I’m uncomfortably cold wearing skirts and dresses no matter how I wrap up and layer with hosiery and boots, so I almost exclusively wear jeans and trousers during Winter and some of Spring. I am changing things up though. After favouring trousers for years, I’ve fallen back in love with jeans and am currently wearing faded blue and white relaxed denim silhouettes more than ever. 

This outfit showcases my two favourite pairs of jeans, Beatle booties that have been wardrobe workhorses, a window pane turtleneck that was a gift from dear friend Inge, and a brand new blush satchel and white moto jacket. I recently wore both versions of the outfit when it was mild enough to leave off a coat. 

I’ve set aside conventional figure flattery guidelines to some extent, because this outfit lengthens my torso and shortens my leg line. The turtleneck is untucked, the booties are flat, and both turtleneck and boots are high contrast against the jeans. A more conventionally flattering look might lower the contrast to remove cutting horizontal lines, and shorten the torso by substituting a partially tucked crew neck, and add heels to further elongate the leg line. But I like the look of a long torso, so I’m wearing the proportions that look “just flattering enough” to my eye. One component of the outfit that does lengthen the leg line a little is the pointy toe of the bootie.

I’m wearing new-ish Adriano Goldschmied’s Nikki Relaxed Skinny Jeans in one version of this outfit, and my notorious four year old jodhpur jeans in the other. Both silhouettes are roomier on the thighs than tight skinnies, something I prefer these days. But neither denim silhouette is as baggy as my boyfriend jeans, which require a belt to prevent them from falling off. The in-between option that is neither tailored nor overly slouchy is a great compromise. 

Turtlenecks are my favourite neckline, and I love graphic designs like window pane patterns. Throw in that it’s white, and we have a winner, so clever Inge for selecting this Karen Millen pullover. The fit is on the fluid side of tailored, although the sleeves are form fitting. The shoulder detail appeals to my ‘80s style gene. I like the turtleneck best untucked over a pair of roomy or straight leg jeans. 

The white Faith jacket from Club Monaco is new. I couldn’t be more thrilled with it because it’s not leather. The body is cotton twill while the sleeves are PU (faux leather). It’s fully lined, and tailored and fluid in all the right places. It’s the double side-buckle trim at the hem that did it for me — another styling detail that reminds me of the good old ‘80s and Duran Duran. 

I frequently drape my jackets and coats over my shoulders instead of putting them on. I saw my late Mum do it when I was little, and have done the same for twenty years. It comes in handy to drape a topper when I’m working in stores and a little too warm to wear it properly, but need my hands free. 

I finished off the white and blue outfit with colour. Apple green specs, which I have worn daily since I got them because they make me so, so happy. A little watermelon lippie to bring out the green of the specs. And a blush bag to  keep the palette soft, fresh and on trend. No jewellery required other than my watch and wedding ring. 

I love wearing white throughout the year because it’s light, bright, pretty and fresh. It’s not the most practical choice of colour while out and about in a dirty city, but I’m not too concerned with that. Life is too short to worry about making practical outfit choices all the time.

I spent a lot of time during February watching the shows in New York, London, Paris and Milan from the comfort of my office. As always, it was exciting and inspiring, and it became the featured area for our February recap. If you are subscribed to the monthly newsletter, then it’s already in your inbox. If not, please consider signing up. 

If you missed the email version of the newsletter, then you can always view it online.

A stationery line by Garance Doré, Giorgio Armani’s charity collaboration with Unicef, Nordstrom’s expansion plans, and other fashion news that came out this week.

• Fans of a little French je-ne-sais-quoi: Inès de la Fressange has teamed up with Uniqlo for their LifeWear line.
• And more Uniqlo news. The Japanese brand intends to offer more generous sizes to fit the US market, and lower-priced lines in smaller Asian cities.
• Nordstrom is planning to further grow its online business. The retail chain will also open 27 new Nordstrom Rack stores in 2014 and intends to expand its in-store Topshop stands from 14 to 41 locations.
• Gwen Stefani’s latest collaboration involves… lingerie. She is teaming up with Hanky Panky, giving their best-selling styles a rock ‘n’ roll edge.
• Speaking of starting young: 12-year old Isabella Rose Taylor is launching her own juniors collection at Nordstrom.
• For all the stationery fans out there: Garance Doré is launching her own back to paper line.
• Amazon is supposedly in talks with J.Crew, Ralph Lauren and other retailers to list their products on the website.
• Now this is a somewhat unexpected selfie side effect: an increase in head lice among teenagers.
• 68-year old actor Charlotte Rampling has just been named as the new face of Nars Cosmetics.
• Film director David Lynch will be responsible for the set design and soundtrack for Kenzo’s Fall 2014 show. 
• For the fifth year in a row Giorgio Armani is sponsoring Unicef’s Tap Project. Want to help? Just ignore your phone for 10 minutes.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that it was Napoleon Bonaparte who introduced the idea of buttons on jacket sleeves? He ordered his tailors to sew buttons to soldiers’ uniform sleeves to prevent the men from wiping their runny noses on them.

This ensemble was inspired by a new addition to my wardrobe: Halogen’s pleat midi skirt in a bold black and cream stripe. I have a soft spot for dramatic fit-and-flare midi skirts because they remind me of my late Mum. With the memories of my Mum fading a little, it’s special to be reminded of her when I see this skirt in my closet. 

Fit-and-flare midi skirts, although a fringe trend at the moment, are Retro Classics with a high longevity factor. To my eye this style of skirt looks best when you incorporate a bit of Modern back into the ensemble. 

Instead of using the exact same striped Halogen pleat midi, I’ve substituted it with another flared skirt in a black and white pattern. Here are the components of the formula: 

Skirt: You’ll need a fit-and-flared midi skirt, in either a solid or pattern, that’s knee-covering but no longer than half way down the calf. 

Top: This is where you can add a Modern aspect to the outfit, so think further than a tucked soft silk blouse, regular button-down shirt, fitted wrap top, or cardigan. Create a bit of casual edge with a tucked denim or chambray shirt. Create interesting proportions with a fluid and luxurious fine gauge pullover that is welted for structure, and scrunch the sleeves. A roomy high-low crop top baring a slither of midriff is another option. Or match the skirt with a fun upscale sweatshirt. 

Topper: A denim jacket or moto get my vote for Modern on trend toppers. Or leave off the topper. 

Footwear: Keep it dainty, Retro and feminine with pointy toe pumps. Add in a trendy aspect with ankle strap pumps. Wear pointy toe flats that are low contrast to your skin tone if heels aren’t your thing. Or wear tailored heeled booties for a harder edge. 

Accessories: An angular and sporty clutch is a fun contrast against the twee integrity of the skirt — another Modern outfit injection. A small satchel or tote with short handles are other options. Add jewellery, eyewear, hose and watch as desired.

Of course, you can also change the colour palette to one that fits your style. Here are some street style renditions of this outfit formula: 

• Pretty hard edge
• Modern elegance
• Trendy chic
• Textured neutrals

All that’s left to do is speak to the weather angels for warmer weather.