The dress-over-trousers is the red carpet's hottest new look and Julia Roberts is proving it
She was the somewhat unexpected sartorial star of the Golden Globes, but last night's Critics' Choice Awards proved Julia Roberts's red carpet moment was no fluke.
And it's all thanks to her new winning formula...
Thanks to the endless magic of layering, Julia's fondness for a trouser-beneath-the-dress situation has not only seen her slaying best dressed lists globally, but also proving the trend isn't solely for lazy days in the office when the weather's doing that annoying 'transitional' thing.
Nailing the look in both Stella McCartney (Globes) and Louis Vuitton (Critics' Choice), Julia elevated the trend with beautifully tailored trousers and clever use of fabrication.
And while the actress may be our current must for the #lewk, she's not the only one to nail the look for a black-tie occasion.
Fellow actress Emma Watson is one of the trend's key pioneers, and most memorably wore that red Dior dress over black cigarette trousers at the 2014 Golden Globes.
A trend that went mainstream early last year, the dress-over-trousers look is one that thrilled every office-dweller in the land, thanks to both its versatility and the endlessly-flattering silhouette it creates.
But, for those who have had their finger on the pulse for longer than a quick minute, the layered look is no new thing. Launched into popular culture via the likes of B*Witched & pals, it's yet another trend that because of which we owe thanks to the nineties.
Scroll down to see the other huge trends that will dominate your Instagram feeds this year...
1. OVERSIZED HATS
If you so much as glanced at your Instagram feed last summer, you no doubt spotted a Jacquemus La Bomba hat. Now entirely synonymous with SS18, it seems brands are vying for similar cult status next season by producing their own delicious incarnations that we already can't get enough of.
Spotted at: Rejina Pyo (left), Xiao Li (centre), Yuhan Wang/Fashion East (right), Ryan Lo and Simone Rocha
2. SENSIBLE SHORTS
Cycling shorts may have stolen the show last year, but - and thank the Lord - next season things are looking a little looser. Tailored, micro, knee-length... skirts may be given a few months off as we all look to the more boyish alternative for our new summer go-to.
Spotted at: Alexa Chung (left), Margaret Howell (centre), Rejina Pyo (right) and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
3. TIGHT PLEATS
Having had a successful run last year, pleats are back for SS19 but this time they're a whole lot more intricate. Tighter than before, the micro pleat provides maximum impact as it generates not only more movement but also a more fluctuating silhouette as it expands and contracts. Science-y, eh?
Spotted at: Givenchy (left), Preen by Thornton Bregazzi (centre), Balmain (right), Pringle and Roland Mouret
4. TIE-DYE
I know. We were all surprised at the recurrence of this 60s print, but alas it seems tie-dye truly is back in fash. Admittedly, 2019's take on the trend is a hell of a lot chicer. Make like Stella with a no-holds-barred approach and opt for a bold matching two-piece, or - if you're anything like us - you'll likely favour a more subtle beach maxi.
Spotted at: Stella McCartney (left), Prabal Gurung (centre) and R13 (right)
5. FANCY FLATS
While models over at Halpern, Ashish and David Koma were teetering precariously atop stiletto heels, things at Valentino and Simone Rocha were a whole lot more down to earth. About six inches closer to said earth, to be precise. And boy are we looking forward to spending next season in comfy, fancy flats for the sake of #fashun.
Spotted at: Valentino (left), Simone Rocha (centre), Temperley London (right) and Burberry
6. SUMMER WATERPROOFS
If last summer's unpredictable weather taught us anything, it's that you can never be too prepared. So providing you also carry a bikini, sunglasses and knee-high wellington boots with you at all times, these fair-weather waterproofs should serve you well.
Spotted at: Max Mara (left), Marc Jacobs (centre), Jil Sander (right), Sportmax and Etro
7. FRINGING
With last autumn's obsession with the cowboy boot, it was almost inevitable that there would be another Western-inspired trend infiltrating our wardrobes next season. Adorning everything from jackets to skirts via handbags and everything in-between, who knows... maybe we'll be cutting our hair to fit too.
Spotted at: Coach (left), Tom Ford (centre) and Cushnie
8. NEON
Not one for the faint-hearted, vibrant zesty hues are back with a bang this year after endless seasons of the fashion pack drooling over all things pastel. If you're feeling extra brave opt for a double-dose à la Jasper Conran.
Spotted at: Natasha Zinko (left), Jasper Conran (centre), Roksanda (right), Rejina Pyo, House of Holland and Ashish
9. PUFFED SHOULDERS
Bold shoulders are no new thing, but rather than padded, boxy numbers, next season's take is a whole lot puffier. Often gathered at the shoulder with pleats of elastic, they work particularly well with square necklines on feminine dresses. Here's hoping the weather allows us to forgo a jacket, or that volume could provide a stumbling block.
Spotted at: Brock Collection (left), Rodarte (centre), Saint Laurent (right), Mara Hoffman and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
10. SEQUINS
Have sequins ever not been on trend? Perhaps not, but they were so prevalent at this month's shows that we can't ignore them. Offered up in endless incarnations, opt for a more gently beaded style - like Ashish's mint green jumpsuit - for a friend's birthday dinner, before swapping into blindingly glitzy Halpern-like number for your own.
Spotted at: Ashish (left), Halpern (centre), House of Holland (right), David Koma and Roberta Einer
