Inspired by the the runway looks for the upcoming Autumn/Winter (Fall) Season, today’s post is all about the fashion trends and my favourite pieces that are available in stores and online to get yourself ahead of the fashion game.
Over the past month I wrote my extensive Fall 2020 report on all the incredible looks that killed it on the runway by many of my favourite fashion designers. Whether you realise it or not, we always take a leaf from the designers as they set the trends we adore and obsess over. But fashion trends are what we make them, and that’s what I love about fashion. Have a read below and hopefully you’ll be inspired by the designers and this blog post to update your nwe season wardrobe!
If you are heading into the stores, please adhere to COVID-19 Government guidelines and wear a mask in-store at all times.
The Almighty Coat
This season, the mighty coat has finally gotten its spotlight. Much loved at the fashion shows this year from designers such as Versace, Giambattista Valli, Valentino, Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana. They were all in favour of making the coat a prominent feature of their collections, while capes were also a big trend that was spotted on the runways of Balmain, Carolina Herrera and Zuhair Murad, both of which are totally wearable trends the high street stores have for us.
From the classic peacoat to the longline overcoat, coats are a true necessity this Autumn/Winter. It’s all about soft textures, button detailing and solid colours. Plus, investing in a truly gorgeous coat will go a long way. As with our ever-changing weather this season will call for cosy, wrapped up moments and you may as well do so looking hella good!
Check out stores Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Dubarry of Ireland and Pamela Scott for premium styles in town, whilst high street faves H&M, River Island and Marks & Spencer have gorgeous affordable coats. Online stores to visit include ASOS for plenty of coat trends.
Ruffles and Voluminous Sleeves
When it came to the details, ruffles, tiers and volume took over at every Fashion Week. From Christian Siriano and Alberta Ferretti to Rodarte and Emilia Wickstead, this is the trend to nail this season. Alongside these designers, look to Dolce & Gabbana, Carolina Herrera and Fendi for pointers on how to style and look the part.
Ruffles and tiers featured on peplum sleeve cuffs, asymmetrically on dresses, as well as on Victorian-style shirts, and shoulder details. Voluminous sleeves haven’t gone away just yet either, with newly structured styles, sheer versions and batwing details taking centre stage. Don’t busy the rest of your look though, let the details do the talking.
Check out brands Max Mara at Brown Thomas, as well as stores Zara, Topshop and Irish hotspot Coco Boutique (Clarendon Street, Dublin 2). Shop online at Dresses.ie and ASOS for plenty of ruffle and big sleeve trends.
Oversized Knits & Leather
The oversized trend is here to stay! There were a few variations during Fashion Weeks this season, but all are totally wearable. At Dolce & Gabbana and Simone Rocha it was all about chunky knitwear layering on top of sassy and out-of-the-box styles such as corsets and tulle skirts. Whereas at Alberta Ferretti she was nailing the oversize leather fashion, which also ties in with the aforementioned voluminous sleeves and big coats trends.
Ireland is synonymous with the Aran sweater, and thankfully we have them in masses. Available in many colours, the runway featured the traditional cream colour, alongside black and white, and some red pops too. Opt for layering chunky knits on top of shirts, skirts or short dresses for a chic evening outfit. For the leather look, soft textures are best in jackets and shirts, though don’t shy from patent if it calls you. Double up for the ultimate biker look or team with your favourite knitwear for that trend-on-trend vibe. And for both trends, if you can’t find an oversize, try going up a size or two!
Check out Irish stores Aran Sweater Market (Grafton Street by College Green, Dublin 2) and Madigan Cashmere (Westbury Mall, Dublin 2) for traditional premium aran jumpers. Farfetch online are great for designer finds, while ASOS has lots of oversize options.
The Suit
It might seem like business attire won’t be as necessary given how many of us work from home now, but the suits trend was very strong at Fashion Week. From Elie Saab, Badgley Mischka and Balmain to Emporio Armani, Ermanno Scervino and Giambattista Valli, workwear chic is back. And then there were the strong suits at Versace, Alexander McQueen and of course Tom Ford, that in my books led the way for the suits trend this Autumn/Winter.
Forget about boring colours, add vibrancy to your wardrobe with hot pink, lilac, scarlet red and blue. And play with different textures like silk and velvet, as well as the classic bouclé and tweed.
Check out high street giants Mango, Zara and River Island for in-store inspo, or online at The Outnet, ASOS and Farfetch who all have an epic range of suits for all shapes, heights and styles.
Sheer Lace & Mesh Netting
Another couple of features that are strong this season are the sheer lace and mesh netting trends. They were evident on the runways at Baja East, Elie Saab and Ermanno Scervino, as well as Dolce & Gabbana, Giambattista Valli, Valentino and Rodarte. From pavé mesh worn over the face to lace gowns and shirts, this trend is for the sultry.
You probably saw this trend last summer and at festivals, so it’s interesting to see it reenter the fashion scene but in a different season. Think mesh layering over slip dresses or lingerie as outerwear (if you dare!), sparkling pavé and sexy sheer details. And of course you can wear them with your swimwear for that sassy poolside look. As for the sheer and lace details? Wear them as part of an ensemble or let it be the stand-out piece, just play around with this trend!
Check out stores Starla Boutique (South William Street, Dublin 2), Shop online at Femme Luxe, Missguided and ASOS for plenty of these sheer trends.
Feathers
I’m very much in love with this wispy feathery trend. Seen on the collections of my favourites Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab, as well as at Bibhu Mohaptra and Giambattista Valli, feathers are such a romantic addition to the Autumn/Winter season. Not reserved for the ballgowns, there were feathery cuffs and skirt trims, pops of colours and even as earrings at Tom Ford.
This is a rather easy trend to perfect, because you can go for the full effect or for subtle details. Black and white (or cream) are classic colours, but opting for brighter colours à la Indian designer Bibhu Mohapatra can add a certain zing to any outfit during the colder months. Channel the 1920s with a feathery scarf or add a few accessories and let the feathers do the talking.
Check out Zara stores to find your inner flamingo! 16Arlington at Farfetch is an excellent designer that has feathers aplenty, while Boohoo, Missguided and Nasty Gal all have a nice variety for this trend too.
Now ladies & gents, get shopping!
Nirina xx
Images © respective owners, runway images courtesy of Vogue
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