Look of the Week: Spotted

As students at one of the most fashionable universities, it can be pretty easy to get lost in the crowd. The way to resolve this? Get yourself spotted.

As students at one of the most fashionable universities, it can be pretty easy to get lost in the crowd. The way to resolve this? Get yourself spotted. Literally.

Stella McCartney’s Autumn/Winter 2011 collection has sent fashionistas everywhere into a frenzy with its collection of chic black dresses featuring sheer mesh sleeves and panels with polka dots. Celebrities and models have been caught sporting the risqué dotty numbers, from Kate Winslet and Doutzen Kroes opting for the longer-length version, to Liv Tyler rocking a shorter peplum version.

What makes these dresses so fabulous is their subtle seductiveness; their high necklines and conservative lengths ensure that the sheer panelling at the sides and down the sleeves come off as classy and not trashy. The sheer polka-dot panels and sleeves come as a welcome modern spin on the lace trend that has been seen on the catwalk and on high street dresses everywhere for the past few seasons.

If you’re dying to get your hands on one of these coveted Stella McCartney numbers but can’t splash the cash then fear not because the high street is awash with affordable similar versions in numerous different styles. Warehouse has a great peplum version practically identical to the original Stella that Liv Tyler has been seen wearing, whilst Miss Selfridge offers a body-con version complete with sheer sleeves and a small diamond-shaped panel – a total steal at only £42!

Lipsy and ASOS’ own line are also offering more affordable versions. Pair your dress with cute court heels, statement earrings and a colourful clutch to make sure you wow the crowd on a night out. You can also inject this trend into your everyday wear – Topshop has a knitted dress version with a simple sheer neckline and knitted sleeves which could be paired with cosy woollen tights and black knee high boots to be comfortable yet chic.

If you’re still uncertain about so much sheer detail, then why not try adding small touches of polka dot to your wardrobe; this season Topshop also has a great pair of black tights with sheer panels up the sides complete with polka dots. With Welly Ball coming up next weekend in St Andrews, they could be the perfect way to accessorise an LBD and your Hunters!

So this Autumn, ditch the lace trend (let’s face it, nothing will ever come close to competing with Kate’s wedding dress) and be sure to turn a few heads when you’re spotted.