We’re seeing a welcome shift towards practical fashion as designers and retailers respond to people prioritizing comfort, ease, and simplicity. For example, Athleisure and Sporty Luxe looks continue to trend, low heels and flats are favourites, and low maintenance fabrics reign supreme.

Pieces that are versatile, hard-working, and thoughtfully designed are resonating more than ever too. We build capsule wardrobes around items that can be styled multiple ways, worn across seasons, and adapted to different occasions so that we get the biggest bang for our fashion buck. This idea is evolving into something more ambitious called Function Forward Fashion, or FFF. The concept is fringe, futuristic, and gaining momentum.

FFF is about garments that do more than dress you. They actively replace the need for multiple items altogether. There are trench coats with integrated tote systems that unfold from the lining. They are large enough for a couple of groceries including, in the example below, a sizeable and determined melon.

There are super cute midi skirts that convert into picnic blankets complete with discreet corner weights for windy conditions. And when folded correctly, triple duty as a surprisingly supportive lumbar cushion. Stylish swoosh is put to work in a charming and pragmatic way.

Trousers are evolving too. There are silhouettes with expandable side panels that function as built-in carryalls. When not in use, they lie flat and streamlined. When deployed, they can hold anything from a laptop, to a light topper and baguette. I like how the items that you’re carrying add interest, texture and shine to your look. They effectively maximize the outfit without the need to add colours or patterns. Tonally perfect in a more minimal way.

For Team Footwear, there are boots with adjustable shafts that expand to accommodate bulkier items. One pair I saw in stores had enough internal space to hold a scarf, pair of gloves, and a somewhat bruised apple. The volume on the lower leg adds an architectural integrity, and creates grounding proportions. The effect can visually balance a broad shoulder line too.

My favourite on-trend FFF items so far are blazers. Many incorporate structured compartments designed to distribute weight evenly across the body. That keeps your body comfortable and healthy as you go about your day. I saw a citron FFF blazer recently and fell in love. It held my phone, cards, sunglasses, tissues, keys, lip balm, doggie poop bags, a short tea, and a small container of olives. Once everything was in place, the silhouette remained surprisingly tailored. A little bulkier than I prefer, but I’m giving the trend a go. The blazer followed me home and I’m excited to wear it when the weather warms up. It eliminates the need for a handbag which is a BIG change for me. Not sure I’m ready to give up my bags completely, but never say never when it comes to fashion and style.

What surprised me most about this trend is how futuristic and intentional the garments look and feel. Instead of adding accessories, your outfit becomes a fully integrated system. You carry less, but have more.

Over to you. What do you think of Function Forward Fashion? Will you sport the trend?

I had a quality issue on six Spanx Air Essentials items I bought last year. They pilled after a few washes and wears. The pilling got worse and the items look worn and older than they are. Four of the items were bought directly from Spanx, and two from Nordstrom. I took up the quality issue with both companies. 

I reached out to Spanx customer service. They didn’t respond so I filled out an online Spanx survey. An automatic reply indicated that someone would follow up with me, but no-one did. I received the survey a second time and dutifully filled it out again. This time, I mentioned I had written a blog post about the quality issue. Whether it was mentioning the blog post or just an accumulation of all my messages, I received an email from a person in customer service the next day.

Spanx customer service asked for photos of the pilled items, which I provided. I made it very clear that I did not want replacements of the exact Air Essentials items because I no longer trusted the fabric. Spanx was very apologetic, saying they would let their product development team know about the quality issues.

They couldn’t refund my orders because about 5 months had elapsed between purchase and my complaints. Instead, they could give me a store credit in the form of a gift voucher. I would have preferred a refund, but I’m satisfied with the credit. It shows goodwill from Spanx. I’ll spend my Spanx credit on woven Spanx items. I am done with their knits for a while.

I took the other two Spanx items back to Nordstrom, who, as I expected, refunded the items right away. No questions asked. They were very apologetic about the quality issue, and would take it up with Spanx. This is the type of customer service I expect from Nordstrom and I appreciate it enormously.

Reach out to Spanx customer service if your Air Essentials sweats have pilled. Or take them back to Nordstrom if you bought them there. Hopefully it will be a good outcome for you too.

Short trench coats are on trend, and offer a cheeky transitional refresh on the long and classic belted version. In many instances they are easy to wear too. Fast to take on and off, comfy to drive in, and un-belted versions are less fussy if you don’t like belted outerwear. The idea is to wear a short trench coat over any outfit (from business formal to athleisure, and everything in-between). The oversized versions are great to wear over oversized tops and big sleeves. Most trenches come in tans, khakis, toffees and stones, although other neutrals and non-neutrals are there too.

On to some outfit inspiration:

1. Columned

Create a column of colour with any neutral or non-neutral. Add interesting footwear, and pop a short trench coat over the top. For example, here a column of white is created with barrel jeans and a white top. A taupe trench coat tops the column. Pony print buckled flats with a bag to match are statement additions.

2. Dresses

These outfits are from Marks & Spencer, which perfectly styled a warm stone cropped trench coat over a couple of dresses. The maxi dress on the left is smart casual and worn with dressier flats. The dressier frock on the right is worn with dressy high-heeled sandals. Both are topped with the same short trench coat, showcasing the versatility of the silhouette.

3. Skirt

A long chocolate pencil skirt is combined with layered tees, and a red cabled scarf. Black flats are the mild weather shoes of choice. A short belted tan trench tops the outfit. Its black buttons match the black skirt. The trench coat is buttoned up, and the belt is fastened, although you can wear the trench open too. The belt hangs and dangles a bit, yet it’s not as annoying as you might expect.

4. Jeans

I’ve seen this burgundy MANGO short hooded trench coat in person on a friend and client, and it blew me away. It’s absolutely sublime and gorgeous quality if you enjoy wearing roomy, architectural designs. The colour is rich and versatile too. Runs big, and will layer over anything. It’s superbly cut, tapers in, and is not overwhelming if the sleeves aren’t too long. Here it tops a jeans, tee, shirt and boots combination, and is the star of the show. Its black buttons match the shoes and model’s hair.

5. Other Options

Here are some more examples of how short trench coats work over outfits that incorporate a variety of bottoms like short shorts, long Bermuda shorts, wide pants, mini skirts, leggings, and flared skirts. Add a bag, jewellery, watch, and eyewear as desired.

MANGO is a Spanish retailer to keep on your radar because they’re looking particularly good at the moment, and are value-driven. Items in collections are contemporary, trend-responsive, wearable, machine washable, relatively good quality, nice fits, and good colours. There is diversity in silhouette and size. They offer great plus sizes. To my eye Mango isn’t as trend-driven, fashion-forward, and experimental as Zara, and not as classic, refined, understated and luxe as Massimo Dutti. They lie somewhere in-between.

Personally, I’m finding the price points of some of my go-to brands in the US very high. They shot up fast over the space of a year, and it’s very discouraging. My plan is to buy fewer pricey-to-me items, more on sale, and to keep more affordable brands like MANGO on my radar.

On that note, today’s top picks shoutout goes to MANGO jackets and coats. I’m impressed with the variety, fits, colours, fabrics, and quality. They generally run true to size, although sometimes a little narrower than US brands, which is typical of European fits. The oversized fits aren’t too big either. The toppers are fairly neutral, although I expect non-neutrals to feature strongly further into Spring and Summer. There is silver hardware for Team Silver too.

I found two MANGO jackets this year, and I’m delighted with them. They are fabulous transitional items that I can wear whenever the weather is just so. I’m impressed with how well they are made, how pristine they look, and how good they feel, given the price point. The fabrics are fantastic, and so is the attention to trim detailing. The extra details in these items effectively elevate them. The Dundee Croc Embossed Faux Leather Jacket is in high rotation because it layers well under my cocoon coats in Winter. I love the cheeky short length and self-covered buttons. You can see me model it for the forum here (pics #42 to #45). The Cuba Oversized Short Cotton Trench Coat is waiting for the weather to improve, so I’ve worn it once so far. The dramatic sleeve width is adjustable, and so is the hem width. The collar is crisp, the pockets are deep, and the blonde tortoiseshell buttons are effective elevating extras.