LBB (Little black dress). The key to this lifesaving wardrobe staple is subtle details like shoulder pads, an unusual neckline and minimal accessories – keep it simple! Variations on a theme are tight-fitting, long-sleeved, floor-length and for evenings, velvet.
Metallics or red. Silver, gold and other metallics are trending this autumn. Break the shackles of daywear and nightwear and dare to wear in broad daylight. Trousers and skirts are a safe bet. Red is also huge this season. Other colours on the catwalks were burgundies, browns, blacks and sixties-style pastels.
Cinched-in waistlines. A belt is your new best friend – Belt up and cinch in! Reminiscent of the 50s, cinched waists have a tight hold this autumn. Seen on dresses, jackets, puffers… Combine with layers. Play with volume by overlapping layer upon layer and dare to reveal a bit of skin.
Ties with the Windsor knot. Dior, Carolina Herrera, Valentino, Alexander McQueen and many other fashion houses are backing the classic necktie worn in a Windsor knot. Pair with a handbag and street-style gloves and adopt a goth’ or punk edge for an up-to-date look.
Blazer dress and boxy blazer. Wear an oversized blazer as a dress, with a wide belt to draw in the waist; ditch the trousers, but always add heels. Blazers worn as jackets continue to trend with subtly rounded, drooped shoulders for a relaxed look.
Essentials. Add polish to your wardrobe with the silent luxury of impeccably-cut garments in top-quality fabrics. A good cotton shirt and a long, classically-cut maxi coat in beautiful wool, leather, tweed or cashmere top autumn’s must-have list. Invest in an oversized trench, a Chanel-style tweed jacket and, as denim continues to dominate, a pair of XXL jeans.
Tartan, polka dots, florals. Trending prints this season include tartan checks, aka plaid. Whether reminiscent of punk or college, it never goes out of fashion. Also seen on the catwalks were polka dots of all sizes and florals in autumnal shades decorated with 3D roses and camellias in embroidered gemstones. Landscape paintings also made an appearance but to a lesser extent.
Suits with a twist and baggy trousers. Go back to basics with a sophisticated, new twist on the classic trouser suit. Legs are worn wide, baggy and comfortable with darts, zips, pleats or draping. Jackets are large and unstructured with drooped shoulders. Experimental designs include collars that extend into a stole, asymmetrical tailoring and unusual openings… no matter how out there, always wear with a turtleneck. The rugged leather, shearling lining and waist-length of a classic flight jacket never gets old.
Winkle pickers, platforms and boots. Not the most comfortable footwear, but iconic, wear them with trending neons and fishnets. Heels are sky-high but chunky and worn closed-toe. Boots are ankle-length and best in novel fabrics, bejewelled and brightly coloured.
For the daily battle this autumn, unisex combat boots will get you through with cleated soles, laces and zips. Set grunge connotations aside; they look great with any outfit.
