How To Wear Brocade In Real Life

The AW2012 collections were full of luxe fabrics, with plenty of leather, lace and embroidery to be found prowling down the catwalks. But it was the brocade that really caught my eye - sheeny-shiny, textured  and almost iridescent, with a touch of regal-ness to it, it never fails to look glamourous, grown-up, and of course, super expensive!

From left to right: Gucci, Christopher Kane, Lanvin. Images from Style.com.

But while I wait for that surely-now-imminent lottery win, the ever-wonderful Topshop has come to the rescue, with this gorgeous bronze skirt, for only £40! I love the textured finish, and the zip detailing at the front, plus something about the shape is pretty sixties-tastic, don't you think? 

Brocade can look like a pretty difficult fabric to wear, especially in the so-called summer (come back sun, I miss you!), but I think it could actually be quite versatile. With such a statement-making skirt, I would wear it with a clean-cut top in a neutral colour to balance it out, but in an interesting fabric - smooth silk, cosy cashmere and luxe leather would all provide great texture contrast to the brocade.

Here is how I would style it, for work, for a night out, and for the weekend...                                      

Working: Topshop skirt, Rag&Bone blouse, Kurt Geiger shoes 

Partying: Topshop skirt, Alexander Wang leather top, Givenchy shoes 

Chilling: Topshop skirt, Vionnet knit, Mulberry studded trainers

So, what do you think of my looks, and are you going to be wearing brocade this winter?