A/W'16 Trend Guide

The nights are getting darker, we’ve grabbed our hardcore favourite wooly scarf for the first time this year and the winter boots have started to become a staple on the way to work. It’s official: winter is coming (I can only say this in a John Snow accent!?) And while we all despair about the rubbish weather and moan about not being able to go out in crop tops and culottes, there is one amazing thing about October: A NEW SEASON.

Oh yes, Autumn/Winter 2017 is well underway and its looking pretty damn good. Admittedly, when I saw the runways back in February I wasn’t massively inspired, however the thing that made me change my mind was the versatility of the trends that will pollute our lives completely over the upcoming months. Velvets, moody blooms, embellishment, over the knee boots don’t exactly scream innovation, however the spectrum of pieces littered across the high street make this season the most wearable. Throw on a mish mash of everything or go top to toe of the same- the rules are anything goes.

I’ve put together the big trends that you need to be aware of, so we can all release our inner Carrie Bradshaw throughout the Autumn/Winter season. So, let’s go…

The Velvet Revolution

So, let’s start with the big one: Velvet. As the key fabric to note this season, Velvet was littered across the runways for A/W’16 but not just in the dark, romantic, gothic evening-only clothes we’re used to. It arrived in a bold, shocking array of colours, crushed, top-to-toe, embellished and worn for both day and night attire. From trouser suits, dresses to thigh high boots, if there is one trend you go for this season ensure its velvet. The rules are anything goes- bonus points if you team it with metallic accessories (double with oversized earrings) and remember to never wear it in the rain. (You can thank me for this later.)  

Granny's Attic

It’s time to utilise those magpie tendencies we usually hide away out into full force this season. Clash eras and ages all at once and throw on your nana’s bold and brash costume jewellery for good measure. It’s about owning an heirloom piece that you could have got from a vintage store and that despite it being older, it’s more exciting. Iris Apfel is the ultimate spirit animal of this trend: clash your florals, wear lime green with lilac and burnt orange and bring it together with a gold belt and bright red glasses. The whole idea of this trend is to be cluttered so while those minimalist lovers amongst us may want to stay clear, release your inner eccentric loud, proud and without fear. 

Embellished Art 

If there was ever going to be a season that we wanted to be adorned in head-to-toe jewels it was always going to be Autumn/Winter. Although having sequins in the 'party season' isn't exactly ground breaking, designers hailed a return to opulence with an array of fabrics, embellishments, garnishes and adornments. From tinsel toppings at Fendi to embroidered lace at Alexander McQueen more is more when it comes to party season attire this fall. Shimmering sequins translate into the perfect party dress but rich jewelled toned brocades can easily be translated into plush, sumptuous daywear. Scared to take the plunge? Invest in some beautiful brocade mules or a rich embellished bag that will give you the luxurious frosting you're craving.

Animal Lover

From pussycat prints through to kitty jewellery and across the body bags, designers have delved into the world of felines. What are the spots? Leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or some other cat altogether? Who cares. Whatever print you pick Givenchy to Dolce and Gabana are splattering their favourite animal print into single looks. The easiest animal print to wear? Undoubtedly leopard (faux furs coats are still as big as always in the winter months) but mashing it up with a mix of other clashing prints or trying them in bright, lighter hues like Calvin Klein, there is definitely something to get your claws into.  

Military Force

Take some inspiration from the queen that is Beyoncé: ‘Come on ladies now let’s get into formation.’ March Autumn’s military mood forward with oversized button details, utility pockets, khaki tones and red piping.  Tommy Hilfiger and Dolce and Gabana focused on the military jacket as a key wardrobe ingredient, but it was worn over satin silky negligees and belted waists. Alternatively, a key piece to invest in woud be the ultimate sailor pants. Don’t be pigeon holed into thinking it’s just the military green and navy blue styles that will be dominating: Mrs Prada also ensured there’s elements of ladylike pieces in-between that we can all salute to. (What a genius!?) Military Popeye hats with corset belts and chokers give the latest take on nautical trend that we’ve all tried in years. Don’t want to go head-to-toe commander? Pick up accessories glided in gold hardware, lace up and studs for a nod to the most copied, and wearable, trend from the runway.  

Gothic Romance

A gothic romance is a fashion love affair that will never die. An enchanted fairy tale takes a dramatic and punked up turn with distinct influences from Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. Its dark mood has a gothic theme with a rich, lavish colour palette with ladylike elegance in embroidered flowers, feathers and holographic butterflies. The metallics, digitally cut lace and Matrix-style mesh make this mythical theme modern but this trend can be taken one of two ways. Make it feminine with over the top lace ruffle details, mesh overlays and encrusted embellished accessories or give it a distinct punk edge with thick black eyeliner, leather over the knee boots and heavy gothic jewellery. Dare to be strange and cut through the shadows in a new dark romance.  

Other key influences to note:

Unashamedly 80’s: Yep, I wouldn’t lie to you guys. I’m talking satin ruching, gold jewellery, spiked stilettos, fishnets, latex and asymmetric cuts. Find your inner Pretty Woman (prostitute option debateable) and wear that skin-tight dress loud and proud. Draw the line at neon eyeshadows and a perm though, some things belong back in the Wham! era....

Oversized earrings: In this case, the bigger the better. Jumbo ear pieces were littered all over the catwalk from ornate jewelled detailing to blown up Balenciaga.

Bustier babe: Underwear as outerwear isn’t something we aren’t already aware of, but this time wearing your bustier over  a dress has never looked so chic. Clinch everything together like Prada who layered hers over multiple layers or coats or like Queen V Beckham who wore it casually with midi skirts and flat shoes. Elongated waists are the dream.

Shearling: Because winter isn’t winter without fashions favourite wooly fabric.

So as a little round up, I hope there is something that is of some interest to you. I feel as though there is a little bit of something for everyone this season, whether you’re rock chic and you invest in some studded Burberry boots or gothic leather details or you let out your inner geek and let the granny layering rule supreme. Anything goes, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

What trend have you got your eye on this season?

A x