If you’ve only ever reached for leggings on gym days or lazy weekends, allow Simone Ashley to expand your horizons. Stepping out this week the actor proved how easily leggings can mould into a festive-season hero.

Rather than defaulting to an oversized knit or casual trainers, Simone layered hers with Chloé's Short Riding Coat (£2500), cinched neatly with the brand’s Midnight Belt (£750). The structured silhouette brought polish, giving her sleek black leggings a refined edge that pushed them firmly into “eveningwear” territory.

Stepping into a pair of suede heeled pumps, Simone's shoe choice added height, a complementary wash of colour and an outfit-elevating textural contrast. With Chloé's Bracelet Bag (£2050) in hand, she crafted a leggings look that was comfortable, elegant and far from casual.

While her accessories did much of the elevating, the cut of her leggings played its part too—the cropped, capri-style silhouette introduced a lightness and a distinctly fashion-forward feel that made the entire outfit sing.

Inspired by the chicest leggings look I’ve seen all season? Keep reading to shop Simone’s look—and browse my edit of the best capri leggings to recreate the look yourself.

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I'm pretty sure that when H&M signed on the dotted line to confirm its upcoming collaboration with designer Simone Rocha, the brand did not expect to be launching into a world that had been in the grips of a global pandemic for 12 months. I would also hazard a guess that the creative teams didn't factor in that their frothy tulle gowns and richly embroidered fabrics would be released to a tracksuit-clad consumer base who now consider listening to Heart Radio's Club Classics on their sofa with a G&T to be a big night out (just me?). But here we are. Rocha's collection is dropping in just under 48 hours, and the hype has never been greater.

From Margiela and Alber Elbaz to Comme des Garçons, H&M's designer collaborations have long been considered a hot commodity amongst the fashion crowd, yet against the backdrop of a struggling high street and brand closures, innovation and originality on the affordable end of the market have never been more important. With consumers increasingly moving online to buy clothes, it's all too easy for fashion brands, particularly on the high street, to get caught up in an algorithm-driven race to create the most broadly appealing commercial item that speaks of what has gone before rather than what lies ahead. 

Rocha was probably not the most obvious choice for mass appeal, yet her collection points to the optimism and creativity of a new wave of Brit design talent, one that truly owns its own perspective and seeks to speak to new audiences. After seeing and trying on the collection in real life, I can confirm that H&M has allowed Rocha to remain true to her aesthetic rather than cutting corners or toning down the richly layered references that run through the designer's runway collections. 

"It truly is a celebration of the signatures of my brand and the influences that have shaped me," explains Rocha. "I hope that the items in this collection will be worn and treasured for years to come. They were all informed by ideas and inspirations that have shaped me and my brand over the last 10 years, and I am so excited to see them worn out and about and interpreted and styled in new ways."

But down to the important stuff. What did I think of the collection? The first thing that struck me was the quality of the pieces I was pulling out of the delivery box—a heavyweight cream cable-knit jumper, a puffed dress skirt that did not scrimp on the tulle, intricate floral cloqué fabrics that looked like they had stepped right out of a period drama. There is also a definite punkish thread that weaves itself through the collection via flashes of tartan, oversize knits and offbeat asymmetric hemlines. In a nutshell, it's a celebration of everything that has been absent in our wardrobes over the last year: drama, frivolity and plenty of ostentatious silhouettes.

There were a few highlights that genuinely made me gasp with delight, including a pink jacquard-patterned cloqué gown with a skirt that had zero gravity–like fullness. Note that this is coming from someone who usually wears a floral dress about once a year. I may have swooshed around the house in it for longer than was strictly necessary. On the other end of the spectrum was a pair of befrilled tartan trousers, which were very much up my street, and I plan on wearing them with simple white tees and loafers come summer.

But really, there are too many gems to name, and I have no doubt that many of these pieces will sell out in less than 10 minutes. With the collection set to drop at 8 a.m. on March 11, the clock is now ticking, but in the meantime, scroll down to get my review of the best bits from Simone Rocha's H&M collaboration.

SHOP MY FAVOURITE H&M x SIMONE ROCHA PIECES

Style Notes: If you're less inclined to love pastel pinks, then you might enjoy this moodier take on florals. Featuring billowing, puffed sleeves, a dramatic red-and-black print, a soft pleated skirt and an ever-so-slightly dropped waistline, it is a more muted alternative to the collection's OTT tulle designs. It's perfect for an autumn wedding with kitten heels and statement earrings, or for a punk twist, just add lace-up boots.

Style Notes: This is one of the pieces that will most sate the appetite of Rocha devotees. This lighter-than-air tulle frock features the designer's signature bust detailing in a bright-red hue that pairs beautifully with the pale beige. Coming in a generous oversize silhouette with puffed long sleeves and a high neckline, this was made to be creatively layered up. I went for the collection's colour-match slip, but you could even do a white tee and jeans or a contrasting black mini underneath.

Style Notes: I have a feeling this cable knit will be one of the biggest sellers of the collection. The immense weight of this jumper is a testament to the quality of the materials, and it has a satisfying amount of slouch, so it's perfect if you like a loose silhouette. The sleeves are also XXL, which offers plenty of drama alongside the pearl-encrusted neckline. It's the ideal piece to dress down the collection's frothy tulle skirts and dresses, but it will also look very chic with jeans and boots.

Style Notes: There's a lot going on with this dress, but I'm a big fan of the punk-inspired undertones that come via the clash of tartan and tulle. The fit is quite straight, so it might be best to size up if you prefer a baggier fit or have a bigger bust or hips. It's also worth noting that you can see a sliver of midriff thanks to the mesh panel, but it's oh so subtle. This is definitely one to wear with "don't mess with me" combat boots. 

Style Notes: For someone who hasn't worn a pink full-skirted dress since they were about 6, I was twirling around the flat in this for a rather extended amount of time. This is definitely one of the collection's showstoppers, and with its textured cloqué fabric and generous skirt, it creates a seriously dramatic fit. The top is designed to be fitted to give it that '50s silhouette, which is worth bearing in mind for sizing. I enjoyed the effect of layering over the sequinned top, which gave the whole look a more "fashion" finish. Oh, and it comes with pockets. Just call me Lady Whistledown. 

Style Notes: This is one of my favourite pieces from the collection. It essentially has everything I could want from a pair of trousers: statement-making print, straight-leg silhouette and high-waisted fit. Cool, flattering and fun. It does come with an unusual frilled detailing that isn't attached at the pockets, which might make it difficult to wear tops that don't tuck in, but if you're prepare to look past that, you're in for a treat.

Style Notes: If you're not quite ready for puffball dresses, the collection's embellished tee is a great way to dip your toe into the Rocha aesthetic. It has a nice, boxy fit and features the designer's signature pearl bust detailing. An elevated wardrobe staple if we ever saw one. The skirt, meanwhile, was an unexpected winner for me, with its soft-pink hue and layered, asymmetric hemline. Wear now with a chunky knit and then with a white tee and Birkenstocks come summer.

Style Notes: If I'm honest, I wasn't sure about this dress when I first saw it, but it's one of those ones that you need to try on to get the full effect. I'm not usually a fan of minidresses with a dropped hemline (they can look a bit "school disco circa 2001"), but there's something about the tartan print and the brogue shoes that make it feel undeniably cool. Oh, and speaking of the brogues, they are just too good to miss. Well constructed and comfortable, they will add personality to any outfit.

Style Notes: This is just pure, unadulterated summer style, from the white frills to the broderie anglaise fabric. If you love a good prairie dress, you'll enjoy the dress's ruffles, puffed sleeves and ankle-length hemline. You can go all out with a straw hat and sandals or introduce a city spin with cowboy boots and a trench coat.

Style Notes: One of the few jackets in the edit, this oversize A-line coat has definite '60s dress coat vibes to it, which are accentuated by the light, trench coat–like fabric. There are a whole lotta ruffles and pearls on this piece, but thankfully, it's tempered by the muted black colourway. 

Style Notes: 2021 brides, take note: This is the ankle-grazing dress you never knew you needed. With a similar fit to the pink cloqué dress, it's really one that needs to be right fit-wise. I am wearing one size bigger than I tried with the pink style, and the silhouette didn't work quite as well—you need that snug top half for it to work. Regardless, with its white, floral-textured fabric and voluminous skirts, you can't help but smile when you put it on.

Style Notes: This is an interesting one that I found somewhat tricky to style initially. It's described as a blazer, but it functions more like a belted blouse. It has a relatively loose fit, so it can be layered up easily, but I think you can really let your creativity go wild with this one. Try it with dungarees, over a slip dress, or tucked into jeans. So many options, so little time.

Style Notes: It may not look like the most straightforward style, but trust me when I tell you that this will become your go-to piece for the summer months. It basically fits like a loose T-shirt dress but comes with a very Simone Rocha lace trim. I could also imagine layering it over flared black leggings for a more trend-led look. 

Style Notes: I'll admit that this tulle top is an easier piece to work with in comparison to some of the dresses, so take note if you want a more low-maintenance option. When we're finally allowed out for drinks, I'll be throwing this over a black cami with gold hoops and black trousers. The bow-tie fastenings mean you can make it as tight or as loose as you like, making it ideal for all bust sizes.

Style Notes: The accessories in this edit are just as noteworthy as the dresses, and I decided to call out this bag, in particular, for its gorgeous, cartoon-like appeal. The thick yet soft fabric and oversize bows make it the ideal party number—Minnie Mouse would be all over it.

Style Notes: For those who were won over by 2020's smock silhouette, this is the dress for you. With a fitted crew neckline, long sleeves, thigh-grazing length and tiered broderie anglaise fabric, it's a lovely summer dress for those who don't usually do summer dresses. Just add brogues or maybe even a pair of cowboy boots.

Style Notes: The first thing that hits you about this coat is its amazing pastel-pink hue, which somehow manages to avoid feeling too saccharine. Perhaps it's the tinsel-detail tweed fabric, which gives it a high-end finish, or the vintage-inspired Peter Pan collar and covered buttons. I didn't expect the silhouette to be as sculptural as it was, but the sleeves gather so beautifully, and the belted fastening gives the perfect cinched fit.

Style Notes: You don't get much more drama than this see-through ribbon-tie midi dress. Unashamedly "fashion" and so escapist, I'm sure it's one that magazine editors will be all over. Interestingly, the skirt doesn't go all the way around, so it fits more like an apron, but this makes it perfect for creating that mash-up layering look that runs through the collection.

SHOP THE FULL COLLECTION

Up Next: The Ultimate Spring Shopping List: I Searched All Over to Find These Key Pieces

While once considered the jewellery of choice for our grandparents’ generation or a staple worn by preppy types, there’s no doubt that pearls have encountered a cool-girl resurgence of late. Revived as a favourite amongst It girls and industry insiders, pearls are no longer simply a jewellery option but are now being used to embellish clothing, footwear and other stylish accessories.

Seen on the runways of Loewe, Simone Rocha and more, pearls have recently been used to adorn the collars of jumpers and the cuffs of trousers. While Shrimps’ ever-popular Antonia bag prompted a movement towards faux-pearls being used in a myriad of ways across handbags.

Whether you’re looking for an alternative to sequins as we head into the festive season or you simply want to add a touch of luxe to your everyday outfits, pearls are an easy addition which can make any item look elevated.

From dresses and shirts to handbags and heels, pearls are more modern than ever. These are not your grandmother’s pearls—that is for sure.

Style Notes: Simona Rocha lined the hem of trousers with pearls and used the adornment to embellish collars and handbags. 

Style Notes: Loewe took the trend to an entirely new level, debuting a jumper completely covered in pearls during its F/W 2020 runway show.

Style Notes: A showgoer at fashion week completes her outfit with a pair of pearl heels by Jimmy Choo. 

Style Notes: Bettina Looney carries Shrimps’ ever-popular Antonia faux-pearl bag at fashion week. 

Style Notes: Jeanette Madsen makes a style statement wearing the Loewe pearl jumper at fashion week. 

Shop The Trend

Next up, take a look at the winter trends we love. 

According to our calendars, 2020 is nearly here. Which sounds really futuristic, but here we are! We can all agree that the whole "new year, new me" idea is a bit tired and probably over at this point (and isn't actually that helpful when it comes to addressing our personal style). People forget that the first day of January is literally in the middle of the coldest months—no wonder we're looking for a sartorial pick-me-up! Instead of a new personality, what we really might be craving is just a refresh (and a warm getaway). We're talking about a couple of new tricks to make fashion that much more fun in the dead of winter. 

A great way to add a bit of freshness to your wardrobe is to comb through runway photos and snap up outfit ideas straight from next season's looks. Styling is half the fun of a successful catwalk moment, so why not try to translate that into your own style world?

Looking through the spring/summer 2020 shows, we've noticed a few outfit patterns we expect will start to crop up a lot come the new year. We've broken down the styling in ways you can try with pieces you already own, but we've also popped in a few pieces you'll love just in case. So if you're looking to shake things up with your wardrobe, add a dash of fun or simply get ahead on a trending look, keep scrolling to discover the five best outfit ideas to try in 2020. 

1. REDEFINE THE WAISTLINE

The waistline is well and truly open to interpretation in 2020. Various designers have been playing with the body's horizontal line and the result is fantastic. Whether you go for the 1920s exaggeratedly dropped waist or something more like Molly Goddard's high-waisted skirt trick (pictured above), there are lots of contemporary ways to incorporate new waistlines into your outfits. 

The main way to interpret this runway look into everyday life is actually to play around with garments you already own. The trick as ever is layering. Layer a long jumper over a midi skirt like Lacoste (pictured above) or a cropped cardi over a puffy dress to give the illusion of a redefined midpoint. Play with volume and shapes and use colour-blocking to define the different points of your look. 

OUTFIT INGREDIENTS

2. MEET AT THE KNEE

Channelling Molly Ringwald as a style icon isn't a new concept, but it's what we'll all be doing next year—with a twist, of course! Knee-high boots made a strong and firm comeback this season after being spotted everywhere during fashion month. With Celine as the look's hero, the trend will not dissapate in the new year. In a very 1980s style, meet the hem of your skirt or structured shorts to the top of your boots. 

Once you have the formula down, the options are somewhat endless with how you can play with it. Try it with a printed, tiered skirt and animal-print boots or with long, tailored black shorts and plain white boots. 

OUTFIT INGREDIENTS

3. BEIGE BUT NOT BORING

The beige outfits we all wore are going through a bit of evolution in 2020. The love of beiges, creams and oatmeals is not going anywhere, it's just going to new places. It's going where minimalists meet maximalists and thus something everyone can and probably will try. We'll all be styling beiges in new fab ways—be it with rainbow knits or wild waistcoats.

Beige trousers are going to be the major player here. Yes, good old fashioned slacks. But pair them with something almost opposite to what you'd expect, like an oversized bright-pink knit or a statement blouse. 

OUTFIT INGREDIENTS

4. TWILIGHT DRESSING

No, not the vampire films. Picture this: It's 5:30 p.m. on a Thursday and you're in the office toilet trying to change from your day-to-night look. You're halfway between putting on your party dress and taking off your jeans and then you stop. This is the outfit. Part glam, part casual, but to the max. It commits to no time of day. It's day and night rolled into one. 

This works in so many variations. If it's a proper casual office party, you're striking right. Don't let your outfit give away your plan—be a fashion enigma. 

OUTFIT INGREDIENTS

5. THE GREYSCALE

This is a what we like to think of a nuanced form of monochrome outfits—one that works within different shades of black, white and grey. Your look is the greyscale—it's salt, pepper and everything in-between. 

Minimalists will be drawn to the Prada version of this outfit, which mainly features one shade as each block of the outfit. Prepared to take it a bit further? Try pieces that already splice the tones together, in a Pierrot-style, black-and-white cookie kind of look. There are more shades of each tone than you think, so it can be quite a layered approach. 

Next: The Only New Winter Fashion Looks You Need to Know

Until last season, it felt as though street style had reached its maximum, nothing could top it. Every look was more outrageous than the next, and copying street style outfits felt nearly as approachable as wearing haute couture runway pieces to the office. But then something happened last London Fashion Week: Everyone wore beige. Alexa Chung stepped out in a beige co-ord and flat sandals, and rest of the fashion set followed suit (pardon the pun). Practicality in its chicest form replaced the wild looks we were becoming accustomed to seeing. This doesn't mean that street style trends became boring; they just feel more authentic.

For autumn 2019, it feels like a one-stop-shop kind of outfit is the major takeaway. Simplicity and calm is the trendsetters' response to the chaos in the world. This London Fashion Week, sustainability took centre place (the BFC show space has curated a Positive Fashion Designer Exhibition featuring sustainable innovators), and designers and street style stars alike are responding to this well.

The showgoers, celebrities, influencers and trendsetters are shifting away from hyped-up new pieces and are moving toward more long-lasting favourites. As was the case in New York, Bottega Veneta pieces are everywhere, but even these cult pieces are forever buys. Other key items of season's past have been reappearing (hi, Shrimps bag!), while the newer trends we're seeing are more along the lines of styling tricks to keep your existing wardrobe feeling fly.

Keep scrolling to discover the seven London Fashion Week street style trends we love most—all of which are refreshingly applicable to everyday outfits.

BROWN LEATHER

Whether it's vegan, vintage or genuine, we keep seeing brown leather all over London this week. Net-a-Porter's Elizabeth von der Goltz's head-to-toe Nanushka and Stella McCartney mix is so chic. 

Who What Wear U.S. Managing Editor Kristen Marie Nichols gives us a minimalist take on brown leather, pairing her kitten heels with matching flared trousers and a simple white button-down. 

Emili Sindlev proves that this trend works for maximalists too. She pairs her vintage-style jacket with a Chanel bag, a printed dress and knee-high boots for a fresh take on the trend. 

For an autumnal take, Deborah Reyner Sebag mixes her vintage-style leather skirt with a grey cable-knit T-shirt and Bottega Veneta heels. Cosy and classic? Love.

PATCHWORK

We're seeing lots of patchwork pieces both on the streets and the runways. As designers continue to experiment with upcycling and preventing waste, we expect to see a lot more of it. Jessie Bush's Andersson Bell knit jumper is a major autumn mood. 

This Topshop dress is an instant cult favourite already. We love how this showgoer layers a puff-sleeved tee under it as an early autumn styling trick.

Patchwork denim is an old-school classic. Matching this cropped jacket with oversized jeans is the trend-driven styling, but this would also work with white denim and a T-shirt.

You can definitely find many patchwork pieces (and Naomi Shimada's cowboy boots) in the vintage shops off of Brick Lane or Portobello Market if it's a trend you want to jump on first. 

ROOTED AND BOOTED

Like flat shoes, glove-like slip-on biker boots have been spotted everywhere lately. Jessie Bush has been wearing her Pradas with dresses and miniskirts all week, proving their durability and high comfort level. 

British Vogue's Donna Wallace wears a knee-high Alexander McQueen pair for a more trend-driven look. 

The team from Browns Fashion shows us how versatile these boots can be by wearing them with leather trousers and a floaty black dress. 

BIG WHITE DRESSES

Whether it's Simone Rocha or Zara, these timeless white puffy dresses are wildly popular. They're super flattering and comfortable, so it's no wonder, really.

Wearing a puffy white dress with chunky flat boots balances out the volume up top. We love this Rejina Pyo number with a more fitted waist. 

In true Scandi-inspired style, why not pair a puffy white dress with trainers? Seeing how versatile these frocks can be, we're not expecting this trend to end any time soon. 

BAGS GONE ROUGE

Burnt red hues have been the mega-trend for accessories this season. As the warmer version of navy, it's a timeless way to add a jolt of colour to your looks.

Mansur Gavriel's vegetable-tanned pleated leather bucket bag is an Instagram star in its own right. It's like carrying a little piece of art on your arm.

This shade—autumn's answer to terra-cotta—pairs well with other earthy tones like olive and taupe, both of which have also been spotted across London Fashion Week.

This colour fits in well with every kind of personal style, from minimalism to retro chic. We love how this showgoer pairs her burnt red bucket bag with brown platforms and a prairie dress. 

UTILITY IS KEY

Like flat boots, utility is the other practical and chic trend that's been spotted all over this week. We love the simplicity of Chrissy Rutherford's white Frankie Shop jumpsuit.

Having missed out on useful pockets for decades, womenswear designers are making up for lost time with oversized pockets on jumpsuits, jackets and cargo trousers. 

The always-chic Lisa Aiken balances out longline workwear shorts with a sheer top and strappy leopard-print heels.

GATHERED SLEEVES

Statement sleeves have been trending for years now, and each season, there's a new version to fall for. Like the sleeves on the puff dresses, the gathered-sleeved trend is a bit longer on the arm, offering an autumn option. 

Florrie Thomas frames her blue silk dress with light accessories like her Stella McCartney bag, cream thong shoes and white pearls. 

Monica de La Villardière, ever the minimalist with a twist, pairs her gathered-sleeved top by Ports 1961 with Vince shorts and a zebra-print Anya Hindmarch bag.

Marie Claire's Pénélope Goldstone's dreamy Staud dress does all the work for this outfit. We love how she uses simple accessories—like her Zara headband—to complete the look. 

Up Next: Helen Mirren in Snake-Print to Alexa in Flats, These LFW Celebs Looks Are Epic

If you're in the mood to toss practicality to the side and layer up all things pretty, you've come to the right spot. Spring is in the air, and it finally feels like we can put a proper outfit together and pile on all of our favourite things. Which is why I'm in the mood for some new accessories. Ones that I don't necessarily need, per se, but serve the purpose of reviving my love of getting dressed and sparks some joy into my spring wardrobe.

Do I need a straw beret, a pearl headband or a satin bag right now? Practically speaking, maybe not, but I do love them and that's enough for me. These accessories don't need a reason for being in one's wardrobe other than the fact that they are just plain adorable. Keep scrolling for the new season bags, jewellery and other accessories that are too pretty to miss.

Bags

Hair Accessories

Jewellery

Related: All the Inspiration You Need to Start Wearing Hair Accessories

Hats, Sunnies and Scarves

Next Up: 24 of the Prettiest Shoes We've Seen This Year

If you connect the dots of this year's biggest trends—a paint-by-numbers of fashion's major moments if you will—you'll find yourself painting Anne Boleyn's most-famous portrait. Pearls? Check. Initial necklace? Check. Headband? Check.

At some point, did we all have this image pinned on our collective style mood board? Has our royal style nostalgia gone too far back in time? Perhaps Meghan Markle's rising star in the royal family harkens back to other "rebellious" royals, like Princess Diana and… Anne Boleyn. Regardless, it is undeniable that Queen Anne's signature look has permeated through time and onto our Instagram feeds this year. Keep scrolling to see how Anne Boleyn's style has influenced style in 2018.

A LARGE HEADBAND

Style Notes: Between the multiple royal weddings and the resurgence of '80s trends, the massive headband was bound to make a comeback. The only next step would be wearing a crown. Let's circle back on that next year.

This trend came into play midway through the year and will continue to rage on in 2019. And if the Prada one isn't exactly in your budget, there's a great shop selling the perfect velvet one on Etsy.

THE INITIAL NECKLACE

Style Notes: While Celine is responsible for the popularity of the pendant necklace in 2018, it is our dear Anne who is the OG initial necklace queen (pun intended).

PEARL SLIDES

Style Notes: After seashells, pearl slides (specifically, Simone Rocha's, and now Shrimps's pearl slides) were the most dominant accessory trend of the year. From Alexa Chung to Laura Jackson to every person at fashion week, they were everywhere.

SHOP ANNE BOLEYN'S 2018 LOOK

Up Next: Of Course, Princess Diana Has Inspired All of 2018's Top Party Trends

From the bouncy, pearl-swathed pink dresses at Simone Rocha to Gucci’s coquettish magpie or romantic bias-cut florals on the Alexander McQueen runway, spring's fashion outlook is nothing short of sweet. Looking at the catwalks was enough to give a girl toothache, but this barrage of beauty broke through some snooty barriers. There is now an official all clear to those of you who have struggled with the style psyche’s general desire for ‘ugly chic’, minimalism or norm core. It's okay to wear a pretty-for-the-sake-of-pretty frock again. Even better if you can match it up with butter-wouldn’t-melt dolly shoes and a little bow in your hair.

And for girls who don’t want to fall into ‘basic’, just look out for the buckaroo-style tipping point and aim for saccharine. Add just one more accessory and you’ll jettison the look into directional, ironic territory. Visit Miu Miu or Saint Laurent-land where tiaras and net tutus are worn with a knowing nod to the DIY aesthetic of Courtney Love. 

From sherbet pink bell-sleeve blouses to adorable floral brooches, with this is new kind of feminine you decide whether to play it soft or introduce an edge.

Scroll down to the see the looks from the S/S 16 shows and then carry on down to shop the right pieces to pull it off today, princesses!

Shop these extra-pretty buys online today...

Related: 11 Spring Dresses You Can Get Away With Wearing Now