Thanks to the rather dismal English summer we seem to have embraced this year it seems like autumn has been upon us for quite some time now. We are however actually almost there and all I’m going to say is look out! All you strong, subtle sassy women out there, you’re going to love this! Never have I seen a season this strong. If you are now starting to panic, don’t you worry. Your fairy clothes mother is here to guide you through the biggest trends and hottest looks in baby steps! Now hold my hand and we’ll begin…
Be bold and beautiful in colour
It’s time to pack away spring summers pastels and make way for the new palette, graphic, valiant and in the deepest richest hues.
A chic and perfect alternative to black this season is Navy. Seen on many catwalks, I seem to have developed a severe colour crush on it! If you are blonde you should really give it a go. Try a staple Navy blazer to wear with jeans as your autumn investment piece.
There is always something simple and definitive about the appeal of a lady in Red. Classic savvy siren, just make sure you wear it with conviction.
There is no doubt however that Purple is this seasons reigning colour. Cherries, raspberries and plums will dominate the autumnal palette with lavender cropping up on the catwalks of all the big London names. Paired with black it’s the perfect way to translate spring’s pastels into fall. Historically, purple was only worn by the elite few but this season it is undoubtedly the colour of the collections. It is the colour of luxury and passion, wear head to toe, from amethyst to violet.
Military details
Fashion loves a uniform and this season the stricter the better. Release your inner captain major and get yourself down to the army surplus store pronto. Military army green is set for a comeback this fall. This time it’s all about the details, shiny brass buttons, leather detailing, upturned stiff collars and strong tailoring. Keep it simple with straightforward statement coats, just steer away from anything double breasted if you have a large bust. Make it feminine with a figure hugging skirt and don’t be afraid to play with military inspired utilitarian accessories.
Go hell for Leather
Make sure you are well leathered this season in edgy or ladylike cuts, there’s no such thing as showing too much skin this fall. Sublimely soft and elegant to strong and supple looks, it’s way more than biker chic. Black leather can be rich with suggestions whether it rebel, vixen or dominatrix. Just don’t over style it, team playful skirts and trousers with simple separates such a white t-shirt, casual top or knit. Metal accessories are a natural choice for leather but you don’t want overkill so make sure you only have a couple of studded items per outfit. No jewellery is really needed, I’d keep necklines and wrists clear to let leathers strong character free to shine. A black leather jacket is a classical staple investment piece I would always advise a client to acquire. This season you will see a lot of diamond shaped quilting on jackets and coats. One of Chanel’s classic themes but I’m predicting it’s going to be everywhere, especially where leather is concerned. They do say diamonds are forever!
A bit of a tartan fling
Get back to British heritage with some shooting weekend chic. Designers revisited all the country classics, corduroy jackets and jodhpurs, tweed, tartan, plaid oversize knits and sturdy leather boots buffed to a perfect shine. Familiar country dress codes and traditional tailoring were seen throughout the collections in earthy autumnal colours. Form your countryside alliance by tapping into the trend with some equestrian style riding boots. The riding boot is the must buy of the season, heeled or flat the choice is yours. If you are lucky enough to be one of my clients who I made buy a pair last year you can get them out and use them again this year!
Baroque and Roll
Think glamorous and chic black and gold Femme Faberge, extravagantly opulent, over the top, prints, embroidered, laden down with jewels, crystals and stones. Its irresistible sumptuous extravagance at its best. Don’t be afraid to mix up fabrics and finishes. Layering up lace and brocade or bejewelled velvet and silk adds an air of decadence. Mix in sharp tailoring and a bit of swagger for an after-hours wardrobe with an edge. If you feel the need to add even more with the use of jewellery make sure it’s not dainty, bold gems are the way to accessorise this luxurious trend. Hair is the one thing that needs to remain sleek and unadorned. Think smooth, glossy locks and uncomplicated locks.
Perfectly adorned
Although a large part of the Baroque trend, jewels are so big this season embellishment needs its own stage. For autumn winter 2012 designers have been plundering Aladdin’s cave in order to adorn literally all surfaces in their collections with jewels, creating texture, sparkle and shine. You can wear them from a little to a lot. I suggest tapping into the trend with bejewelled decorated collars and cuffs, they are a subtle gesture to the trend but will add depth at the same time. If you have the personality to pull it off, wear loads of jewels at the same time. If you haven’t got the confidence then go with one wonderful detail. According to Manolo Blahnik of course there is nothing better than a jewelled shoe.
Elegantly waisted
This season the focus still remains on the shoulders and waist, whilst the silhouette has softened, the fit and cut are undeniably feminine. Beautifully tailored curves, soft voluminous coats, double breasted jackets and elegant peplum hems on form-fitting shapes bring a natural softness to tailoring. Belted middles create an ultra-flattering hourglass line that is smart and super feminine. This is why belts are one of autumn’s biggest accessory stories. Wear it in the same colour palette as your jacket or dress and this will elongate the torso rather than breaking it up. When cinching in coats and heavier jackets, make sure you choose an elasticated belt for maximum movement and flexibility. Shapely jackets and blazers are a wardrobe staple must have and an easy way to give the illusion of womanly curves if you have or haven’t got a waist.
Hips are also seriously back in fashion with coats, jackets and skirts all with carefully exaggerated waists. Fifties style nipped in silhouette dominated dresses coats and skirt suits. Tom Ford, Stella McCartney and Burberry all followed suit. It’s about skimming the female form and exaggerating her curves. It’s feminine and very right now. Grace Kelly may be gone but not forgotten.
Ok so it’s time to let go of my hand now and perhaps have a little dabble with the new season? Remember it’s not always what you wear but how you wear it… with confidence. Invest in a few loud pieces and then use them to punctuate your autumn winter look. If you welcome winter dressing with open arms because you can wear lots of black and cover your body up it’s about time you let me into your wardrobe and have some fun!
