a new modesty

Another new year, and more personal style adjustments continue. As much as I loved Alexander Wang, and the rip, stud, shred look that graced the fashion blogs throughout 2008, I'm now after a more clean look. Less of the holey tights and dirty denim. More streamlined silhouettes, maybe longer hems, and a modesty with less embellishment that gives a knowing nod and reflects the contents of our purses.

I'm not saying that a global recession should cause us to dress like nuns, I'm all for a bit of flirty body conscious dressing, but I'm interested in how the economic climate will effect the way in which we dress and am particularly inspired by examples of outfits (see below) that demonstrate just how sexy covering up can look.

I'll be keeping my blazer out for longer, working with block colours, contrasting proportions, sturdy leather boots with wedge heels, peg leg trousers, high collars. The French flavour of simplicity with simple black polo necks and thick tights. For colour red velvet shoes and a flash of bright lippy or nail polish.

This is no new look, I just feel we all forgot what existed before Alexander Wang and Erin Wasson danced onto the catwalk championing street grunge a few seasons back.

clockwise from left: play knit comme des garcons jumper (£165 from Dover Street Market); twist lock holdall bag £35 from topshop; classique perfume by jean paul gautier; mens shirt £30 from topman, keyhole tapered trouser £35 from topshop; rarity heel £60 from topshop.

images, the sartorialist and mentioned sites