A guide to autumn/winter’s key trends from fashion writer Siobhan Cooper. Feminine, boho or tomboy; there’s a look to suit everyone this season.
Ladylike
Image: all items Topshop,
0845 1214519
www.topshop.com
Forties glamour was huge on the autumn/winter runways, and with the nation’s passion for Kate Middleton’s elegant style, the ladylike trend has become a massive high street hit.
The look is feminine and a little kitsch, but stay as far away from trashy as possible; think below-the-knee skirts and neat dress-coats. Have a bit of fun with the trend and hunt through charity shops for retro accessories. Heels and immaculate grooming are essential to complete the look.
The perfected image will take a little extra time in the morning. The trend is great for in the office (think Mad Men) or an evening out, but perhaps a little fussy for a weekend with the kids.
Androgyny
Image: shirt and shoes, Next
The boy/girl look may not be one of the easiest trends to wear this season but it was one of the most obvious on the catwalks. There are several options to get the look, from suit tailoring to tweed jackets and jeans.
One thing we can celebrate is that the trend has brought an array of flat shoes to our high street shops – meaning uncomfortable teetering is no longer necessary.
Neat tailoring is essential to the look, but only opt for actual men’s clothes if you are very style savvy – it’s about looking like you have borrowed from your boyfriend without actually doing so. The big risk with this look is to look a bit too
much on the boy side, so if in doubt be sure to add a slick of lipstick
Colour pop
Image: red dress, Evans, 0845 1214516.
Blue Coat, Wallis 0845 9840266
www.evans.co.uk, www.wallis.co.uk
Pink shoes, Schuh
In a battle against the doom and gloom of the recession, designers hit back with bright colours usually associated with summer. This was met with a sigh of relief from those of us who are sick of looking at a sea of greys and blacks in our wardrobe.
The coloured jeans that were huge all summer have been replaced with some slightly darker tones and coloured cords (a warmer option). Matching jacket, trousers and shoes can be done, but opting for one pop of colour through an outfit is a risk-free nod to the trend.
Clashing colours and added prints were seen on the catwalk, but if going all out with the look then wear with care – no one wants to look like a clown.
Tribal Nomad
Image: top and bangle, Topshop,
0845 1214519
www.topshop.com
This trend is all about arts and crafts, in other words looking like you have made your own clothes or at least picked them up from a craft stall.
It is probably the most practical and easy to wear of all the autumn/winter trends and ideal to mix and match with the ‘70s items purchased through the summer.
When shopping think texture and print, and look for items with an ethnic vibe and heavy knits that will look great with your everyday jeans. Chunky boots, especially those with added fringing are the best footwear option, and when accessorizing, go tribal.