We’ve chosen our top winter trends and we are delighted to report that they are looking FABulous!

When it comes to shopping for a new season, and updating your wardrobe with the key elements, it’s important to get some expert insight. We trust you enjoy our series of winter trends – a series of gorgeous fashion, combined with practical tips, on how to make these must-have trends work best for your skin tone, body shape and lifestyle.

This week we showcase the following five trends: Botanical Gardens, Statement Scarves, Shades of Grey, Winter Coats and Quilted Jackets.

BOTANICAL GARDENS

Botanical motifs are taking root this season and are blooming supremely on the runway with gorgeous bouquet covered styles and embellishments. Designers are finding inspiration from elements inspired by nature and they have created styles we can all wear – from smart to casual, from elegant to edgy. Wear this trend from head to toe if you are confident and fashion forward. If this overwhelms you then add an element of this trend by choosing a one-piece item, supported by basics to balance your outfit – an accessory, like a scarf or bag, also works perfectly. Choose the size of your print wisely – smaller prints if you have a smaller frame, bigger prints if you have a fuller frame – sounds odd, but the overall proportion needs to work with your overall frame in order to be balanced. We hope you bloom as beautifully as this trend this winter season!

This trend brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Alia Motani

STATEMENT SCARVES

Scarves have been a classic accessory for many decades – it is now a symbol of iconic, powerful women. Think Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O – and a more modern day Bridget Jones in the sleek convertible car with Hugh Grant. A statement scarf is sassy, powerful, chic and totally versatile. Scarves add colour and style to any outfit, from smart to casual, and can change your ensemble immediately. This winter promises different prints – from the fun polka dot to the wild animal print, from warm earthy colours to gorgeous bright colours and from very small to very oversized. The fabric options are endless – from classic cashmere to sexy silk, from natural cotton to warm wool – you will definitely find the perfect fabric for your lifestyle and comfort. If you have a short neck opt for styles that are longer in length; if you have a long neck opt for styles that tie around your neck. Either way keep the chill at bay and add extra ‘wow’ to your outfits this winter.

This trend was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Erika Swanepoel

SHADES OF GREY

We’re embracing all shades of grey – from the softest dove grey, to the richest charcoal grey. It is one of those perfectly versatile colours that can take you from the boardroom (think grey suit or shift dress) to a casual-smart evening with friends (think elegant grey coat with jeans or leggings) to a relaxing weekend (think grey leather jacket with ripped jeans). We love the idea of mixing different tones of grey for an elegant monochromatic look – we also love mixing different textures like faux fur (fake fur) with velvet or cashmere with cords. To spice up an all-grey outfit just add a pop of colour. Whichever way you choose to wear this versatile colour – from neutrally elegant to colourfully co-ordinated – we encourage you to give grey a go!

This trend was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Marlise du Plessis

WINTER COATS

The range of stunning options will keep you on-trend, and super snug, all winter long. Great basics, in great colours, gets our vote but we also love, love, LOVE bright colours and gorgeous prints. Expand your wardrobe with selected fashionable basics and look fabulous every day. Here is a great style tip: Double breasted styles takes the eye from hip to hip (west to east) creating a wider appearance. Single breasted styles takes the eye from head to toe (north to south) creating a taller, slimmer appearance. Whatever your style, colour or print choice – there is something for everyone!

This trend was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Charmaine Claassen

QUILTED JACKETS

A quilted jacket is the perfect winter must-have. Incredibly versatile you can wear it to the office or over the weekend. For office chic opt for a longer quilted jacket as it adds sophistication and elegance – it also keeps you warm for those early morning and late-night commutes. For weekend relaxation opt for a polo neck and jeans or leggings with long boots. Basic colours in black or stone are the most versatile – we also love, love, LOVE a pop of colour or a gorgeous print.

This trend was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Monica Groome