FASHION Style predictions for 2021

“Juxtapose your woollies with a silk dress and big boots for a millennial twist on the rockchick look”

Preloved items curated from Dorothy House, prices vary, www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

Image credits: Shoot venue: Rondo Theatre Photographer: Egle Vasi Stylist: Anna Power Make Up and Hair: Chantelle Moody Shoot Consultant: Sarah Baker

NEW SEASON A fresh look at fashion for 2021 By Sarah Moolla

You could be forgiven for thinking that fashion has, well, fallen out of fashion in this strangest of years. Surely trends for colours and cardigans, and boots and suits, are somewhat moot? Aren’t we all just Zooming in hoodies and lounging in loungers? However there’s been an undercurrent of sartorial energy buzzing about of late that tells us otherwise – from luxe lockdown looks on Instagram to coordinated dress and mask combos making a designer appearance. It would seem wearing good clothes still has the power to lift the spirits. And with the real possibility of social interaction around the corner, we’re already planning our IRL celebratory, ‘I’ve missed you, you look amazing!’ outfi ts.

VEJA V-10 leather trainers -–extra-white, £115, www.graceandted.co.uk

Chinti & Parker cream Agnes wool-cashmere turtleneck sweater, £250, www.kilvercourt.com

Laragon cardigan in oatmeal fair isle, £199, www.cabbagesandroses.com

1NERDY KNITWEAR AND CASUAL CARDIGANS They’re cosy, they’re safe, and easy to wear. Knitwear represents certainty in an uncertain world. Wear with jeans, t-shirt and trainers for the solid, dependable look or juxtapose your woollies with a silk dress and big boots for a millennial twist on the rockchick look. Pair any half-buttoned, over-sized cardie with any skirt in your wardrobe, lazily let one side slip off one shoulder and voilà – nonchalant sexiness is instantly yours.

Patrizia Bonfanti glossy red boots,£229, www.bluewomensclothing.co.uk

Knitted lambswool dark navy scarf, £175, www.mulberry.com

2BLACK IS BACK Usually, the preserve of the fashionista catwalk front row, now the WFH brigade has made black their unoffi cial uniform. Eff ortless, elegant, and always effi cient.

Black has found its way back into our hearts, in a top-to-toe kinda way, and we’re not letting go anytime soon. From hoedown black dungarees (note: leave one side undone, unless you are actually going to a hoedown) to big clompy black boots, to Matrix-style faux-leather long coats and fl ouncy ruffl ed Victorian fl orals (think more Gothic novel than Beatrix Potter). If all-black is a tad too funereal, lift the look with a pair of scrunchy clean white leather trainers. a pair of scrunchy clean white leather trainers.

Prada Black Saffi ano leather tote bag, £900, www.graceandted.co.uk www.graceandted.co.uk

Gertrude + Gaston Padded Gilet, £155, www.bluewomensclothing.co.uk

Great Plains Agnes check tie Great Plains Agnes check tie neck shirt in space navy, £30, neck shirt in space navy, £30, www.mazeclothing.co.uk www.mazeclothing.co.uk

Check coat as seen in Netfl ix’s The Queen’s Gambit Eclipse handpainted silk scarf by Carole Waller, £195, www.wallerandwood.co.uk

ISCHIKO trousers Akame 00, £129, www.bath.oska.com www.bath.oska.com 3CHECK MATE From full-on tartan to dogtooth ginghams, checks are back as the revival of Burberry and Mulberry testifi es, and as seen by the shameless chessboard motifi ng of Beth’s winning outfi ts in Netfl ix’s The Queen’s Gambit.

As long as you avoid the preppy schoolgirl look in too-short kilts, then you’ll be glad of the plaid. You can Highland fl ing it as a large woollen scarf over a one-colour trench coat, or reverse that and think big – a long belted, double-breasted bold check coat over a plain ensemble double-breasted bold check coat over a plain ensemble makes a striking statement. makes a striking statement.

Proceed with caution though with plaid shirts – too boxy and square can translate as oh-so-lumberjack, and as for and square can translate as oh-so-lumberjack, and as for tartan trousers, when worn over a certain age, they can tartan trousers, when worn over a certain age, they can ending up looking less Vivienne Westwood and the punk ending up looking less Vivienne Westwood and the punk scene, and more Ronnie Corbett teeing off on the green. scene, and more Ronnie Corbett teeing off on the green.

Bellerose Volders wool jacket in green, £285, www.mazeclothing.co.uk

© NETFLIX

4DO IT LIKE A DUDE Always powerfully beautiful and a timeless classic, women dressed in what was traditionally perceived of as men’s clothes from big shouldered suits to boyfriend jeans, is a scene stealing agenda-setting style. Now in our more gender fl uid, Harry Stiles in a skirt, times, the ante has been upped, rules are there to be fl outed, and the possibilities are endless. Don’t just don a tailored jacket, add a pocket silk square. Embrace the high-waisted wide legged trousers, top with an argyle tank top, and round off with lace-up brown brogues. If you’re Victoria Beckham, ditch the brogues for stiletto pumps.

If you’re headed back to the offi ce, make like supermodel Bella Hadid in Givenchy and wear a black leather tie and crisp white shirt. Remember to tie your hair at the back and quiff it at the front.

Diana pleated velvet midi skirt, £98, midi skirt, £98, www.anthropologie.com www.anthropologie.com

Grace dress from Pearl Lowe’s midi dress capsule range, £245, www.pearllowe.co.uk Thomas Green pocket silk, £52, www.thomasfortin.com

Nice Things / Typical Places Nice Things / Typical Places polo shirt, £39, www.foundbath.co.uk

Primadonna Twist I Do padded bra balcony in deep teal, £88, www. dressingroombath.com Preloved items curated from Dorothy House, prices vary, www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

5VELVET UNDERGROUND It’s the luxe fabric of Christmas party dresses in the colour of precious jewels. We’ve had no parties, but when we can start going out again properly, we’re going out, out in lush plush clothes.

It’s also tactile adding textural comfort – that’s why so many sofas are wrapped in it – but to avoid looking like a settee, try and show a little skin with your velvet. Think soft wrap dresses, deep-V jumpsuits, a structured jacket over a satin bra, which so happens to be another 2021 trend on the horizon – a glimpse of undergarments. Just a peep mind, not the full 1990s Madonna.

MEET THE HEALTH & FITNESS EXPERT Why looking after your fitness can mean happiness, better mental health, and even weightloss

ANNA BARTON PERSONAL TRAINER hello@annabartonpt.co.uk; www.annabartonpt.co.uk

Do you think that living your best life means being fit? The term ‘being fit’ is so individual and can vary hugely from person to person, depending on their background, capabilities, lifestyle and goals. For example an athlete’s personal level of ‘being fit’ will be very different to a parent who works full time and wants to have a good level of fitness to keep up with their kids. We are all aware of the mental as well as the physical benefits of keeping fit, therefore keeping active (for those who have the privilege of being able to move and be active) will most definitely enhance your quality of life and for some, enable them to live their best life! What advice would you give to someone that hates exercise? There is always some form of movement that someone can enjoy! One of the best exercises is to just walk, it’s free and involves no more effort than a decent pair of trainers to get started. How about dance classes such as zumba? Sport: tennis, squash, rock climbing, bouldering and swimming. Yoga, barre and pilates is great for people to work on their flexibility. Once someone starts, the endorphins kick in, they’ll start to see results and feel mentally better, that’s usually motivation to keep going. Or appoint a personal trainer to hold you accountable and help to motivate you to learn to love exercise.

SOPHIA CLIFFORD–SANGHAD BATH HOLISTIC MASSAGE 07837 828156; www.bathholisticmassage.com

I retrained to become a massage therapist as I wanted to be able to make people feel good physically and feel better mentally about themselves. For me, massage is more than just helping manipulate muscles and tissue but helps with an overall sense of wellbeing. I want people to feel rejuvenated.

What are the benefits of the treatments that you offer? Physically, massage helps reduce muscle tension, increases circulation, increasing joint mobility and flexibility. Mentally, it can aid relaxation, reduces stress hormones, anxiety and depression and it also helps heighten emotional alertness. My treatments look at both aspects of wellbeing as the two are so often intertwined.

Has wellbeing always been an important part of your life? No, not always. It took me a previous career, kids, and looking after my own health to realise how important looking after your own wellbeing is and, with the year we’ve all just experienced, I think it is important, now more than ever, to find ways to look after ourselves – massage is definitely the way for me! MILLY JACKSON FLY FITNESS 01225 724286; www.flyfitness.co.uk

What led you to become a personal trainer? I found my own love for fitness probably a bit later than expected. It was a lack of knowledge of the gym which gave me the hunger to learn. I lost three stone along the way, as well as finding a love for exercise. So I guess you could say that it was my own journey which inspired me to help others.

How would you describe your philosophy about being fit and healthy? Find movement which you love, integrate it into your life, then it will never feel like a chore. Above all, enjoy the process.

Do you have fitness goals for yourself? If so, what are they? I have tried different types of training, and set loads of different goals. Right now it’s all about tasting everything that is out there, which I can then share with others. My own training has only just begun, which makes me really excited for the future. A few races have been cancelled this year, but my Ironman 70.3 in September 2021 looks like it might happen! SIMON BURGESS MANAGER, BATH YMCA HEALTH & WELLBEING 01225 325913; www.ymcabath.org.uk Why did you decide to become a therapist?

Tell us about your background… I have worked as a fitness professional for many years in lots of different fitness venues and have run my own business. I also work as a tutor teaching a large variety of fitness qualifications. Now I am running the YMCA’s Heath &Wellbeing.

What led you to become a personal trainer? Having a job that is a passion and hobby of mine means that I have never worked a day in my life. I really enjoy helping people to work towards their health and wellbeing goals.

Does living your best life mean being fit? This is a really complex question. However, I believe being physically fit can help someone with their mental and emotional health. This in turn will help someone lead their best life and enjoy life to the fullest.

Any advice for those who say they hate having to exercise? Exercise comes in many different forms. Find an activity that you enjoy doing that way it won’t feel like exercise. Seeking professional advice, from places like the YMCA, may help you avoid injury and get the most from exercise.

JOE HAINES POWER10 @power10bath; www.power10bath.com

What’s the best way for someone to motivate themselves to get fit? Spend time (as long as it takes) to identify what you really want. Do you want to look better? Do you want to feel healthier? Include ways you can measure your progress. The only way to find true motivation is if you are deeply compelled by your goal.

What mindset will help people succeed with their New Years’ goals? Shorten the timeframe. One year is often too long to stick to something. Interestingly, it can also give you too much time to achieve your goal, as it becomes far too easy to put it off 01225 466944 Facial Energy Release. I have gone onto

until later in the year. Try shortening your goal Fertility and maternity treatments offering

to, say, 10 weeks.

What advice would you give someone that hates exercise? Don’t settle for something you don’t enjoy; it will always end in failure. Keep searching for a different type of activity. Until you find something that doesn’t feel like exercise, fitness then becomes the by-product of having fun. How do our workouts differ from other workouts out there? We create a 10-week training programme in which to focus on CAROLINE JOSLING HARVEST MOON HOLISTIC THERAPY www.carolinejosling.com

How did you get into therapy? I gained a special interest in holistic health, wellness and natural beauty on my travels around the world as a model. Initially trained in massage and aromatherapy, I soon discovered a face therapy that releases tension and not only helps you look better but feel better too. I call it learning and teaching more face therapies, as I find work on the head and face deeply relaxing and powerful for releasing pent up tension all over the body, most recently training in new Neal’s Yard Frankincense Intense Facial Rejuvenation.

Other specialities? achieving that compelling goal.

BRYONY MILES UPSIDE DOWN VEGAN 07444 262025 www.upsidedownvegan.co.uk What led you to become a personal trainer? It was back in July 2013 when my mum suddenly passed away from cancer I had some sort of ‘light bulb’ moment. I had been living an unhealthy life for nearly 10 years as a drug addict. Fitness had never even been on my radar up until this point. Her death changed my life completely and I decided to take control of my health and fitness. I began training a lot in a local gym and the more I did it and talked about it, the more my friends and family encouraged me to take it up as my career. So I did just that and now I honour the lifestyle I have built to my Mum! reflexology, aromatherapy and maternity massage. A really rewarding field which can address complaints such as fatigue, symphysis pubis dysfunction, migraine and even an overdue baby.

How do you like to relax? Having therapies myself, I practice Iyengar yoga and I am enjoying singing lessons – soon to find a choir. SIMONA HERNANDEZ YOGA BODHI 01225 464848 www.yogabodhi.co.uk

Tell us about your background and how you came to Yoga… When I started practising yoga it was in 1996 and I was working as a psychologist in London. I had been in a RTA and as a result had a bad whiplash injury that was giving me the most awful tension headaches! Yoga turned all that around. I can remember my first class as if it was yesterday. The feeling of coming home and giving myself the permission to slow down and take stock rather than racing around at 300 miles an hour. In 1997 I trained as a yoga teacher and have never looked back.

What advice would you give to someone that hates exercise? I think that the thought of doing exercise rather than actually doing it is always worse. Sometimes it is easy to talk yourself out of getting on the mat… “oh I have to clean the toilet, do the ironing…” etc. There will always be an excuse. Just get on the mat and see what happens. I can guarantee you will feel much

better at the end. Namaste. Is there one food rule you think we should all follow? I believe we should all eat plant-based, that’s what nature provided for us to do. There are so many marketing gimmicks that feed us lies about the fitness and health industry that I despise. We have too much information these days and no one knows what to believe anymore. I have been a thriving fit and healthy vegan living off a plantbased diet for nearly four years now and it’s the single best thing I have done as well as becoming a PT. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, grains and seeds are all the healthiest things we can eat to live a super healthy and energetic lifestyle. And yes you can still eat your vegan cake and enjoy it too! Balance in our diet is key, I don’t deprive my body of eating out from time to time.