I have always been excited about the changing of the seasons and going into Autumn is my favourite.
Every year for as long as I can remember I have scoured the trend reports, catwalk collections and street style looks for anything fresh and new but this year the fashion industry is moving towards a more timeless approach to trends.
We need to invest in fewer but better quality staple pieces that will carry us through for years to come. Think tailored coats, chunky knits, hard wearing boots and long sleeve dresses.
The great thing is you probably have a lot in your wardrobe from last Autumn Winter that can be re styled for this season.
I’ve put together my top 5 trends and where to buy pieces if you want to refresh your style, simply click on the pic or if you already have something similar, it’s a reminder to get into the loft and get it down again!
Statement Collars
Whether its on knitwear, dresses, shirts or a puff sleeved blouse, it’s all about the collar.
I’m loving all the different ways to style them too. Try under a cosy tank vest, dungarees or a dress or plain and simple tucked into jeans. I’m in love.
I begin my edit with a few vintage- inspired shirts that have a real individual feel, perhaps a little more daring but they really nail the trend.
La Veste, the Spanish brand is flying at the moment with their ‘school shirt’ that looks arty and distinctive but is responsibly made.
Ganni embraced the Puritan collar for SS20 and the creative duo carried the look through to their Aw collection too.
There is no shortage of these killer collars on the high street. Here’s my edit of the best.
Or you could simply spruce up a sweater by just adding a collar. Here are a few I’ve found below.
Quick stylist tip – large collars are super flattering. Firstly because you may love your black jumper but feel the darker colour drains you – add a white or coloured collar and see how your face looks fresh and vibrant again.
Also a collar adds width to your shoulder line, so can make a pear shaped figure look in perfect proportion.
The Cardigan
They are everywhere! Worn done up or open as a co-ord, this button up piece of knitwear will keep you looking cute and cosy through Winter. French brands Rouje and Sezane have some beautiful cardis. Other pieces to lust after come from small british brand Wyse London and Vita Grace.
I’m a big fan of supporting small British businesses and so I must mention Watson and White in this line up. Their handpicked, vintage inspired Bea knit ticks all the boxes and it’s nice and affordable.
So let’s talk affordable. The high street offer chunky knits, fine knits, cropped and collared cardi’s. I want them all, but particularly these.
Checks and Gingham
I’m sure you may have something to suit this trend in your wardrobe, as this micro trend has become one major one for this season. I am happy to get out the few blouses I have and may just have to add a dress too. Remember a larger checked pattern looks best in larger sizes and stick to small checks if you are smaller – you don’t want the pattern to overtake you. Check mate. Needed to get that line in somewhere!
I’ve looked at some smaller sustainable brands first, such as Mother of Pearl, Sideline and Justine Tabak. Plaid is often key in a conscious designers collection, as it will never go out of fashion for long and so will be a piece to cherish in your wardrobe forever.
Check(!) out my high street edit too.
The Leather Trench Coat
I wish I had never got rid of my long black leather trench. The most expensive item I owned when I was 16, but that matrix moment is back. Not just in black but all colours and vinyl is where its at. You see it in the form of leggings, skirts, jackets but the leather coat is top of the trend list.
It’s the off- duty model classic.
Now, while we’re talking about trench coats, the classic trench is my transitional hero. I get out my Grandmas Aquascutum every September and it never disappoints. It just goes to show investing in quality pieces really does pay off (although I obviously didn’t pay for it!)
There are many iconic designer pieces to be found in vintage stores. It’s all about giving new life to what has gone before. I especially like Cream Vintage in Shoreditch and Rokit in Brick Lane www.rokit.co.uk
See below for my favourites on the High Street.
Chunky boots
They’re still hot for AW20. Prada, Ganni and Chloe all let us know that through their catwalk collections. So if you invested in a pair of Grenson Nanettes or you have the sort after chunkies from The Row from last year, you’re good to go. I would say any hiker or biker really, but if you want a refresh, search for coloured track soles, white leather boots, or different materials such as leopard and the chunky welly. Designers are changing it up.
So there you have it! My top 5 trends. Hopefully it’s given you a bit of inspo and excitement about the new season. I am definitely Autumn ready and looking forward to throwing on a collared shirt, cardi, trench and my chunky boots. But maybe not altogether!