Remember those egg shaped pantyhose packages called “Leggs” that were all the rage in the ’80s? Back then the most popular hose colours were nude (by “nude” I mean a colour that is very similar to your skin tone, whatever that happens to be). Woman also wore shiny, lycra-rich nude hose which were considered ultra stylish and sophisticated. I remember wearing a pair just like that to a University ball in 1988 and feeling ever so swish and grown up. 

And then it all changed. Nude toned hosiery became something that you didn’t wear anymore — bare legs being the stylish alternative. More recently, textured and coloured hose became fashionable options, but nude hose stayed out in the cold.

Is it all about to change again? A couple of months back, forum member Kristine’s contribution to our weekly links roundup was a post claiming that “bare legs are so 2010”. Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, had been wearing nude hose with her designer dresses. The question was whether this was the sign of nude hose making a comeback, or just Kate conforming to the protocol of nude hose, knee length skirts and closed toe shoes to please the Queen.

Aside from Kate’s popularity driving the trend, this actually lines up with a broader resurgence of “ladylike” styles, like longer hemlines, softer silhouettes and more refined footwear. Perhaps the best example is the midi dress, which feels frumpy right until it feels fabulous. Half the world is thinking matronly, conservative and unstylish, while the other half sees something cutting edge and fashionable. 

Fashionable or not, nude hose has its place. I do like nude fishnet hose, and nude hose with tiny polka dots. And although I haven’t worn it as a fashion statement in almost 20 years, I do layer inexpensive plain nude hose underneath fancy textured hose for extra warmth. I suggest textured hose to my clients, but some of them need to wear nude pantyhose because the setting calls for it, like in a courtroom and other work settings that demand a conservative dress code.

Might nude hose once again be a fashion statement? Maybe there is a middle ground where nude hose is just fabulously classic. Or do you think it puts you on Team Frump no matter what?

I’m on the fence. It’s quite possible that nude hosiery becomes a stylish lady-like statement all over again. And if it happens, I’ll be climbing on that bandwagon.

Oversized sweaters are huge this season. I’m not just talking about dolman sleeved knitwear that’s oversized on top but narrows at the hips. I mean large everywhere. You could spread your wings and fly away wearing this type of knitwear. 

The volume of oversized sweaters varies. Some are “poncho-like” and really roomy in the bulk of the sleeve, under the arms, and in the body. Others are roomy in the body and more tapered through the sleeve. 

I prefer these styles in fine gauge knits and on the shorter side. That way they drape against the body in a more flattering way, and reveal the structure that is created by wearing slim fitting skirts, jeans and trousers. They look best when worn on their own, but if you need another layer, try a cape or dolman sleeved coat. 

Some of my clients adore oversized sweaters because they are “new” and very comfortable. Others find them unflattering because they are shapeless and overwhelming. I totally get why some of my clients feel awful in this style. They tend to add bulk, especially when the necklines are high and chunky. 

I don’t yet have any oversized knitwear, but I do like the vibe. To my eye, “swingy” silhouettes can look fun and feel liberating when they drape in the right way. I’m also happy to surrender my waistline from time to time. So I’m a yay vote. Do you like the look? If you don’t like the look for yourself, do you like it on others? Or is the style simply beyond redemption.

For the final day of the YLF Books Bonanza we are back with another fabulous double giveaway. The Pocket Stylist and Style Evolution are both written by famous fashion stylist Kendall Farr, who recently met up with Angie in New York City. Five lucky winners will each get a copy of both titles!

A warm thank you to Kendall and Penguin Group for kindly giving away these five book packages, and for supporting YLF Books.

Be sure to visit the Competitions section to enter our last giveaway of the week. Good luck and happy reading!

Now through the first few week of January is a great time to shop for a coat, which can be quite an expense. Here’s a round up of the more affordable, interesting and generally flattering styles in stores right now, some of which are on sale. I have fitted most of them onto clients and can vouch for their drape, cut and quality. Lengths, fabrications, styling and colours will differ. 

1. Express Wool Blend Long Fit and Flare Coat: This coat has an interesting A-line shape that does not come through in the photo. It flares out from the torso so be warned. It’s a rare single breasted style with a bit of oomph and length. I loved it and like the stain-forgiving black and white tweed version just as much.
2. Express Faux Fur Collar Belted Down Jacket: Its tailored fit is flattering. Fun style for the more adventurous puffer wearer. 
3. Express Long Full Collared Down Coat: This puffer is more streamlined and classic than the above belted style. It’s not as fun, but you’ll probably feel more svelte in the silhouette. 
4. Soia & Kyo Tulip Hem Double Breasted Coat: A gorgeously structured fit on top with tulip shaped hem and hood. The camel is great, but surprisingly, I actually preferred this one in black. 
5. Soia & Kyo Asymmetrical Wool Blend Coat: This is one of my favourite coats this season. The collar is spectacular, but the photo has it draped in an odd way. The gold hardware and asymmetrical zip are fab. It would be mine in navy if it had a little more length. 
6. Soia & Kyo Houndstooth Coat: Casual and polished in a cool way. It’s the type of coat that hides dirt and lint. Perfect for a busy gal on the go who loves olive. 
7. Soia & Kyo Pillow Collar Down Coat: I have a Soia & Kyo puffer coat that’s very similar to this style (a few seasons older), and I can’t rave about it enough. It’s super duper warm and has fleece lined pockets. Tailored, spunky, and elegant all at once. 
8. Ellen Tracy Belted Notched Collar Coat: Gorgeous for gals who like earth tones. Super fit and and all round classic. 
9. Steve Madden Trench with Detachable Collar: Hello ’70s. Personally I prefer it with the faux fur collar, but it’s detachable if you don’t. 
10. Weatherproof Faux Fur Coat: This one is for dramatic, practical gals because it’s weatherproof. Very cuddly and eye-catching. 
11. Trina Turk Houndstooth Check Coat: Sweet! It has wide hemmed sleeves that are not the best insulation, but it’s adorable nonetheless. Very swingy and not tailored through the body.   
12. Bar III Long Sleeve Double Breasted Coat: This coat gives me a quirky, modern Sherlock Holmes vibe. The ribbed portion on the sleeves is a little off colour to the rest of the coat, but I quite liked the effect. 
13. Jessica Simpson Double Breasted Chunky Knit Collar Coat: This mushroom coloured coat looks much better on the body than it does in the photo. The knit collar gives the coat an arty integrity and the length is wonderful. The lining is a little noisy, but it’s not a deal breaker. 
14. BB Dakota Melton Coat: Cute, retro and happy. 
15. Mac & Jac Houndstooth Coat: Another sweet little retro number. 
16. Mac & Jac Jacquard Dots Coat: This one is for Team Subtle Polka Dot in a mild Winter climate. 
17. J. Crew Double Cloth Metro Coat: J. Crew does a version of this coat every season and they are worth a second glance. The colours are attractive, the single breasted styling appealing, and the length fabulous. This year’s darling is particularly ladylike. 
18. Zara Blue Double Breasted Coat: Slim fitting through the bodice and quite dazzling.
19. Zara Teal Double Breasted Coat: An excellent coat for petites. It’s also available in yellow in stores. 
20. Guess Pleat Skirt Coat: A super little box-pleated coat that is quite flared. Do not expect a sleek look here. The colour is perfect for rich olive lovers. Flirty!

Sleeve and hem lengths can easily be shortened so don’t let that stop you from purchasing a coat. Button positions are also a simple alteration and can often make the fitting difference. Here’s a reminder on how to fit a coat, just in case.