Autumn/Winter 18 is coming...

Sale is gradually shrinking to the back of stores to make way for the ‘big drop’.  The sun is still shining but soon there will be a change in the air.  The kids will go back to school, the nights will descend earlier, the floaty summer dresses will feel wrong and we will look in our wardrobe and say,  “I’ve got nothing to wear!“

Autumn is just around the corner, bringing with it a host of box fresh looks and ideas to transform your wardrobe. So, what are the trends? And what will be on your wish list? …

What's trending

Cowgirl

The hottest trend of the season is  ‘Cowgirl’. It's an edgier gaucho inspired look, tinged with a hippie spirit. The high street will be awash with this trend.  And it’s a good one, because it brings with it multiple sub trends and can be translated in a variety of ways. It can be classic and elegant, sexy and mysterious or funky cool. The sub trends include; cowboy boots, (which are a great wardrobe staple as they go with everything), shearling & faux fur, fringing and polished plaids. 

Sports Luxe

Flashes of fluoro created an eighties vibe on the catwalk. Use sparingly though, a small dose of highlighter bright will go a long way.  Loud, flashy trainers were still going strong but again I’d stick to white and use a dash of bright colour in an earring, bag or fine gauge jumper. I personally like to mix it up and combine the sporty trend with other looks. Im thinking a red hoodie sweat top under a luxe camel coat with a leopard print scarf and a pair of white leather trainers.  

Tartan 

Being Scottish myself, I always struggle a bit with this trend. When I wear it, I feel a bit like I’m on a patriotic march. However a plaid shirt in non traditional colours is a lovely piece and I adore an oversized checked blanket scarf thrown over an outfit in true western style.

Layering

I'm a big fan of layering, so when it's on trend its a great opportunity to go for it. Layering is a key tool in looking thinner and stylish. It also allows you to mix up the trends; pop an animal printed fur jacket over a scarf print midi dress, belt up and jump into a cowboy boot and you’re all set! 

Key items to look out for

Animal Print  

Animal has a new lease of energy this season. The high street will go crazy for this trend as it is always popular.  Be cautious and rein it in with a scarf, fur jacket or trench coat.  Apply the only wear one piece at a time rule!

Shearling & Faux Fur

Off the back of the cowgirl trend, raw hide makes a comeback. The furry teddy coat is a super piece or simply go for faux fur trims. The classic leather jacket will do the job here too!  

Coatigan

I'm so excited by this trend. It is the ultimate layering piece to give a slimmer silhouette. Belt them over an outfit or hang loose for body lengthening.  Cosy and cocooning and cheaper than a coat - what’s not to like? 

Belts - Skinny Leather Rope Belts & Artisanal Belts

If you buy into a long cardigan, you will need a new-season belt. Rock the western look and buy into an encrusted, studded artisanal belt or go for (my choice) a leather shoe-lace belt. 

Pendant Necklaces

A great way to finish an outfit , lengthen your frame and add effortless style. Go all seventies disco with a gold chain pendant if you are feeling that vibe.

Tie-Neck Blouses

You can go for the high neck version if you have the body shape to carry this look off but the high street will be full of more commercial, less up tight versions.  A polo neck will also create this trending silhouette with ease. 

Skirt Suits

Last season was the trouser suit, now it is the skirt’s turn. It can be a bit school teacherish, especially worn as a full ensemble with a pussy bow blouse but the midi skirt by itself; I’m pimping as the piece of the season!! 

Scarf Prints

The fashion thing is to clash multiple prints together in layers. However, worn in the simple form of a dress, or a blouse with jeans and cowboy boots is a ‘must-have’ look this autumn. 

King-size Earrings

I have never wanted to get my ears pierced, until now that is!  Heavenly, beautiful works of art dangled from catwalk lobes. On this occasion, more is more! 

Stacked Mules

I’m personally not a fan as I can't keep them on with socks, and without my feet get cold in the colder months. (You might have noticed I like getting maximum wear out of everything). However, the block heel makes them comfy and worn with an ankle skimming jean or midi skirt is flattering to a curvy thigh and hip. 

Ok, I might be tempted if I can find an inexpensive pair. I’ll keep you posted… 

Cowboy Boots

Or, cowgirl boots, I should say, were everywhere on the A/W collections.  If there is one trend you must buy into - this is it!  You will wear them till they wear out! And not only that, they are super comfy and go with everything! 

The hot colours

Yellow

Sunny yellow is a great mood enhancer and perfect for banishing post holiday blues. If you suit yellow - go for it!  Also if you are looking for some transitional pieces to wear till the end of summer,  it works. But I’d go cautious and use it sparingly as a highlight colour.  Come October, it will feel too summery and runs the risk of jarring in your wardrobe and therefore giving it limited wearability.  

Red

This is a great colour to wear head to toe if you are feeling bold or a pop of red lipstick will do the trick! All shades of red, from deep burgundy (beautiful in leather) to fiery flame are on-trend.  Wear back with camel for a more sophisticated look or swap the little black dress for red and add a matching coat for maximum impact. 

Earthy Tones

On the back of the animal and cowgirl trend, anything from blonde and camel through tan and russet siennas will be out in force. Great for leather and suede in bags, belts and boots and investment luxe pieces. 

I can’t wait to see the stores’ interpretations of these trends. Which ones they max out on and who does what best. I’m watching daily and have started snapping up the best versions, the best value pieces and the most versatile items that have that all important longevity factor. 

My wish list: 

• Cowboy boots-ankle & mid calf. (Need to decide as don’t think I can have both? Maybe x1 suede & x1 mahogany leather?!)
• Midi pencil skirt (maybe matching blazer jacket, that I can wear with other stuff?)
• Sporty track pant
• High waisted trousers (red ones!) 
• Long coatigan (x1 checked and cosy,  x1 finer gauge and floaty) 
• Shoe-lace leather belt
• Ivory tie neck blouse
• Straight cut high waist jeans in a mid wash (maybe some rips & distressing) 
• Boot cut cords
• Midnight /black crop boot cut jeans with frayed hems and distressing
• Scarf print midi dress
• Luxe crew neck knit (Already got my eye on sky blue one from H&M)
• Oh… and maybe a pair of mules and over-sized clip on earrings... (not brave enough for the piercing!) 

What will you fall for?