SWACKET = SWEATER + JACKET
Looks like a jacket but feels like a sweater.
 |
Made mostly from a blend of polyester and cotton, it is less structured than a proper jacket but looks smarter than your average sweater.
What’s the big deal?
The swacket is an extension of an upcoming trend next year – the “informal formal”, or a more relaxed approach to formal wear.
It is casual enough for a Sunday brunch and yet formal enough to be worn over tops for work.
Dos and don’ts:
A swacket is usually made of heavy fabrics so it is best worn over thin, lightweight fabrics to cut the bulk and heat.
Choose one with strong shoulders or sewn-in shoulder pads to add structure so it is office-appropriate.
Those of a bigger or curvier build should opt for swackets with a slight A-line cut rather than straight-cut ones so as to streamline the silhouette.
Where to get them:
River Island
Priced from $79 to $150, the swackets here come in various styles, from long ones that resemble a cardigan (a jardigan, anyone?) to embellished designs.
Topman/Topshop
For the ultimate comfy boyfriend look, Topman and Topshop offer swackets priced from $69 to $163.
Choose those with insignias on the pockets for a preppy look or get the check ribbed-sleeve design (below,$163) from Topshop, which is as comfortable as it is stylish.
JEGGINGS = JEANS + LEGGINGS
Part jeans and part leggings, they are stretchy, snug-fitting and are usually made of a blend of synthetic and denim fabrics.
 |
Another variation of this trend are treggings, or leggings that look like trousers.
Unlike jeggings, these come with design details such as zippers and pockets and are made of stretchable cotton or a blend of polyester and spandex.
What’s the big deal?
An evolution of the ubiquitous leggings, jeggings have been fondly embraced by fashion It girls such as British socialite and model Peaches Geldof and R&B diva Beyonce.
Unlike its muse, the skinny jeans, jeggings are more comfortable yet does not lose out on sex appeal.
Dos and don’ts:
Look for contrasting stitching down the sides and along the pockets.
These make jeggings appear more like skinny jeans than leggings.
Ensure that they come with a firm waistband should you want to wear them as pants rather than leggings.
 |
Pick a pair in a dark colour. It is easier to match your clothes with.
To rev up the style quotient, pair jeggings with a long tank top, a motorcycle jacket and chunky booties for a rock ’n’ roll vibe.
For a relaxed look, pair them with loose-fitting tops such as tunics and a pair of dressy sandals.
Make sure the jeggings fit you properly as they can be very unforgiving. Only supermodels can get away with wearing jeggings with a cropped top that flaunt the bum.
Where to get them:
Uniqlo
The Japanese casualwear label has a wide range of jeggings (inset) in various colours priced from $14.90 to $29.90 per pair.
We like the statement-making pairs in bright colours such as purple and light orange ($29.90 each).
Topshop
If you are looking for hot high-street jeggings that are quick edits from runway looks (left), check out the selection here.
Priced from $63 to $120 a pair, the label’s version is knit from cotton, polyester and elastine for that painted-on look that does not cut off your blood circulation.
SHOOTIES = SHOES + BOOTIES
A cross between booties and shoes, shooties are boots cut like your regular shoes.
 |
While booties graze the ankle, shooties end right below the ankle and have the look and feel of shoes.
What’s the big deal?
Shooties are a flattering style for those with thick ankles. This is because the boot-like design deflects attention from thick ankles.
Dos and don’ts:
Shooties can be worn with menswear-inspired outfits such as pants and vests.
Keep your silhouette slim by balancing the chunkiness of shooties with slim-cut pants.
Pairing shooties with skin-tight jeans or jeggings is flattering.
Those of a bigger build should opt for chunkier shooties with thicker heels to avoid looking too big for your shoes.
Some of the shooties have laces in front.
These are modern takes on the classic men’s oxford shoes and are best worn with skirts or over skinny jeans for a casual look.
Usually, ankle-grazing boots make your legs appear shorter.
 |
Elongate your frame by keeping your shooties, tights or jeans and dress in the same family of colours.
Like booties, shooties can be paired with shorts or mini skirts.
Play on proportions and team a looser top with those shorts.
Where to get them:
Steve Madden
Its shooties, priced from $168 to $240, boast clever designs and quirky details.
We love the gorgeous leather Tantraa in royal purple (above left, $240).
Nine West
Nine West offers a number of chic, affordable designs priced from $120 to $229.
We adore the lace-up detail of Ziz (above right, $129.50), which gives this oxford-style number a fun twist.
[email protected]
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
