The Trends: Autumn/Winter 2019
Layering for Autumn: Double-Faced Cornflower Coat @Zara
The leaves are turning and crisping into shades of russet, ochre and mahogany, signalling that my favourite season is upon us!! And it is one of two contrasting sides. On one team, there is Minimalism and on the other Flounce and Sequin.
I’ll be backing both teams and attempting a bit of fusion of the two. I’m thinking; an ivory lace, sequinned blouse under a grey flannel blazer with distressed jeans and a gold pump or a bohemian, silk, printed dress under a masculine streamlined coat with a 70’s knee high boot.
As great as Summer is, with it’s long lazy, hazy days; Autumn heralds layering and for me, more opportunities to style up an outfit.
Top Tip: Keep your Summer dresses going longer by layering up with a cocooning cardigan and ankle boots.
Here are the the key trends for the season ahead. Which ones will you buy into? What suits your body shape and lifestyle? And, how will you style it up?
The Big Trends
Under Team A; Minimalism, there is a return to sleek tailoring.
Sober Suiting
High waisted trousers suits will feature heavily and worth a purchase. Gone are the days of ‘power dressing’, this season’s suits have surprising hemlines, 70’s touches and come in soft grey flannels, micro checked and double breasted styles.
Top Tip: Invest in a suit that you can break up and wear as separates. A jacket that can be worn as a blazer over a 70’s midi dress for example.
Minimal Classics
The ‘Chanel’ style jacket is back! Im not sure it ever went away: but expect to find them aplenty this season in all colours from pastel to black, knitted to checked. Monochrome houndstooth is a key print this season and lends itself well to this gold buttoned boucle trend. Zara are particularly skilled in this department if you're after an affordable version.
70’s Bourgeois
This brings; knee high boots, waistcoats, long pointed collars and wide lapels, Mary Janes, patterned tights and silk neckerchief square scarves. It is also a trend of styling.
Try the Blazer + Blouse + Skirt formula for the ultimate in this polished trend. Pleated skirts and pussy bow blouses remain strong on the back of this seventies story.
On Team B; Flounce & Sequin, there is an explosion of everything fun and funky.
Daytime Disco
Sparkles and bling normally reserved for evening wear are being worn by day. Gems, sequin and studs are placed on shirt collars, emblazoned on tees and knitted into jumpers.
Lace appears as a look every Autumn, but it’s the daytime styling that makes it new. Try a lace dress with a chunky biker boot or platform trainer.
Feathers & Fluff
Teddy bear coats rose to fame last year but the trend is set to be even bigger this year and extends into accessories and even shoes!! Chubby coats in neutrals are looking lush and flying jackets are having a moment in the moonlight.
We are talking Big Bird from Sesame Street here. 80’s Ball Gowns went large, with feathers and frills galore. You’ll find feathers used as fantasy accessories and as details on evening wear and shoes. Frills are more accessible, appearing mainly on blouses and dresses used as front ruffles and deep valance hems and cuffs.
80’s Grunge
This rebellious London look brings; tartan, studding, leather, ripped distressed denim, more lace and mohair knits. Androgynous black tailoring and sharp one shoulder mini dresses elevate a Robert Palmer spirit.
Colour Focus
Tonal Dressing is still prevalent, but the colour level has gone into orbit, with neon bright overload. Dress in one colour but make that, Bright Red or Vibrant Violet. On the more sober side, the neutral trend has evolved into more wearable ivory and mocha with sumptuous,soft ,cocooning knits. And Charcoal Grey and Bitter Chocolate have made a return on the back of the tailoring trend.
Print & Pattern
The newest print is the rose floral, over sized and colourful or ditsy and moody. Animal print, especially leopard is still going strong with snake and abstract zebra jumping into the frame.
My Wish List:
Pleather Trousers
Actually anything leather is on trend (if you haven’t got a leather jacket- this is the season to buy one) but I’m after the perfect pair of high waisted, straight leg faux leather(only because I can’t afford real ones) trousers.
Mary Janes
Whether you're a kitten heel or Mary Jane girl, the good news is that both are comfortable and both on trend. Im going for the latter and wearing with a lurex sock..
High Waisted Grey Flannel Trousers
I’m buying into these as they will go with everything and stand the test of time through seasons to come. Think Meg Ryan strolling through the Autumn leaves in ‘When Harry met Sally’
Shirt or Midi Dress
So, Ive already got quite a few of these and don’t really need another but they suit my body shape and whilst on trend, it’s worth investing in a few more.. That’s what I’m telling myself anyway!! I’m thinking, just the one in a rose floral, the print of the season. Perhaps I’ll go for a bias midi slip skirt instead??
Checked Blazer or Boucle Jacket
I’m coveting the dogtooth tweed blazer in M&S but Im holding out for a neat boucle style with contrast jet pockets and gold buttons.
Top Tip: Check out your local charity shop for vintage pieces
Flounce Shirt or Blouse
I haven’t decided whether to go for big sleeves, a big 70’s collar or a big pussy bow. Perhaps I’ll go for a printed one for the collar and plain white for the bow.
Chunky Chain
Accessories are an affordable way to upscale an outfit. My latest purchase is a chunky gold chain to tuck under my collars and lapels to ramp up my grey flannels.
Top Tip:- Work out what suits your shape, lifestyle and budget? And write a list before you go shopping of all the things you would like to buy. A bit like you do when you do your grocery shopping. It stops you buying those items that end up going off in the corner of your fridge! Also, perhaps you have some of these items already and can create new looks with the addition of just a few, well chosen pieces.
I always enjoy watching how these trends appear and evolve onto the high street. Which stores and brands interpret which looks and how. Zara of course will do the whole gambit, Reiss will clean up on minimal tailoring and All Saints will overdose on 80’s Grunge.