Topshop — All Posts — Parry Ray in Harmony

It was really cold in London a few weeks ago and I found myself googling winter coats with increasingly regularity. Turns out it was timely research as this morning the chilliness was back.

I’m not really a coat girl. I have a big, warm “going-out” coat, that I bought from Max Mara about ten years ago, which is still going strong, but it is a bit glam for the day – even for me.

I seem to get through the winter with a variety of jackets, scarves and big woolly sweaters. But my everyday blazer is just not cutting it and whilst I am leather jacket obsessed, I feel like I need another option this winter.

So I decided I was in the market for a new coat and here's what I have found so far:

1. Haider Ackermann houndstooth long coat (available from www.matchesfashion.com)

I tend to steer clear of coloured coats but this is unbelievably gorgeous.

As I have mentioned a few times before - Haider Ackermann cannot put a foot wrong in my eyes this season…so having seen this coat I had to try.

The price tag is "gulp worthy" (I don't know if gulp worthy is an actual phrase, but I'm sure you understand my meaning)....but it doesn’t cost to try :)

I had really high expectations when I tried this on. But instead of feeling like a million dollars, I looked like a small child trying on a grown up’s coat.

If you have the budget, it is stunning – but I think you have to be tall for this one, it is quite fitted too.

2. Anna Sui black velvet cape (available from www.net-a-porter.com)

This is the second winter I have been eyeing up capes. I adore the idea but I am slightly worried I will look more “Little red riding hood” than "Cool fashionista" but I can get past that!

I have tried this cape but it’s not quite for me - firstly because I'd like armholes and secondly it is just not warm enough. Cosy is important for me…so my search continues...

3. Haider Ackermann velvet coat (Runway look from Haider Ackermann AW2016)

I know this obsession with Haider Ackermann is getting ridiculous but look at how sumptuous the red velvet is! I was reticent about all the velvet around this season as I did velvet with great gusto when I was about 16 but it is a gorgeously tactile fabric.

I haven't tried this coat, but I fear it would fit me similarly to the Haider Ackermann houndstooth coat.

4. Topshop puffer jacket (available from www.Topshop.com)

I read somewhere that puffers are back - I didn’t really think they had ever gone away?

I have always steered clear of a puffer, mainly because this would be my kids' go-to choice and this look is a bit sporty and street for me. But if I did, I'd go for something like this from Topshop, with a faux-fur trimmed hood. Best of all - it's machine washable and you've got to love that.

5. Zara water resistant trench coat (available from www.Zara.com)

I love a trench coat. To me, they combine practicality with an air of sophistication and this is a gorgeous example from Zara.

I have a mate who has a number (!) of the classic Burberry trench coats and totally rocks them…but they are not for me and I haven't really worked out why.

6. The Huesca coat from S Max Mara (available from www.matchesfashion.com)

So whilst I am still looking for my perfect cape, I saw this a few weeks ago. This coat is faux-astrakhan (actually acrylic, cotton and polyester). It's glamorous with a vintage feel. It also has 3/4 length sleeves which I adore. Not sure I look as cool as the model in the picture but the minute I tried this on, I knew it was me...job done...for now :)

(Me in an old (vintage!) Oscar De La Renta printed dress)

A couple of weeks ago I asked whether you have a set of fashion rules you follow, and I touched on some “well known rules” for short girls – I feel I have some valuable input here as I am 5’2”!As I have gleaned many of us have “ fashion rules” even if your rule is you don’t really care about fashion and your clothes are functional and practical.

Rightly or wrongly, I am not that kind of girl… comfort is of course important but practicality is never high on my list. My fashion philosophy is more “If I love it, I’ll make it work...”Anyway I thought I’d look at some “short girl” rules in a little more detail:

Heels. A short girl’s fashion must. Adding inches to your height makes most outfits look better and if you are anything like me – my posture improves in heels. Having decided this is a “good” rule – it would follow that short girls shouldn’t wear flats. But ultimately shoe choice, in my opinion, comes down to – what you walk well in, and what you feel comfortable and confident in.
Ankle straps. Sandals and shoes with ankle straps are apparently a fashion no-no for short girls but I don’t agree. As with any rule (or let’s say “guideline”, as not sure fashion actually needs rules) I feel we need to find what works for us. I take the point that ankle straps can shorten the line of your leg but you have to work with your own body’s proportions and personally I love an ankle strap. Play with the length of your dress or trousers to find the right balance. And if you are not great at walking in heels - ankle straps can give you more support.

(Christian Louboutin sandals)

3. Prints. This is a case-by-case subject. Smaller prints with fewer colour ways definitely work. I think prints that are too big, garish and busy do not work for short girls. However big prints can work if you take the fabric into consideration – for instance big prints on chiffon/translucent fabrics can work really well. I feel personality plays a big part in this rule. Some people whatever their height can pull off prints and some just can’t.

(Topshop Unique's Elystan blouse)

4. Hemlines. So the general rule here is shorter girls should wear shorter hemlines. Whilst this is logical and I am often in miniskirts or shorts - it is not always appropriate. Also, body shape and even age (!) comes into it. Ten years ago my shorts were really short - now they are more mid thigh…(something my 17 year old son is very grateful for!). As for midi lengths – I touched upon this in my post, “Do you have a list of fashion rules you follow?” - you never want to be drowned in a outfit, so if a dress is nipped in at your waist, the material is not too voluminous and the hem cuts your calf in the right place – you’re onto a winner. As for maxis – I would only wear something floor length if I were going to a ball and for me, the longer the better. I actually like a pool of fabric on the floor so I have to pick up my skirt as I walk. Fabric is pivotal for this hemline – think skimming rather than swamping…

(My fave Self Portrait dress - I know I have used this pic before - but it is the best example of a midi dress I have!)

5. Underwear. All I would say here is choose wisely. Above all you need to feel good and your underwear is the foundation to any outfit. Do you like “shapewear”? If you do, that’s great, I personally don’t; guard against a VPL at all costs (this is my pet hate); and if need be, don’t be shy about going without - no one needs to know you’re not wearing any underwear! I don’t remember thinking about underwear options when I was younger but as I get older and after having children I find the right underwear or lack of can make an outfit.

Ok there you have it, Part 1 of 5 Short Girl “Fashion Rules”… a few things us shorter girls could consider…what do you think? Feedback gratefully received... Part 2 later this week x