Totally frilled

Frills, pleats, twists and knots – these are the details you need to update your wardrobe this autumn. Not all at once. But minimalism has been given a definite shunt off centre stage and details once more reign. Hmmmm not sure how I feel about this as a lover of simplicity. How to do frills then without looking like a flamenco dancer…? Keep the rest simple, clean and modern so you don’t end up looking like one of those old-fashioned dollies that my grandma put over her loo roll!

I had been after an off the shoulder number for a while and got this dress from Zara which does frills and off the shoulder in one foul swoop: Off the Shoulder Denim Dress £29.99. This is not the most sensible purchase for now – it worked in last week’s heat wave though. However, I have been sorely lacking on the summer dress front this year, so am on the front foot for next year! I will also be wearing this with a cardigan and boots when it gets a littler chillier and adding a belt.

For a more useful style for the coming months go for this A-line Dress with Frills £22.99. It comes in black, maroon and mustard. Add the ankle or knee high boots for colder days and this is perfect.

A good evening option would be this Off the Shoulder Dress from Warehouse £35.00. Another opportunity to combine the cold shoulder and frills trends here.

On the top front this Blouse with Asymmetric Frills £25.99 from Zara is a good for work with trousers – either wide, cropped or peg leg. It looks good tucked in or out, depending on what you are wearing.

Another lovely smarter top is this Mono Animal Ruffle Blouse £34 from Topshop. Super easy to wear with lots of different bottoms from a classic pencil to some cropped wide leg trousers.

For a ‘going out’ option this Bardot Top £32 from Topshop is a nice little update to a simple black cami. This is also available in Petite and Tall and in other colours although annoyingly not all these seem to be on the website.

Now then you could channel your inner Olivia Newton-John as Sandy with this little Frilled Detail Bodysuit £12.99 from Zara. I do have the coated skinny jeans to make this outfit…but not the red platforms thankfully.

If this is all a bit much then there are less obvious ways to be frilly. Cos has this very nice A line Coat with Frill Pockets £150 which is a subtle way to soften a fairly crisp style.

On the accessories front and Zara has these Frill Detail Ballerinas £29.99 which would look great with denim and trousers for work or play.

Uterque has this Frilled Bucket Bag £115 too which is a slight twist on an otherwise classic style.

If ruffles and frills aren’t your thing, then there are plenty of other details out there and knotting and twisting is also big for autumn. Zara has this Poplin Top with Knot £29.99. Not for the majority the combo with the silver pleated skirt is a bit much but don’t be put off as this striped shirting trend looks great with jeans and trainers and equally with black trousers and loafers (more of these next week).

Alternatively there is also this Knot Boatneck Blouse £25.99 also from Zara. A good wardrobe staple for the office.

Pleating is also a biggie and Warehouse’s Box Pleat Top £35 comes in black and cream and would be perfect for the office or with some jewels for a night out.

In my quest to embrace the skirt this season, I have bought this pleated style from H&M £29.99. This will look great with boots and a close fitting sweater in the winter as they have styled it but I know it is also an easy summer option with sandals and a cami or tee. Add a leather jacket and you have got the pretty punk trend nailed.

So whether your look is feminine and pretty or more minimalist, there is definitely something out there for everyone on the detail front this season.