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Paris Fashion Week kicked off its Haute Couture showcase on Monday, and one of the first brands to reveal its offering for spring/summer 2022 was Dior Couture.
Unlike many of the other brands showing this week it was a relatively subdued affair, with a highly wearable collection providing a beautiful counterpoint to the epic, theatrical drama unveiled at the Schiaparelli show that same morning.
A calming colour palette of whites, blacks and greys, this was a collection which spoke to the beauty in the craft of the couturier. Structural embroidery, embellished hosiery and an eveningwear offering with undeniable bridal undertones punctuated Maria Grazia Chiuri's latest collection of predominantly daywear looks; all of which - this being the brand's couture offshoot - were, of course, immaculately chic.
While Haute Couture shows may generally serve as mere aesthetic joy for many, the nature of Dior's offering has provided unexpected inspiration for those of us heading back to the office now that the work-from-home guidance has been relaxed.
We've rounded up the five key trends from Dior Couture SS22 that ought to tempt you out of that loungewear…
1. TEXTURE PLAY
When we're getting ready for work in the morning many of us fall into the habit of picking the easiest option; the belted dress… the midi skirt suit… the trousers and shirt combo that we know works because we've worn it countless times. But Dior's latest offering teases the idea of opting for the unexpected and playing with new textures. Sheer shirts are a great place to start. If they feel a little risqué for Pret at 8am, or, indeed, for that meeting with your boss this afternoon, layering a vest or even a slim-fit roll-neck in an interesting colour beneath will give you all the fun of the texture without the anxiety.
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2. UPDATED STAPLES
If your job requires you to be a little more formal - or if you just feel more comfortable wearing a suit - there's no reason to restrict your remit to the more familiar silhouettes. Why not try a double-breasted blazer? Super modern and ultra chic, the wide cross-over doubles-up as a great disguise when you spill burning hot coffee down your shirt pre-10am.
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3. PLEATS PLEASE
We warned you in our ready-to-wear SS22 trend report, but we're here to remind you that pleats are officially back in business - more specifically, pleated midi skirts. Unlike their shorter, tennis skirt-esque counterparts loved by the Gen Z crowd, this longer take is super chic and provides the perfect opportunity to update your office-wear look. Pair it with a simple white shirt and pointed, knee-high boots whilst we see out the rest of winter, and swap in a pair of heeled court shoes come spring.
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4. BRIGHT COLOUR PALETTES
The January weather may be giving very little in the way of warmth right now, but there's no reason that your wardrobe need be gloomy too. In fact, brightening up your outfit is a great way to offset the grey skies, and there's no better place to start than a white suit. Another of SS22's major trends, this is one that's set to stick around so it's worth investing in. Opt for a looser trouser with a fitted jacket or an oversized blazer with a more structured straight leg to keep it feeling contemporary. Just be extra careful not to spill anything over lunch.
5. KITTEN HEELS
While most of us have spent the majority of the last few years either barefoot or in slippers whilst working-from-home (the one benefit of all those Zoom meetings), as we return tentatively to office life we'll have to get used to wearing *actual* shoes once again. For those who can't get away with wearing sneakers to work, ballet flats or high heels are two of the most common options. According to Dior, though, there's a middle ground to aim for that's not only more comfortable than sky-highs but also more elevated (both metaphorically and physically) than flats. That's right, it's time to fall back in love with the kitten heel.
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Sold? Take a look at some of the other major trends to look forward to as we crawl (slowly!) towards spring…
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For more from Glamour UK's Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.
