WHAT TO WEAR THIS WEEKEND

FLIRTY FEATHERS

IT CAN feel like there is absolutely nothing to look forward to at this time of year. Summer’s over, each morning is a little darker and chillier, and there are too many sleeps until Christmas to get excited about it. So it’s the ideal time to bring some old-school glamour to your wardrobe with feathers.

DAYTIME FLAIR

I KNOW you imagine them in the boudoir of someone whose boudoir you’d really rather avoid — but, trust me, feathers have left the bedroom and are the ultimate sartorial mood-boost.

This season they adorn some pretty fabulous, but wearable, clothes. Plumes are now per-fectly acceptable attire not just for black-tie events, but a dinner party or trip to the theatre.

CHOOSE SMART NAVY

I’VE chosen to wear them on a dress. I’m a huge fan of Mint velvet’s navy midi (navy is much more forgiving than black). It’s a flattering cut, with a crew neck and slightly puffed shoulders, and it skims without clinging — a combination that’s hard to find. It’s also made with ‘dropped’ ostrich feathers, meaning no birds were harmed in the making of it.

BEST DRESSES

KAREN MILLEN’S feather-trim mini (below) doubles up as a jacket that looks great with jeans. Then there’s Warehouse’s royal blue one-shoulder design; buy now, wear now, and have it ready for the party season.

Bear in mind, any clothing with feathers will need dry cleaning. If you’d rather avoid the hassle, opt for a marabou-trimmed clutch bag instead.