It was summer 2004 and Sienna Miller’s brand of ‘boho chic’ was the look du jour. Wardrobes across the country groaned under the weight of tiered maxi skirts, leather coin belts and battered cowboy boots. Leggings were bandied about as a legitimate style choice. Ditto Uggs. Females everywhere spent hours trying to recreate Sienna’s undone, relaxed style, and sales of Bed Head by Tigi shot up. Probably.

There was one item that defined the Sienna years – the faux fur gilet. In autumn 2004 and spring 2005 the gilet reigned supreme and its enormous popularity meant I desperately wanted, nay – needed – one (hey, I was 20 and very impressionable). I tried on every style, in every colour. I tried it with jeans, with skirts, over dresses and over jumpers, but nothing looked right. The faux fur gilet didn’t work for me, and I was devastated.

In 2005 I gave up on boho chic and made my own ‘style statement’ (ahem) by wearing pink Converse boots, skinny jeans and band t-shirts until I graduated. Over the years, the faux fur gilet popped up again in various A/W collections and try as I might, I could never pull it off. So when I spotted one in Zara at the weekend, I sighed despondently and continued on to the knitwear section. But like a dog with a bone I soon found myself wearing another of the damn things, twisting and turning in front of the mirror, trying to be objective, remembering 2005 and Sienna bloody Miller…

Zara faux fur gilet, shirt and jeans c/o Next, boots c/o Sarenza, Topshop necklace, Mango ring

After seeing this post from my ultimate style inspiration, The Glamourai, I decided to forgo the boho bit and just go for chic instead. A loose silk shirt and skinny jeans in autumnal colours plus leather ankle boots and gold jewellery make for a more put-together look. And I think, after six years of searching, I’ve finally found the one.


What do you think of the faux fur gilet – how would you wear it?

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…

River Island jeans, tee c/o Wildfox, blazer via charity shop, Bertie boots, Mango necklace, Topshop ring, Michael Kors watch

Oh, polka dot jeans. You make my heart sing. And you make my legs look thin. For that, I declare you a … win… ahem.

Obviously poetry is not my strong point. My love for these jeans, however, is unwavering. I was reading Grazia on my way to London last week and these jeans were featured in their Lust List. As soon as I hopped off the train at Kings Cross I was on the Victoria line to Oxford Circus and in River Island’s dressing room (advertising – it works).

Jeans are my everyday staples – I have so many pairs, from my faithful Topshop Kristens to the Next coloured skinnies in maroon and plum. They’re so easy to pull on, can be dressed up with heels or down with flats and have solved many a wardrobe crisis. I wouldn’t usually go for patterned bottoms (it’s the child bearing hips) but I think these babies are rather flattering – they’re so tight, they’re practically Spanx. Not great for eating or sitting down but hey – this is fashion, people!

I know not everyone shares my love for jeans. Apparently, some people don’t even own a pair! Quelle horreur! So tell me – are you a fan of the humble denim trouser? Do you have a favourite pair?