Fash-on – 2014: Happy Houndstooth

Shot on Location at the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art – Seoul

It’s time for the New Year and it is time to celebrate in style. Change it up and make your dreams come true, kicking off 2014 by keeping it simple and classic.

For some time now I have loaded my wardrobe with bright colors and patterns to inject some vibrancy into my day. But sometimes it is good to take it back to basics: black and white, as well as some patterns. There is much to be said for over saturating your wardrobe, but the absence of color and the injection of patterns and rich fabrics sometimes say more.

I recently started purchasing many items in black and gray. I always find that the seasonal trends can overwhelm many and often shock and illicit the “I’m never going to wear that” reaction, but just try it! After experimenting with a few new patterns, I have come to love putting together crazy combos which have received too many compliments. Take for instance my new-found love of leopard print. I always used to think it was for old ladies, but a few months ago, I bought a scarf to test out the pattern. I liked it and then, I bought a rain coat. For January 2014, I invested in a black and gray leopard print sweater, and let’s just say I usually find almost any excuse to wear it. So dig deep and don’t break the budget, get some of your classics out of your wardrobe and play around.

Compared to leopard print, Houndstooth is a more classic pattern which almost everyone has grown up with. Even though it has been a standard for both men’s and women’s wear over the generations, Houndstooth fell out of favor in the past 10 years, but now it is back with a vengeance. Almost every autumn/winter collection for 2013/14 had this print in its ammo and can easily be found in stores.

According to online sources, Houndstooth, a duotone pattern that is characterized by its abstract four-pointed shapes most often appearing in black and white, originated as a woven wool cloth in the Scottish Lowlands around the1800s and was originally worn by shepherds. But during the 1930s worldwide, the upper class started wearing it as a symbol of wealth. And to this very day, Houndstooth still has a certain upper-class air about it that is perfect for more formal events such as a New Year celebration, weddings or invitations to art exhibition openings.

This trend can be quite hard to wear because of the boldness of the pattern, but I would suggest wearing it as the focal point of your outfit; for example, with a statement coat, a bold scarf, a cardigan, trousers or even shoes. Wearing them all at the same time will look awkward and you will look like you are wearing a very crazy pair of pajamas. Wear it with black as this is always a great base color to wear this trend with, so opt for skinny black jeans and a black turtle neck or shirt combo. Otherwise try my combo with a white shirt with a deconstructed Houndstooth pattern, and layer over it a dark gray and black leopard print wool sweater. The differing layers and textures increase the wintery mood of your look and create an uncommon style that is most definitely eye catching.

Finish off the look with a classical pair of brogues with an updated twist with rubber soles that are more comfortable and also a simple silver neck chain. Very easy and put together, you will be looking ultra lush for any winter event that might require a more formal look.

Finally, taking care of your winter wardrobe is very simple and easy. Remember to hang your coats up immediately after wearing to reduce creases and folds and always dry-clean them. Never attempt to machine wash any heavy coat. Shirts and sweaters need a cold wash and generous amounts of fabric softener. I would recommend Downy with Febreeze to keep your clothes soft and also keep a luxurious lingering smell. Finally remember to treat your leather shoes with extra care in winter with regular wipes and polishing to keep them in tip top condition.

Happy New Year and may all your wishes come true!

Clothing

Houndstooth Coat – JD’s own

Leopard Print sweater – H&M

Shirt – 8 seconds

Leggings Jeans – Uniqlo

Socks – Uniqlo

Shoes – Camper

Necklace – Tiffany’s

I urge you to explore and try the craziest clothing combinations. This is how you will find your own style: something that only you will know is right and something that will give you the edge.