Military jackets and coats are trending this season, which means that we’ll see more military inspired merchandise in stores than usual. But really, I’ve been wearing military inspired jackets every season for 20 years because I’m drawn to the look. I love uniforms! I can confidently say that the right military jacket is perfectly timeless.

You’ll find military jackets in both knits and wovens. The knitted version offers added comfort but lacks the crispness of its woven counterpart. I’m a woven gal at heart so I’m not attracted to knitted military styles, but they have their place. Knitted variations are instantly more casual and forgiving over the bust area.

I’m not seeing enough military-inspired jackets with revere, V-neck collars (like the one I wore at the Seattle get-together last year). This is a missed retail opportunity. Tailored, V-neck, single-breasted jacket silhouettes with military design features can work on most body types. But high- neck, double-breasted versions are harder to wear. I hope we see more mainstream styling come through. That way, anyone who likes military styling has a bash at wearing the look.

The budget babe recently wrote a great post on military jackets where she says:

“scoop up an affordable military jacket to spice up a simple t-shirt and jeans combo, or to toughen up a cute dress. I feel like these never go out of style as long as you stick to a clean design that isn’t too costumey”.

I wholeheartedly agree. Keep your military jacket or coat monotone and sophisticated. Avoid overly ornate embellishment for a timeless, chic edge. Very fab.

An assortment of both knitted and woven military jackets and coats. They look particularly gorgeous with jeans, which tone down the severity of the style. Remember that you can also leave them open. The vertical line that is created by leaving a jacket un-buttoned is very flattering.

For the last couple of years I’ve battled with dry facial skin, and I’ve tried everything under the sun. From all sorts of lotions, potions and creams, to oils, tablets, vitamins and Vaseline. No stellar results. Finally, I succumbed to making an appointment with the dermatologist and I’m really glad I did.

The dermatologist said to stop using the products I was applying to my face. He prescribed an ointment called “locoid lipocream”, and an over the counter moisturizer called “Impruv”. That, plus my normal cleanser and sunscreen is all that I’m allowed to use daily. I came home with the Impruv but had to wait for the prescribed ointment since it was out of stock.

Right away, I started to use Impruv twice a day. You won’t believe it, because I didn’t either, but my dry skin started to dramatically repair without the prescribed ointment. I fetched the locoid four days later and used a little of that too. But I soon stopped because Impruv alone does the trick.

Apparently, the moisturizers I’d been using contain skin drying ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and retinol for exfoliation. Ironic, but in my case the expensive moisturizers were drying out my skin. Impruv does not have these ingredients. Amazing. And all for under $13. As you say in the US, I’ll be darned.

I usually post my seasonal “must haves” after we’ve discussed most of the upcoming trends, but I’m cutting straight to the chase this time round. I thought it would be fun to compare how you feel about the “must haves” list now and later in the season. Things that are “no way” today might tickle your fancy later.

The list cuts across all body types, age groups and budgets. It’s a question of finding the right style at the right price, AND wearing it in an age appropriate and flattering way that works for you. So unless you’re vehemently opposed to the aesthetic, try to keep an open mind and give new trends a bash.

• Boots, boots and more boots: It’s always a season for boots when the weather cools down and the possibilities are endless. Slouch boots get my top vote if you’re after something exciting, casual and hip to renew your existing wardrobe. Knee-high riding boots are always classically fabulous and so are booties.
• Skinny or straight leg jeans: If skinnies aren’t your thing, straight legs are just as fab. Either way you’re after a more tapered leg to tuck into boots, or wear with both voluminous and sleek tops or tunics.
• Check/plaid top: Casual or dressy versions in both tunic or shorter lengths are cute.
• Leather or pleather jacket: Biker, vintage, classic or avant-garde, your perfect style is available in all sorts of lengths, colours and fabrications. Go wild.
• Boyfriend jacket: Wearing a tasteful deconstructed silhouette is edgy. The silhouette bends body type guidelines and I love the solvable challenge it presents in our wardrobes.
• Cascading cardigans: Also called “fly away cardigans”, they look new and hip compared to their cropped, fitted counterparts. You’ve got to give this forgiving, playful and comfy alternative a go.
• Waistcoat: A versatile layering piece in either a knit or woven. It’s the perfect way to add structure to an outfit when it’s not quite cold enough to wear a jacket.
• Trench coat and wool coat: Chilly weather means an assortment of trenches and wool coats. One tires of wearing the same coat all Winter long, so try adding another colour or entirely different style to the mix.
• Winter dress: You need frocks to showcase your boots! If the elusive sweater dress is hard to find, opt for frocks in wool crepes and Ponte de Roma fabrications instead.
• Leggings: Still a sleek, comfy and great accessory and there are plenty of new takes on the style.
• Textured hose: Think self-coloured pantyhose in patterned diamonds, polka dots, lace motifs, fishnets, stripes and floral designs. It’s a great way to add personality to a simple frock and boots ensemble.
• Scarves: chic, warm, arty and easy. What’s not to love about a growing assortment of scarves.

For the more daring fashionistas, there are tapered pencil skirts, billowing painters shirts, Ponte de Roma skinny pants, slouchy pleated pants, something ruffled, military jackets, items with motocross detailing, shoulder pads, shaggy waistcoats, leg warmers, leather skirts, over-the-knee boots, small handbags, denim shirts, Winter short -shorts and sky scraping platforms.

I’ll post on how to wear the new looks as the season unfolds. Once you get your head around how to make the new fashions wearable, it’ll be as easy as pie.

I love skinny jeans and I’m open to most variations of the silhouette. But the styles you see below don’t make it through my trend filter. Severely spattered, ripped and shredded clothing looks awful. The lace and mesh insets aren’t attractive either, although those styles look better than the others.

Perhaps these styles could work on a dramatic teen aching to express a sense of individual style. But I can’t get my head around these looks for anyone else. Can you? Mums, what would you do if your daughter came home with a pair jeans like these?