Trendspotter: The season for wacky contrasts

Quirky combos and layers are winter's saving grace as junk season begins to peter out and women shove their sundresses to the back of the wardrobe. Year on year, one of the season's most resilient trends is contrasting fabrics and textures — the wackier, the better.

Tory Burch offers combination fabrics that crescendo into single, high-impact ensembles. This season, she's invigorated her accessories collection with motifs and materials from armour, pairing bold, metallic belts with tweed tailoring and cable-knit knee-high socks. We love the pleated leather jacket with the paisley Jessica tunic and shearling drawstring bag in tow.

Much of Zara's outerwear features leather fringing, jacquard weaving and faux fur. When paired with a chiffon skirt or leather trousers, they're combinations that put our standard wool and cashmere collections to shame.

Sass & Bide continue to embellish to high heaven, and the new collection is all flowing silk skirts and intricate beadwork, up against stiff, neoprene jackets and sheer, embroidered blouses.

Steve Madden goes all out with funky, rebellious texturing, with weird and wonderful blends, expect velour army boots and extra-chunky ice on otherwise demure, leather stilettos.