The weather crisis has plunged urban fashion into full utility mode, writes DEIRDRE McQUILLANFashion Editor
THIN LAYERS, thick scarves and snug hats; that was the true sartorial grit in evidence everywhere on the treacherous streets and footpaths of Dublin yesterday.
The weather crisis has plunged urban fashion into full utility mode with parkas, duffel coats and quilted jackets heading off the unprecedented chill and freezing snow storms.
Colourful gloves brightened up many an outfit, but what went on underneath was the real story. Thermals. Long johns. Cashmere. City dwellers are learning fast.
While a few older females shuffled gingerly along in last century’s heavy fur coats, savvy, fashion-conscious younger women opted for short skirts or skinny jeans with at least five layers of T-shirts, cardigans or vests placed on top of one another like filo pastry and a lighter jacket on top rather than duvet style down coats that give instant weight gain.
Some wore two pairs of tights or leggings, others chunky scarves and mufflers over slimmer ones. Boots, fringed, but flat, high but not platformed, were everywhere and what was left of the Uggs in Fitzpatricks were selling at a 30 per cent discount.
People in Converse runners or trainers struggled to stay upright, slip-sliding along the icy roads, while others were snug and safe in snowboots, presumably from ski holidays, though collapsible ski sticks were few and far between.
One noticeable trend is the passion with which people in their 20s have taken to headwear and yesterday hundreds of tasselled and pompom Peruvian knits in all sorts of patterns dotted the streets while trapper-style fur hats with flaps protected ears and headphones against the wind.
It wasn’t the day to be out, but the hardy souls that braved it dressed for winter.
There wasn’t a stiletto in sight.