The shapes of things to come

The fashion industry continues to woo us with alluring hues, desirable handbag shapes and even the odd “must-have” (though often these are forgettable fads, such as S/S24’s tiny shorts). But it also recognises that women want to save the planet and refuse to be dictated to – and still offers us many ways to look achingly cool.

Wide-leg jeans, £95, wool-blend cropped jacket, £175, both &Other Stories

In S/S24, one way to do this is by pumping up the volume. This could be with exaggeratedly wide trousers or jeans, which debuted on runways in A/W23 (notably at Bottega Veneta and Khaite). Or with a dramatic, flared or tiered maxi skirt after Molly Goddard kicked off this silhouette several seasons back. Or it could be a blazer, shirt or cardi as these top-halves – plus trenches and shirt-dresses – are among pieces reimagined with an oversized, slouchy silhouette in many collections.

Slouchy jacquard cardi, £1,050, Burberry

Grandad collar, oversized shirt dress, £95, Cos

Wide-leg pleated linen trousers, £95, Cos

Find super-wide jeans and trousers – from cargos and track-pants to tailored ones – at many brands including Me + Em, Hush, Cos and Urban Outfitters.

Low-rise, wide-leg jeans, £49.99, Zara

Wide-leg jeans, £450, Citizens of Humanity

Flared maxi skirts can be sought out at, among other brands, Anthropologie, The Reformation and Massimo Dutti.

Pannelled nappa leather maxi skirt, £299, Massimo Dutti

Flared leopard-print maxi skirt, £275, Ganni

Flared maxi skirt, Emporio Sirenuse, £970, Net a Porter

Counter-intuitively, a voluminous bottom half can work really well for those with broader hips – as long as the bottom half is paired with a narrow-fitting top. With top halves, ensure sleeves aren’t too long, or you’ll just look like you bought the wrong size.

Slouchy blazer, £69, Marks & Spencer

Oversized tailored shirt, £95, Cos

If you want volume top and bottom-half, try a short or cropped top to keep waistline discernible. Otherwise, unless you’re a skinny beanpole, volume on one half only is more flattering.