Now I'm all for the fact that fashion is a serious, important and lucrative industry, but every once in a while isn't it lovely to embrace its sheer flippancy? If the spring/summer'12 catwalk shows are anything to go by, it certainly is. With everything from pasta prints at Dolce & Gabbana's show in Milan all the way to the theatrical extravaganza of an octopus' garden at Chanel in Paris, the world's sartorial mavens have truly packed a fantasy punch this season.
And what's not to love? We're all broke, the financial news is gloomy, and Christmas is still just that little bit too far away to get too excited about it - a carousel at Louis Vuitton is just the thing to inject a little joie de vivre to our lives. So if, like me, you're feeling fickle and are getting a wee bit bored by your Crombie coat and creepers, here are a few things to get excited about (ridiculously in advance, I do confess).
First things first. If the spring/summer shows taught me anything it's that texture will be big next year. Whether it be feathers, shiny plastic, tulle or knitwear, what matters most is how your clothes feel. We had macaroon-coloured organza at Christopher Kane, disco-inspired lurex at Henry Holland, and twenties-style embellishment by Frida Giannini at Gucci. Head on down to Zara now to pick up some gorgeous separates that look like they have come straight from Daisy Buchanan's wardrobe. Secondly, and this is brilliant news for student-types like myself, pyjamas and drawstring trousers will be totally in vogue by the spring. I love this trend, and plan to pair my Navajo pants with a loose-fitting blouse and wedges before the London winter really sets in. In advance of the Olympics, sportswear is also due a return come February. The best investment pieces are a sweatshirt and varsity jacket, but, believe it or not, sweatpants might also be worth a try. Make sure they are luxurious mind, as there should be no mistaking these for something you would wear down to the gym. Finally, there will be a shift from classic androgynous black to all things zany and feminine in the new year. Versace's upcoming collection for H&M (featuring eye-popping colours and palm-tree prints) will get you in the mood. Put the November 17 release date in your diary now though, as a lime-green and cerise leopard-print bomber jacket is not going to hang on the rails for long.
I don't know about you, but for me, spring in London can't come soon enough. In the meantime, however, my plan is to head to the Frieze art fair (there's nothing like the promise of new artists to bring out some seriously stylish dressing). Now, what to wear...