Bootcut jeans and pants were big in the late ‘90s, and stuck around well into the ‘00s as THE silhouette of bottoms to wear. They took a classic back seat when skinnies and straight legs came back as all the rage. Fifteen years later, and the tables have once again turned. Bootcuts with mid and high rises are on-trend, while form-fitting skinnies and straight legs take a classic back seat.

To recap, bootcuts are fitted on the waist, hips and thighs, but flare out from knee to hem. Some flares are wider than others, but the flares are not as wide as bell-bottoms. Full lengths vary. The new shorter full length finishes on top of the foot and can be worn with flats or heels. The classic and luxurious longer lengths skim the surface of the ground.

Here are some examples:

Some of my clients feel that the flared integrity of the bootcut balances out their hips, thighs, larger bust and/or broader shoulder line, thereby creating outfit proportions that follow their figure-flattering priorities. Some feel that the silhouette highlights their curvy hips, seat and thighs in an attractive way that oozes confidence. Some feel their most streamlined in bootcuts. Other clients like to wear bootcuts because it gives their muscular calves some room, unlike tapered silhouettes that cling to the lower leg. Some enjoy the elegant swoosh of the wider hems, like me! And others enjoy the leg-lengthening effect when sported at extra long hem lengths with heels.

I used to LOVE wearing bootcuts because they felt elegant and swooshy, but switched to other silhouettes as the trends changed because wearing trendy jeans is signature to my style. I have one pair of very old white bootcuts left, and I adore them. I wear them with a very low heel and like the way they move in that glam ‘70s way. Of course, living in rainy Seattle makes it harder to wear full-length extra long bootcuts without getting soggy hems. So my bootcuts are reserved for dry days when I feel like wearing a one and half inch heel.

The joy of friends, clients and forum members who feel amazing in their bootcuts is a pleasure to behold. The beauty of bootcuts is real. Who else bats for Team Bootcut Jeans?

Shackets, or shirt jackets are trending. A shacket is a casual oversized shirt and jacket hybrid. It’s thicker than a top but thinner than a winter coat. Some are lined and quilted, and quite warm. They are collared, boxy, and can range in length, pattern, fabric, colour and thickness. Some of them are as long as coats. As far as patterns go, most of them are plaid or checked. Because a shacket is like a big baggy shirt, scrunching the sleeves looks natural.

Here are some visual examples.

Shackets are an extremely easy throw-on-and-go type of topper. They are unstructured, and hang a bit like a vertical cloak over whatever you are wearing. In a sense, shackets are beyond body type because they do not follow the line of your figure. They conceal your shape and can be worn open or closed.

The idea is to wear a shacket over just about anything, much like you would a puffer jacket, anorak or parka these days. You can layer them over tees, knitted tops, cropped tops, sweatshirts, and sweaters worn with jeans or casual pants. You can wear them with dresses, skirts, athleisure, and shorts. Extra roomy shackets can work well layered over tailored blazers and denim jackets. You can also use a shacket to dress down a look.

Some of my clients and friends like shackets, while others don’t. Some enjoy their ease, warmth, ruggedness, and boxy comfort, while others find them shapeless, unattractive, stiff, and make their chest look larger than they would like. This brings me to their large-scale chest pockets, which turns some people off right away. On the other hand, people are drawn to shackets with side entry pockets.

As far as a good fit goes, you have to be careful with the length, and find your sweet spot. Some like them shorter to temper their boxiness. Some prefer them longer to accentuate vertical integrity. You also have to find the amount of volume that works with your figure-flattering priorities. Versions with high-low hems tend to have a little more structure. The plaids are more of a commitment, so choose a solid if you prefer a subtle vibe that will blend in with your surroundings.

Shackets remind me of the early ‘90s, and yes, I had one then. It was a quilted unisex red plaid from Levi’s. Hubs Greg had the blue version. It was fun to wear them with 501s and Docs, and a bit of lace peeking through from my top. For my own style today, I like shackets longer like a coat, and in a solid colour. Maybe in blush, cream, tan, or light blue to amplify the “soft and pretty”. I haven’t found one I like enough to commit to yet, though.

Shackets are popular on the streets of Seattle both in solids and plaids because they are practical for our weather. They have that ‘90s grunge edge to them, which goes down well around here too. Youngsters tend to wear shackets over cropped tops and casual bottoms, which also remind me of the ‘90s. It’s a fun fashion flashback.

Over to you. What do you think of the shacket trend?

A new editor at Vogue Paris, more diversity at New York Fashion Week, and other fashion news that caught our eye in September.

• This month a new Canadian e-com platform launched with the goal of spotlighting homegrown fashion talent.
• Online retailer Asos “will target net zero carbon emissions by 2030, and will aim to match the general population in gender and ethnic diversity among its leaders as the fast fashion company responds to shoppers’ rising demand for ethical brands.”
• After over two decades at Vogue Paris, editor of the magazine, Emmanuelle Alt, is leaving the company.
• Huffpost reports that dark academia — an education-focussed fashion aesthetic all about tweed jackets, plaid skirts etc. — is the new trend for Fall 2021.
• Here’s every look from Target’s much anticipated Fall designer collaboration.
• The Fashion Spot was happy to see that New York Fashion Week Spring 2022 brought greater diversity when it came to race, size, age and gender.
• Crocs are radically changing the clogs’ ingredients and will be entirely bio-based by 2022.
• Famous London department store Selfridges is now hosting micro-weddings of up to 20 guests.
• Shopbop has launched Shopbop Men, featuring a curated edit from over 100 brands.

Fun Fashion Quote

 This was such a great reminder of how our perceived ‘imperfections’ are often what other people love about us, and how to go more easy on ourselves:

“I have a snaggle tooth. My tongue pokes out when I grin widely, so I always smile with my mouth closed. But the first thing my husband Simon noticed when our photographer sent our wedding album was how happy I was and how my snaggle tooth was fully on show. We were so excited that we couldn’t hold it in! The love in my husband’s voice as he noticed that was touching. It’s a reminder to love the version of me that others love.”

Purple is an extremely popular colour with my friends and clients. For many of them, purple is their favourite colour, and they wear many tones of it with panache. Lilac and lavender have fast become Spring and Summer favourites, while richer shades and tones reign supreme for Autumn and Winter. Purples are less available at retail at the moment because earth tones are taking centre stage. But you’ll find purple every season, simply because it sells well.

I don’t bat for Team Purple, but fully support those who feel fab in the colour. I love it when people wear their happy colours, and the joy exudes from their confident swagger.

Here’s some outfit inspiration.

1. Frocked

Wear a purple dress or two-piece dress in a solid or pattern. Add footwear and bag that work with the pattern, or throw in something deliciously jarring like green or red. Here, ivory sandals and bag pick up the white in the pattern. Black would work too. And so would pumps, ballet flats or boots instead of sandals. Throw a coat over the top and you’re done.

2. Layers of Eggplant

I like outfits that are the same non-neutral from head to toe, like this one would have been if the top were a similar solid shade of eggplant instead of a pattern. That said, the purple patterned top works well and packs a punch. But my favourite part is how the coat, pants and boots match in the same shade of eggplant. Rich, yummy and different.

3. Remixed with Earth Tones

It’s on-trend to wear earth tones, AND to remix them with any palette. Enter purple. Combine a solid or checked pair of earthy pants with an earthy pullover and brown footwear to match. Throw over a purple topper because, why not? Jarring to some, but fab to others. Personally, I like the unexpected pairing. Sub the pants for a skirt if that’s more your thing. The refined mules look pretty with the pleated ankle pants. If you like, add a scarf in purple and earth tones to pull things together.

4. Topped Over a Column with Orange

And last, create a column of black or dark blue with separates or a dress. Add hosiery and boots to match. Throw over that purple coat with a pair of gloves in an unexpected pattern or colour. The orange fingerless gloves here are a playful touch. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.