a good selection. Dress, £320, matchesfashion.com. The best flared pair on the high street. Jeans, £65, stories.com
My search for a leopard-print coat has just begun, but this is pretty dreamy. Coat, £681, Parosh, farfetch.com. This is on my list for autumn. Jumper, £195, navygrey.co
