All About Style - Autumn/ Winter Fashion

Colours of the season

Autumn/ Winter’s undisputed colour of the season is camel. The camel coat is the key investment piece for Autumn/ Winter and was shown on just about all the Fall catwalk shows. This wardrobe statement need not stand alone - you can dress head to toe in this neutral palette. Alternatively select individual pieces such as dresses in lace and luxe leather, gorgeous knits, pencil skirts and blouses to be right on trend. It doesn’t end there; accessorise with your shoes and handbag all available in different shades of camel.

The colours move round the spectrum with winter white, various shades of beige and grey neutrals to be seen in minimalist styles, through to all shades of red - this seasons show stopping accent colour along with gold. Then purple continues to reign in all shades of berry, with plum, blueberry, raspberry and cranberry, delicious shades with a tone to suit everyone.

We are loving this Camel coat from Oasis: Oasis website

The Trends

To the Max - after a few seasons of shorter and even shorter dresses this Summer’s Maxi dress gave the respite many were after with an ease of throwing on a longer dress, some platforms and away to go. The Maxi dress continues to be big into Autumn/ Winter with many transitional styles and then later in the season it rises in the glamour stakes styled in luxurious fabrics in both dressy and grungy vibes. Fabrics range from pretty florals in silk like fabrics in the story designers call “Pretty Poetess” to rich velvet and the style takes on a more dramatic look with sleeves.

Glamour and Grunge - these two unlikely partners merge this season, it’s not just the dresses with hems near the floor, the skirt has gone maxi too. It’s glamorous in colour and fabric and adding that cosy relaxed piece of knitwear on top just gives it that edge.

Minimalism - if cleaner lines are more your thing then the Minimalist trend is the one, forever classic in luxury fabric, neutral colours and not too done on the accessories front.

Back in time - 50’s - 60’s - 70’s - Go Retro

1950’s - feminine dressing filled the catwalks with corseted tops and full skirts for a change hitting the knee or sashaying the calf, with floral prints, checks and block colours. For those preferring a more tailored look the pencil skirt gives that very neat and pulled together look.

1960’s - we would be wrong to think the fashion world had given up on short skirts and dresses, they still feature predominantly with the 60’s cute little shift dresses in block colours.

1970’s - the 70’s vibe is very much alive and kicking with the whole camel story - tops, coats and wider leg and higher waisted trousers, fabrics are sumptuous in silks and cashmere. Those preferring slimmer leg styles don’t miss out as cigarette trouser styles feature within other stories.

Baroque & Roll - decadent & theatrical sum up this trend with full on glamour and lots of embellishment. Fabrics are lavishly adorned with sequins and brocade. Not one for the classic dressers.

Lace Romance - lace has a strong presence for Autumn Winter with lace shift dresses and blouses, and adds to styles with trims on hems and sleeves. The catwalks showed risqué see through versions, thankfully the high street use layers for a more wearable look. As always, lace is a strong contender in the LBD (little black dresses) stakes for the party season.

Animal - the big cat is back this season with leopard skin in dresses and knitwear, faux fur coats and for those wanting to only dip their toe in this trend, scarves, shoes and even underwear. The usual leopard print colours team well with camel and everyone’s favourite – black. There are also grey versions for those preferring the cooler tones.

Wrap up – keep warm this winter in knitwear styled in jumper dresses and boyfriend cardigans in neutrals & full on bold colour.

Coats and Jackets are key with the “Great Outdoors theme” –

The Camel Coat - as already said, who will be without one this season?

The Cape - if the thought of Winter is too daunting there are some gorgeous wrap up styles that will make the colder weather easier to bear. If the camel coat is too much like the classic statement for you - opt for the cape available in tailored versions, yes in camel again but other colours too. Texture is added with faux fur, sheepskin and downright cosy knitwear.

The Aviator - if you like a statement jacket the Aviator maybe for you. Cropped to the waist with an oversized fur or sheepskin collar, wear with smart trousers or a dress to give a twist.

Military Coats and Trenches – coats take on a Military theme with epaulettes and a belt gives a more feminine touch. The belted theme also continues into trench coats.

Faux fur - fake fur is said to be big news for Winter; featuring in short to long styles and short haired to shaggy. The trends merge with leopard faux fur coats, fur trimmed aviators and it gets lighter and brighter with white fur.

The Parka – for those preferring the sporty look the parka offers that laid back feel, right up to date again with that faux fur collar.

Shoes - possibly the best thing about Winter is the return of the boot. Ankle boots are predominant; heels are low to sky high, stiletto, block and wedge - there is a boot for everyone. Styles are laced and have lace, buckles and zips and can be worn with dresses or trousers. Boots then lengthen to mid calf and over the knee with many heel widths and heights.

The shoes are stiletto heeled to wedge, square and peep toes become a feature, trims such as feathers and tassels add extra interest. For those preferring flats, Ballerina Pumps up the ante, updated with sparkle and embellishment. Sandals run on and colours are neutral to flashes of red, metallic and leopard.

Accessorise with….

A skinny belt - a real waist cincher, buckled or tied over knits, lace or tailoring.

An elegant lady like bag - classic, smart, hard frame and snap closures.

An evening bag - which sparkles with embellishment.

A messenger bag, a shearling bag with fleece and fur or a bag with a chain handle.

Gloves – in leather and suede, the longer the better.

A headband – that ulimate 60’s fashion statement.

For Jewellery – Sparkle and rock the “Baroque and Roll” story with a cocktail ring in an array of vibrant colours for pure decadence. Adorn wrists with statement cuffs and stacked bangles. For the neck - wear multi chains layered and mixed with different weights, add vintage necklaces to add more glitz to the Glamour stories and sparkle.