It has been a weird 18 months for everyone, fashion included. Though we’ve become accustomed to the pandemic, and all the ways it’s impacted our day-to-day lives, it is worth discussing how this impact has been felt in the bi-annual fashion months and the collections that have come out of that. The autumn/winter collections, which debuted back in February were some of the first back to in-person presentations and shows. Though many brands still staged their collections virtually, even those in-person shows showed how COVID has changed things.
Though the trends are less about pure comfort for comfort’s sake, such as what we saw last season, you could feel the designers’ wish to escape coming through in many trends. There’s been a real obsession with aprés ski this season, coming from a desire to go back on the holidays we know and love. Also, we’re seeing a rise in sequins, cut-outs and bold colours as party-wear, not to mention an entire trend has evolved around the concept of over-the-top dressing. We’re all fed up with sweats, Zoom meetings and ahtleisure. It’s about the joy of dressing up again.
What’s also incredibly fascinating to see is how designers are looking back to past decades for inspiration and nostalgia. The late nineties and early noughties are huge right now, inspired by Gen Z, where low-rise jeans, tie-dye and nineties jewellery is all the rage. We’re also seeing an appreciation for seventies disco in the use of sequins, and though I’ve not highlighted it here, 1920’s glamour and 80’s excess was also all over the runways.
Our usual obsessions with knitwear and faux fur for the autumn/winter season is also still there; which means there’s enough of a selection for all types and preferences.
Come read on for a curated list of the top 10 fashion trends for autumn/winter and find something exactly for you.
1
Ski Slopes – Whether you’re hitting the slopes, or you’re just a fan of Argyll knits and comfy snow boots, this trend is all about keeping you warm. Wear with patchwork fabrics, heavy tweeds and patterned socks for the ultimate look.
Left to right: Miu Miu, Etro, Chanel, DSquared, Molly Goddard and Paco Rabanne.
2
Disco – Sequins, sparkles and heavy embellishments are back in fashion, just in time for the party-wear season. Whether you want to just go for a sequined blazer, or head-to-toe shimmery dress, there’s something for everyone here.
Left to right: Alberta Ferretti, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Isabel Marant, Givenchy and Prabal Gurung.
3
All Saturation – Gone is the obsession with muted tones and grey; now we’re all about high saturations tones. Whether you want to go for full outfit in one tone, or clash your colours, anything goes. The only ask is you wear what you feel comfortable with.
Left to right: Versace, Prada, Raf Simons, Salvatore Ferragamo and Roksanda.
4
All Knits – Knitwear for autumn is as predictable as you can get; but it doesn’t mean that this season’s offerings don’t have anything new for you. This season there’s an obsession with maxi length knit dresses, and layering knit tops with matching skirts. The aim of this trend is more about going for a full knit outfit than anything else.
Left to right: Chloé, Thakoon, Gabriela Hearst, Ulla Johnson and Fendi.
5
Strong Suits – The trend of minimal, classic suiting has evolved this season, to be all-encompassing. It’s no longer enough to just wear a smart fitted suit. There now needs to be additional layers and smarter styling, which we see with layering smart shirts over turtleneck jumpers, and casual knitwear under our coats. A strong suit needs at least 3 layers of clothing to full off this trend; which has the added benefit of keeping you warm this winter.
Left to right: Prada, Tory Burch, Lemaire, Nehera and Valentino.
6
OTT Dressing – what happens when you lock up a population for several months due to a once-in-a-lifetime event? When they eventually get back out, the desire to dress up more than usual is prevalent. Heck we had an entire decade dedicated to this back in the 1920’s. Now we’re living through our own roaring twenties, and in regards to styling; literally anything goes. Want to wear a knit over a tulle dress; go for it. Style printed puffa coats with sequin minis, or feather-topped silk dresses. Whatever makes us happy will do.
Left to right: Lanvin, Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, C+plus Series, DSquared2, Emilio Pucci and Molly Goddard.
7
Micro Minis – Much like the OTT Dressing trend and Disco, we’re embracing the desire to really get dressed up with this trend. Skirts and dresses have shortened significantly as our desire for a good party has grown. So, get those legs out for all to see.
Left to right: Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Versace, Tom Ford, Schiaparelli and LaQuan Smith.
8
Cut-outs – Cut-outs were a huge trend for spring/summer 2021, and it’s great to see that trend isn’t going away anytime soon. It makes for some fabulous party-wear, like we can see with David Koma and Saint Laurent. It’s also changed to incorporate knitwear and maxi dresses, making the trend more muted for those who don’t want to be so daring.
Left to right: David Koma, Dion Lee, Osman, Jonathan Simkhai, Saint Laurent and Givenchy.
9
Y2K – The Gen Z and Tiktokkers have had a profound affect on this trend. Born out of a sense of nostalgia and embraced by the younger generation; we’re looking back to the nineties and noughties for style inspiration. And this time, it’s all about merging different themes in one glorious outfit.
Left to right: Kim Shui, Anna Sui, Blumarine, GCDS, Supriya Lele and House of Sunny.
10
Furry – Last, but not least, the fur trend is back. Whether it’s faux, or even real fur, we wouldn’t have an autumn/winter trend report without this most-desirable of winter fabrics. Though what’s interesting is that it’s all about head-to-toe covering this season. And quite a few designers were influenced by Daniel Lee’s shearling coat with tails for Bottega Veneta last year; so much so, both Fendi and Burberry sent their own interpretations down the runway.
Left to right: Coperni, Chloé, Fendi, Burberry and Staud Studio.
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