Fashion: Down to earth

Photos / Babiche Martens

Tailored separates elevate denim to the next level.

Women who toil the land are often romanticised in fashion for wearing clothes they feel comfortable in, from hardworking denim overalls to lightweight prairie dresses. This is casual dressing at its best. A sense of nostalgia filters through from the hardworking land girls of World War II and, without reducing the memory of those brave women to a pile of clothes, they continue to provide plenty of inspiration for dressing according to the change in season and its effect on nature.

Comfortable knitwear is key, with designer Deborah Sweeney making a convincing case for beautiful 100 per cent wool blazers and 100 per cent Stansborough wool shawls (#5). Her appropriately titled "Kentucky Girl" collection for winter 2015 highlights oversized ponchos and frilled blouses in rustic tones.

That country spirit is also evident in the linen gingham shirting from Twenty-seven Names (#6) and the autumnal floral prints from Ingrid Starnes (#2), both labels representing thoughtfully designed pieces made right here in New Zealand.

Tactile fabrics are another nod to the land girl spirit, from denim to corduroy, with several designers also revisiting the supple lustre of suede pieces from Karen Walker to the suede boots from Skin (#4) and Stuart Weitzman from Runway.

From left to right:
1 Juliette Hogan shirt, $399. Deborah Sweeney sweater, $365. Liam skirt, $249. Ruby heels, $299.

2 Ingrid Starnes dress, $549. Mi Piaci boots, $720.

3 Juliette Hogan shirt, $399. Witchery sweater dress, $229.90. Skin boots, $300. Saben handbag, $389.

4 Ruby roll-neck sweater, $299. Liam skirt, $139. Karen Walker belt, $55. Deborah Sweeney jacket, $599. Skin boots, $300.

5 Ingrid Starnes top, $329. Twenty-seven Names jeans, $350. Deborah Sweeney shawl, $339. Kathryn Wilson boots, $379.

6 Twenty-seven Names shirt, $320. Karen Walker shorts, $380. Beau Coops for Karen Walker brogues. Penny Sage coat, $860.

Stockists:

• Deborah Sweeney
• Ingrid Starnes (09) 555 9452
• Juliette Hogan (09) 360 9347
• Karen Walker
• Kathryn Wilson
• Liam
• Mi Piaci
• Ruby
• Skin (09) 368 1981
• Twenty-seven Names