Style Cubed

She loves shopping - clothes, shoes, handbags... even the indent you get on your hand from carrying too many hangers to the changing room. And while she knows her PPQ from her Primark, that doesn't mean she can afford it. This is TV presenter Cat Cubie's irreverent and entertaining insight to the world of fashion...

Lovely lady frumps

By Cat Cubie on 25 Jan 2011 2 comments

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was having a wardrobe clear out, and every good shopaholic knows what that means: it's only ruddy time to go and fill it up again!

I know, I know, this totally defeats the purpose, but I just can't help myself. It's like chips & cheese; I, err, seem to have the same problem there too!

Another excuse that I'm using (the more excuses, the more ££ justified) is that I'm starting a new job, so it stands to reason that I need a new look. What's more, it's probably the most grown up job I've ever had - I'm going to be a weather presenter/broadcast journalist for BBC Scotland. Must be my sunny disposition... right? It also means that I need a new work wardrobe: suits, shirts, pencil skirts (possibly even a tie?) - the works. Up until now, I've never even owned a suit!

I reckon I might be one of the only people in the world moving to Glasgow for the weather!

I'm keen not to lose my fashion identity but there are certain rules I will need to abide by; namely adding a few inches to my skirts - no more thigh-skimmers for me! However, all this luckily coincides with a fashion turn towards the demure; even the calf length skirt is making a re-appearance. Frumpy fashion has never been so hot!

It's akin to Granny Chic but a little younger (hurray) and best worn with a touch of irony and attitude. Otherwise, well... it's just plain frumpy.

First up, I really like this wine coloured skirt from Topshop. I wasn’t convinced that the midi could ever be flattering but this one has a sheer over-skirt with a shorter lining underneath so the lovely flash of leg makes it a little more naughty librarian.

<-- Maroon has been one of my surprise favourite winter colours: it's just lovely with both black and camel accessories. Wine coloured pleated calf length skirt, £38 from Topshop.com.

I've talked collar up before and although the combination can end up looking a little over-egged it also works well with the structure of many of the pieces that are key.

There's no doubt that this look has you covered, so I think it works best with a bit of sauce and a pair of particularly unsuitable shoes. Some designers, such as Chloe and Prada (S/S 11), sent their models down the catwalk in mid-length skirts and flats but - for me - that's just a step too far. Ballet pumps might have been made for walking but heels are always in my bag for everything else!

This look is classic, work suitable and oh so 2011. Whistles' Gaby print skirt, £95 at Johnlewis.com (and check out the rest of Whistles' collection for some great on-trend pieces!) -->

Personally, I love a platform shoe and with the whole 70's vibe shaking it's thang, there's heaps of lovely, stacked shoes out there this year. In fact, being on the short side, I'm really hoping the kitten heel doesn't shout as loudly as predicted and, frankly, it's just too tame to make this look truly 2011.

It's definitely a fashion fad my mother will approve of, usually something which would have me running for the hills. However, with the new job, a new year and possibly the realisation that I'd better grow up (just a little) I'm actually quite a fan of the frump.