Fashionable freshers?
Darlings! You live in South Kensington; King's Road is but a hop, skip and jump away and you dress like a student! For any self respecting fashionista, the student look of ill-fitting jeans, shabby woolly jumper and puffy eyes from the night before, is just so passé. I'm here to make us Imperial Geeks fashionable, and no, Geek Chic isn't in (Eugene!). I will systematically dissect (and that's "dissect") the lastest trends into a simple algorithm. All you have to do is follow, et voila, Imperial Chic!
Pom-poms beware: Keep them to a minimum as shown by Burberry Prorsum on the catwalk in New York. Alternatively try a beatnik-style black and white striped scarf from Topshop (£12)
So, to start. All fashionistas know the Autumn look contains pompoms, stripes and polka dots. With these key essentials you can mix and match to make the Victorian, Russian, Beatnik or Hourglass look which dominated the catwalk. In my opinion, pompoms are just so bizarre that wearing them will make you look like a complete slave to fashion. The key to being a trend setter is not to wear overtly hip items, but to wear a fashionable outfit teamed with the odd piece that's going to get you noticed.
My favourite look of this season is inspired by Edie Sedgwick, Andy Warhol's muse. He also seems to have inspired Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior on the runways. Think bold black and white stripes, mohair sweaters dresses and black drainpipes, topped with a baker-boy cap - it's the Beatnik Look. This look may appeal to those of you who don't like fussy or uber neat. Think tousled hair, with lashings of eyeliner and smoky eye shadow. The essence of the Beatnik Look was a rebellion against the pre-war conservatism, so to look effortless, make the look effortless.
The Hourglass Look is one that will look great on those with ample bosoms and of course, the hourglass figure. Polka dot dresses are going to be a big thing this Autumn, so how about investing in one for the Freshers' Ball? Topshop and Hennes do an affordable range for those of you who have learnt from the perils of spending that Student Loan. But for those of you who haven't, or have the Bank of Mum and Dad, Roland Mouret and Alexander McQueen (the man's too good!) had gorgeous outfits at their latest fashion shows. But be warned, many people are suggest using a thick leather belt strapped tightly around the waist to perfect the hourglass look. It looks vulgar and Marilyn would be turning in her grave; keep it simple girls. A pair of killer heels and a simple tight-fitting dress with an essential great handbag, are all you need.
Ooooh la la: Roland mouret perfected the hour-glass look on the autumn catwalk with wasp- waisted models. Dieting is not essential but, for those with anything less than a C-cup, chest- enhancing chicken fillets are a must.
Giorgio Armani does the military look. Steer clear of Primark's military jackets: a consumer frenzy has resulted in buckle overload. Try M&S's new line (from £30)
Last, but certainly not least is the Russian Look. It's also called the Russe and has several elements taken from the embroidered clothing of Slavonic Peasants, the marching Cossack, the aloofness of a Romanov Tsarina or mysterious Lara of Dr. Zhivago. Imperial Russia of yesteryear with its crisp military lines is contrasted against the traditional embroidered wool peasant-style inspired clothing of the Russian Steppes. However, have you seen the new Tesco's advert with Prokofiev playing in the background? Great advert, shame about the clothes! Personally I feel that the floral prints and floaty shirts of the summer were peasant enough for me, so I feel that you should be thinking pre-revolutionary Russia. Let them eat cake!
