Working out your winter ’87 wardrobe

Press, 25 February 1987, Page 14

Working out your winter ’87 wardrobe

Today’s woman is smart, sophisticated and determined to choose her own style. For winter, 1987, New Zealand fashion offers the choice to fit your lifestyle and your mood, reports MaryAlice Arthur, product affaire manager of the New Zealand Wool Board.

Simplicity, quality and wearability are the key, but don’t think that classic means boring. Colours, fabrics, silhouettes and details all play a part in up-dated traditionals that will form the basis for your wardrobe. Start your winter wardrobe plan with the two Cs: colour and cloth. This winter’s fashion colours are dark. Black is the definite favourite, but shades of grey or navy are coming to the fore as

the new classics. Neutrals return in shades of fawn, camel and beige, teaming perfectly with this winter’s darks. Bright jewel colours warm up the dark, rich colours of winter. Used as accents in knitwear, accessories and shoes they create that “put-to-gether” look so important for today. Red is a favourite, so is bright blue, emerald green, purple, and shades of yellow. Styles for the coming season are simple and uncluttered, so along with colour, choosing a highquality cloth is most important. Whether you are buying a coat, a jacket, dress or separates, wool is the fashion fibre for winter ’B7 in flannels, tweeds, jerseys, crepes, and ga-

berdines. Next, choose your silhouette. • Start with a coat. The coat is the top-fashion item this season and the new wool coats now on the market have a life all their own. Great coats are amply cut, with broad, softened shoulders. Large lapels, seaming, large pockets and the allure of wool comfort are part of careful detailing. Redingote style emphasise the new body-consciousness. Choose % length, % length, mid-calf or longer. • Be tempted by the new wool suits. Severe in line, beautifully finished and very sophisticated,

suits provide understated excitement this winter. There are many silhouettes to choose from including body-conscious designs that skim the waist and hips, matched with slim, short skirts; the new, longer jackets with seamed shaping; or the wide-shouldered jacket with peplums accenting a small waist. • Skirt the issue. No longer is the length of your skirt dictated for you. This year, make your own choice. If its short you want, keep it straight and simple. Should your choice be long, you might try pleats, gathers, asymmetrical seams, or tied-

hip accents. • Choosing the bottom line. Trousers for women fall into two categories: Man-tailored pants use soft pleats and straight legs. The use of wool gaberdine makes these new pants crisp, classic and easy to care for. The new “fancy pants,” sarong-style waists or slim to the ankle, are a new look, perfect for evening dressing. Knitted leggings

show up again this winter, teamed with slender jackets or big jerseys, • Dressed to kill. The dress is back and with it, a multitude of choices to fit every occasion. The new dresses show the influence of top French de-, signers in cut and style. Azzedlne Alaia, the contour king, makes his mark in body conscious dresses, shaped, seamed and zippered. Draping, swirl-

ing and wrapping bust, hips and waist stems from the designs of Emanuel Ungaro. Or try the classic look of the Chanel influence. Worn with the right accessories, dresses move from casual to sophisticated, depending on your mood. • Knitwear over all. Wool knitwear is in — tops for comfort, styling and warmth for winter. Total-look knitwear is key in the comfort stakes with three-piece ensembles and complete one-colour looks leading the pack. Try sweater coats over a

jersey and skirt, jackets over polos and leggings or sweaters lengthened into dresses. There are two silhouettes to look for: wide and wonderful, or slim and slinky. • Choice is the key to the new fashion looks. A wide range of classic, quality garments to form the basis of your look is the perfect way to start. Whatever your tastes, wool works for winter ’B7 in new, sophisticated silhouettes designed to capture your imagination and fit your lifestyle.