A new outfit from Ashley of Fancy Stuff and Pretty Things, who we introduced to YLF in September 2014.

A dressy pencil skirt in a solid or pattern is a versatile classic. Here, Ashley’s relaxed version is a great way to de-bombshell the look for casual days. Combining the leopard print skirt with a fine gauge turtleneck sweater and denim jacket dresses down the look. Black booties with stacked heels relax the outfit. Matching the colour of the booties to the hosiery creates a longer leg line, plus opaque tights keep Ashley cosy in cold weather. Our blogger’s bag cleverly echoes the colours of the skirt. Chunky bracelets and a simple pendant add polish.

If you can’t wear jeans to work, switching out the denim jacket for a lightweight leather jacket or tuxedo blazer will make this Winter look appropriate for a business casual environment.

Boho Chic is a style that is inspired by Bohemianism and the fashions of the hippie movement. It has a late ‘60s and early ‘70s flavour that is predominantly casual, although dressy versions of the style do exist too. 

Boho Chic is always in style, with retailers like Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Lucky and Shopbop showcasing boho items in their ranges every season. But every so often, Boho Chic makes a fashion statement, or is “on trend”, and that’s what has happened for Spring 2015. The pictures here provide a small cross section of the Boho Chic trend retailers are showing right now. I expect the trend to carry through the year, along with other fashion influences of the ‘70s. 

Boho Chic style makes me think of bell sleeves, embroidered and smocked detailing, kimono sleeves, A-line tops and skirts, fringe, all shades of brown, high-waisted flared jeans and trousers, kaftans, tunics, velvet, peasant tops, weathered leather, drawstring necklines, lots of gathers, suede, casual maxi dresses, textured cottons, cork heels, textured knitwear, pendant necklaces, some ponchos, floppy felt hats, wooden jewellery, and empire cuts. It’s a very distinctive style, which is one of its strengths. 

I do not gravitate towards Boho Chic for my own style, but I’m happy it’s trending because we need the variation in silhouettes at retail. Something needs to give Sporty Luxe, Hard Edge, Normcore, Avant-Garde, Preppy and Modern Classics competition. Why not a bit of Boho Chic? So far, the trend hasn’t taken over the season like it did back in 2005, which I’m equally happy about. I like seeing Boho Chic alongside the Classics and Sporty Luxe (also referred to as “Athleisure”) in one department store because a successful fashion season is about VARIETY. Too much of the same is not a good thing. 

I suspect that the newness of this season’s Boho Chic will come from the juxtaposition of the trend with Sporty Luxe, and in the crispness of the items themselves. Zara’s kimono sleeve blouse is an example of a more crisp bohemian item, which is achieved by the clear vibrant colour, stiffer and heavier fabrication, and straighter drape of the volume. Combine that top with a pair of straight leg jeans rolled at the hems and fashionable sneakers, and you’ve got a look that’s “Boho Chic Lite”. Furthermore, high-waisted flared jeans needn’t be worn with a bohemian top and platforms. Pair them with a clean-cut Preppy stripe and short trapeze jacket, or Hard-Edged black drapey asymmetrical sweater, moto jacket, and pointy toe pumps. The effect is less boho and more modern, but just as chic. 

Judging by what I saw on the runways for Pre-Fall 2015 earlier this year, ‘70s inspired fashions are having their moment. Late ‘70s fashions were very glamorous, fitted, sensual and dressy (think Studio 54 and watch the movie “American Hustle”). That ‘70s look appeals to more than Boho Chic. As a trousers and coat gal, bootcut pants worn with long belted coats look particularly elegant to my eye. But more about that when the Fall 2015 shows are complete. 

Over to you. Do you have a Boho Chic element to your style? Are you excited about the Boho Chic trend and will you create interesting Boho Chic Lite juxtapositions with the pieces?

A major Yves Saint Laurent exhibition in the UK, Target’s new plus-size clothing line, an interesting Clare Vivier collaboration, and other fashion news that made headlines this week.

• The UK’s first big Yves Saint Laurent exhibition will be staged at the Bowes Museum in County Durham later this year.
• Fendi is launching its own e-commerce site in March. 
• Target’s new plus-size clothing line, Ava & Viv, will be available online and in brick-and-mortar stores on 22 February.
• Footwear, fashion and accessories designer Vince Camuto has passed away at age 78. 
• & Other Stories teams up with Clare Vivier for an exclusive collection of bags and accessories.
• Converse is partnering with the Andy Warhol Foundation for a range of sneakers inspired by the pop artist’s work.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that Helmut Lang is now a visual artist. The Austrian designer, who left fashion for good in 2005, repurposed materials salvaged from a fire at his studio to create sculptures that are on view at a SoHo gallery until February, 21. 

This ensemble was inspired by my own wardrobe pieces and my love for the combination of tomato red, light blue and white. Since the blue is light, the combination is less nautical and less evocative of the American flag than it would be with a darker blue. There are many ways to combine the palette and I’ve started the ball rolling with four examples. None of these ensembles are particularly dressy, but they are quite versatile. Faded denim can be used as the light blue component of the ensemble, and white footwear is an easy way to incorporate the white accents. I’ve chosen solids, but feel free to incorporate patterns that work with the palette. 

Red Pants & Denim Shirt

Pair red trousers with a faded denim, chambray or light blue shirt. Tuck or partially tuck the shirt into the trousers, and finish off the look with white belt, footwear and bag. I’ve chosen high-vamped white loafers because they look trendier than pumps when combined with ankle length tuxedo trousers. 

Red Skirt & Light Blue Sweater

Pair a red skirt with a light blue sweater and finish off the outfit with white heels and bag. I’ve chosen a cropped sweater to wear with the A-line skirt, but feel free to wear a longer welted style. By all means pair a pencil skirt with a roomy light blue sweater that’s partially tucked in front. Or switch out the sweater for a light blue blouse, shirt or tee. Ankle strap pumps look particularly elegant with a midi skirt so that’s my top choice. 

Red Top & Faded Jeans 

Pair a red pullover or blouse with faded blue jeans. Add white footwear and bag and Bob’s your uncle. I’ve chosen a roomy sweater with an asymmetrical hem to wear untucked over a pair of denim flares for a fun ‘70s vibe. But choose any style of faded blue jeans and match them with a red top that works with the style. I’ve chosen white pumps because heels work best with flared leg openings. 

Blue top, White Jeans and Red Bag

If you like the idea of tomato red, but want to keep its visual impact to a minimum, choose it as the accent colour. Allow the light blue and white to do the talking. Pair white jeans with a light blue blouse, shirt or pullover. Add white shoes, metallic shoes, or colour blocked black and white shoes. The red bag is all you need in the tomato red department. Turn the outfit upside down and wear faded blue jeans with a white top, white shoes and red bag. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired. 

Pair a red dress with a faded denim jacket. Pop a red jacket over a column of faded denim. Combine red trousers with a white top and light blue jacket, like denim, wool or seersucker. There are many ways to wear this colour palette.