Home / Celebrity Style / Lauren Laverne on style: clothes that never go out of fashion

Lauren Laverne on style: clothes that never go out of fashion

Fashion fades: style is eternal.” Thus spake Yves Saint Laurent. How right he was. A few weeks ago I was bold enough to echo this sentiment on social media and it got me into trouble, so I thought it might be worth making my position clear. I enjoy a go on the gay roundabout that is fashion as much as the next girl, but if you’re smart it doesn’t take long to realise the thing only goes round in circles.

Fashion should be treated like any other fairground ride – hop on and have a few laughs. Linger until you feel giddy, but don’t stay too long or you’ll end up feeling sick. Personal style, on the other hand, is perpetually interesting. It’s also incredibly useful. There is a special, practical delight in wearing precisely the right thing. It’s not just the fact that your raincoat keeps you dry on the way to work, it’s this, plus the just-so satisfaction of remembering to take it with you, and the pattern, too.

The right gear can turn a bad day on its head. It can imbue otherwise ordinary moments with bursts of quiet joy. Or, at least, be the one thing that isn’t actively going wrong amid a revolting afternoon.

Which brings me to this week’s selection. These are clothes to make you look better on a bad day: armour against drama, redoubtable go-tos in times of woe. Beautiful and useful. Because the most interesting things are both.

Midi skirt More flattering than jeans and just as easy to wear – honest. Make sure yours starts at the slimmest part of your waist and ends at the slimmest part of your leg.

Soft trench Everybody knows a classic trench is a style staple, but it can look a little studied. A generously cut, soft version is an easy way to give your look a contemporary twist, and very Lanvin.

Denim If you live in your jeans, it’s definitely worth thinking about making an investment purchase (Frame denim and J Brand are fantastic), but you don’t have to spend a fortune to find denim that flatters. These Oasis “body-sculpt” skinnies have a muffin-top minimising mid-rise cut, flatteringly positioned back pockets and supersoft stretch denim that keeps its shape and enhances yours – all for £50.

Happy shoes This is a subjective category. Right now, I can’t think of anything that would make my toes more cheerful than being clad in these psychedelic Yellow Submarine Vans.

Problem-solving event dress Oh no! You’ve got to go to a thing! You’re anxious and feel a bit blah! What are you going to wear? Always this. Just add earrings and amazing shoes.

Shades If the weather and your mood are at odds (sunny and not, respectively) you’ll need some shades to hide behind. Ethical shoppers might consider these lightweight bamboo numbers from Proof at Plumo. Sustainable style on the (your) nose.

Follow Lauren on Twitter @LaurenLaverne

About Fashion Brief