WITH Autumn well and truly here and the weather turning chilly, if you’re looking to give your wardrobe an upgrade you’ve come to the right place.
And if you want a look which is chic and neither dated or tacky, it’s time to take notes from a woman in the know.
That’s London’s most sought-after style expert, Oriona Robb, who knows exactly which items to nab this season, and which ones to leave on the shelves.
Oriona’s background includes transforming her love for customising jeans into a global fashion empire, dressing everyone from royals to A-listers.
After growing up in a small town in Poland Oriona moved to the UK in search of bigger opportunities and it’s clear that the fashion pro has made her mark.
She says the fashion world wasn’t waiting for her with open arms, but explains: “I didn’t have much, but I had my passion – and a pretty good sense of style.”
Her passion has seen her fly and her bold creativity and eye for detail caught the attention of some of the biggest names in fashion. Soon, she was styling for luxury brands like Burberry, Eurostar, and Ferragamo.
But Oriona didn’t stop there – her flair for fashion soon extended beyond brand collaborations – and she’s now styled royals, celebrities, and stars from around the world.
She’s not just a fashion consultant – she’s a fashion force.
Whether she’s dressing a royal for a red-carpet event or helping a busy mum rediscover their style mojo, Oriona’s mission remains the same: to make people feel unstoppable in what they wear.
She adds: “I believe fashion is about more than just looking good. It’s about showing the world who you are and feeling amazing while you do it.”
From blazers and sling-back heels, to wide leg trews and leopard print, Oriana reveals the trends and fashion classics that you can wear time and time again and which items to ditch.
A blazer screams chic this season and it’s a must have for your wardrobe.
Oriona tells Fabulous: “A loose blazer or a well structured one, which you choose really depends on your style personality.
“You could have more of a classic style personality, or go a bit more avant-garde but either way a blazer is definitely my go-to, the best investment that you can have in your wardrobe.”
If your wardrobe is missing a white shirt Oriona says there’s a shape and style to suit everyone this season.
She explains: “People sometimes think white shirts and they think of that kind of business look, but I would choose a white shirt that has got a little bit more structure to it.
“If you’re a bit more busty, choose a fabric that’s got a little bit more stretch, and that adds a little bit of femininity.
“A white shirt is definitely one of the classics.”
When it comes to denim trends, Oriona says: “At the moment it’s all about high waisted or straight leg jeans. There are lots on the market.
Burgundy
We’ve seen burgundy hues take over the high-street and according to Oriona: “Burgundy is for everyone.
“Every shop on the high street has got something in burgundy. It pairs really nicely with different colours, it is super easy to wear,” she says.
Leopard print
Similarly with leopard print, Oriona is a big fan: “Leopard print is very in this season and there are lots of prints at Marks & Spencer and Primark.
“But you just have to know what to pair it with and a personality to carry this trend through.”
“I think leopard print is staying.”
Slingback heels
When it comes to slingbacks, Oriona says they’re a great investment.
“They look really good with a pair of jeans and elevate an outfit, especially if they are a little bit pointed.
“They are everywhere at the moment – definitely an item that should be in your shopping bag.”
Waistcoats
Oriona is also a huge fan of waistcoats which she says are here to stay.
“I love waistcoats, especially leather ones.
“They’ve been back for two years now, and I think they are staying, they are personally on my list. I think they are definitely one to look into if you don’t own one already.”
Peplums
But when it comes to peplums, which have recently been spotted in H&M, Oriona explains: “They have that feeling of being something we wore ten years ago, but they are definitely having a moment of come back.
“I even spotted peplum belts with an extra frill at the back but the look is too feminine for me. It’s quite girly and has a romantic feel about it.”
Ballet flats
Similarly with ballet flats, Oriona adds: “They’re classic. I know they’re gonna have a comeback, but at the moment there are more Mary Janes than ballets, or I would go for ballets that have got a slightly thicker, or maybe pointier kind of finish to it.
“If ballet flats are not done correctly, it can look quite dated.”
Bright coloured trainers
If you aren’t sure which trainers to nab this season, according to Oriona, it’s all about the colourful, vintage look with the Adidas Sambas.
She says: “Vintage look trainers are coming back, and that would be my addition in very bright colours.
“So from blue, red, yellow, just to spice up jeans and knitwear.”
“Massimo Dutti has got a really gorgeous selection of that slightly higher waisted, straighter leg jeans – that’s what’s in at the moment.”
If your budget is more high street than high end then head to River Island, H&M and New Look who all stock great, more pocket-friendly options.
And you’ll need to nab yourself a pair of leather-look trousers too because according to Oriona they add chic and elegance to every wardrobe.
“I go for either dark, so black, or very in at the moment is burgundy as well, and I have seen a really nice selection at Marks & Spencer,” she adds.
“I like to pair two different fabrics so if I go for leather trousers I would pair them with a really nice knit on top.”
Whether it’s the biker variety or oversized, a leather jacket is a wardrobe staple which is sure to never go out of fashion.
Oriana adds: “I absolutely love leather jackets. I saw a beautiful leather jacket at Mango.
“As soon as you pay for real leather obviously the price goes up a little bit, but Marks & Spencer have got a lovely selection as well.
“I would go maybe one size up, so you can put knitwear underneath.
“It’s one of these things that never goes out of fashion, either in black or chocolate.”
In addition to high-waisted denims and leather trousers, Oriona stressed that wide leg trousers are a must.
Not only are they super versatile, but Oriona says: “Wide leg trousers are definitely in this season. There’s loads of them everywhere, from Primark and Zara to Marks & Spencer.
“They’re one of the most popular go-to trousers at the moment.
“With the wide leg higher waist, you can add a belt – this is how you start building that very simple, sophisticated outfit, so leather trousers, white shirt, and a blazer. It’s a kind of a bulletproof outfit for me.”
With the weather turning colder, Oriona says choose carefully when it comes to a knitwear.
She says: “Zara is doing this really lovely collaboration with Cindy Crawford at the moment, and they have a really gorgeous selection of very simple knitwear.
“With knitwear I will go for jumpers, cardigans, roll necks. It really depends on your style personality. There is something for everyone. But have a good selection.
“My suggestion would be to go for one of these colours that are trending right now so definitely burgundy, cream, chocolate, or you could go completely crazy with some kind of leopard print.”
What’s not to like about a cardigan which can be layered up or simply worn over a vest top.
Oriona says: “Cardigans are amazing – they allow you to create layers and also control your temperature.
“Depending where you are, you can add a layer or you can take it off.
“As it goes a little bit colder you can wear a roll neck, a shirt, and then add the cardigan to it.
“I would always play a little bit with the sleeves, so if you were wearing a shirt, you can get the sleeve out of the cardigan.
“You can play around with that, create layers, and play with different shades of the same colour.”
Not only are cardigans in, but Oriona also says that investing in a pair of black boots is essential this season.
“Everybody should have a pair. There is something for everyone,” she says.
“I always start my outfit, or when I’m talking to my clients and creating their outfit, from the shoe.
“A boot can really elevate the look, and there is everything from ankle boots to over the knee boots that can really instinctively add that kind of va-va-voom to an outfit.
“There’s lots of different colours and vibrant colours, so you can have that white shirt, blue jeans, a blazer, and red boots, so straight away your shoe becomes your hero.”
If you don’t want double up with leather trousers and a matching jacket then a quilted jacket is a fabulous alternative.
“Quilted jackets are definitely back,” says Oriona. “They’ve literally been everywhere. Every season, there’s something slightly different about it.
“I would definitely take into consideration your body shape, and also how much layering you will be doing because that quilted look can create a bulky effect.
“Buying a quilted jacket that ‘s a little bit thinner so it flows slightly longer in the body will look less bulky than one which is cropped.
“I’ve seen really good ones at Marks & Spencer, Zara, Mango, & Other Stories, so I think it depends on the budget, but there is something for everyone.
“If it’s your investment piece for the season calculate how much it would cost per wear and invest in the best quality you can afford.”
To ensure you stay warm and cosy whilst looking super stylish this season complete your look with a chunky scarf.
She reveals: “A chunky scarf is a great accessory to add and here you can really play around with different texture, different colours.
“Even if you go for a neutral colour on the coat or a jacket, that will be something that can really lift your complexion.
“You can really use that as a tool to create a really lovely outfit.”
Whilst they’re incredibly popular Oriona says Ugg boots might have had their day.
She says: “My suggestion is to go for something a little bit more refined.
“So instead of Ugg boots, I would probably choose a nice suede ankle boot, just to make it a little bit more elegant.
“I’ve seen the new ones with a really big platform. I kind of like them, but I prefer them on teenagers than adults.”
And if it’s stylish that you’re after it’s time to ditch the tracksuit bottoms.
“We’ve done tracksuit bottoms. This was post-Covid era,” says Oriona.
“Let’s leave the tracksuit bottoms in the loungewear department and let’s wear jeans and high waisted trousers.
“As soon as you put something on that makes you feel better, I feel like you will perform better.
“Tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie and Ugg boots – it’s not gonna give you too much of a power statement.”
Whilst high-waist jeans are in, Oriona explained that three signature styles are out.
When it comes to ripped jeans, she says: “I personally dislike them. There are better choices at the moment on the market.
“Lower waisted jeans are out at the moment and skinny jeans are not very in either, so be looking for something a bit more baggier.”
We all know that splashing out on designer items is something many of us can’t afford, but according to Oriona, you’re better off nabbing a dupe rather than a fake.
She shared: “I think when we wear fakes we are definitely taking away from the designers. You know, they spent a lot of time and a lot of money to create something. There is a lot of craftsmanship that goes into it.
“Saving money to buy something that is real is so much more rewarding than actually wearing fake things if you like something from a designer, for example, but can’t afford it.
“You can buy something similar, not exactly a fake version of that, but similar to it, but still, from brands that are quite respectful, quite sustainable.”
Similarly, when it comes to loud logos, you’ll need to say goodbye to them if you want a look that will turn heads this season.
Oriona says: “It’s not a choice I would go for. At the moment, the style is a little bit more minimalistic and a little bit more ‘old money’.
“I would suggest staying away from all the logos from very loud designers, and go for a little bit more quiet luxury.”
NINETIES and noughties trends especially have become a hit with Gen Z - most likely because they didn’t wear them the first time round. Here, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale gives the rundown of some of the trends that have made a comeback that we wish did not.
Disc belts
“A hit with celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively, the belt itself did nothing that a belt should actually do – it was a mere fashion statement, not a piece to actually hold anything up.
“And it seems it’s not just me who is enraged by its return, with many taking to TikTok to give their views, saying: ‘Oh no not the disc belt! I don’t think I have the energy for it a 2nd time around’ – I feel you.”
Jelly shoes
“After not being seen on shelves for decades, they’ve made a reappearance and this time they’re not just for kids.
“Coming in a range of colourful patterns, you can get them all over the high street in either flat or heeled versions.
“Not only will you look very childish wearing such shoes, but people will also need to learn that they aren’t the comfiest – blister plasters will come in handy.”
Pedal pushers
“The cropped knee-grazing trouser were all the rage in the 1990s and 2000s, but this time the model fash pack are all over them – with both Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski wearing them out recently.
“The original IT girls, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot helped make the trousers – also called Capri pants – look effortlessly cool and glam.
“Somehow this time round they don’t seem to be having that same effect.”
