It’s all about the suit
The one go-to item we should all be investing in for fall season, says H&M creative adviser
Suiting separates are going to be as ubiquitous this fall/winter season as jeans and cosy sweaters. At least that’s the fashion forecast if you were to ask Ann-Sophie Johansson — which we did.
The creative adviser for Swedish retailer H&M is putting some serious sartorial stock in the burgeoning popularity of trim-andtailored pieces such as trousers and blazers.
“It’s the suit,” Johansson responds when asked to identify the one go-to item we should all be investing in this season. “It’s versatile and easy to wear in many different ways.”
And the best part? The tailored pieces are completely safe for work. So, no saving your new favourite item for the weekends, like we’ve seen with some recent “It” trends (Hem, off-the-shoulder tops, strategic cut-outs and ripped jeans, we’re looking at you.)
While the width and length of pant silhouettes have vacillated between pin-thin skinnies to voluminous gauchos in recent seasons, Johansson says, this winter, we can expect to see a mixture of trouser styles in all shapes and sizes, sure — but with slightly, less-generous size differences.
“I believe the skinny has made sort of a comeback, but at the same time, we will see a lot of baggymen’s-style trousers,” she says.
As for culottes, the wider-leg, cropped pant iterations that have been dominating the trend discussion in recent seasons, Johansson says we’ve officially got the goahead to give them up — but only if you weren’t really feeling them in the first place.
“I would suggest to take it a bit easy with the culotte if it’s not your absolutely favourite style,” she says. Otherwise, those who found the roomier style a flattering fit for their figure, and therefore a very welcome addition to their wardrobes, are welcome to carry on wearing them.
Speaking to Johansson about the fall/winter fashion season ahead gives one the sense that the overall mood is one that is shaping up to be a bit of a free-for-all, style-wise. Basically, if you like it, wear it.
In addition to upping the appeal of the wear-what-you-like attitude of the upcoming season, suiting separates also further enforce the move in fashion toward more androgynous offerings.
“Yes, that will definitely continue with the rediscovered interest for the suit in particular,” Johansson says when asked if the genderneutral styles we’ve seen in recent seasons from a breadth of retailers are expected to continue.
So, what’s the impetus behind the overhaul?
“It just reflects what’s going on in the society right now where we redefine the gender roles and it’s also very comfortable and easy to wear,” she sums up succinctly.
The ongoing influence of all things street-style will continue into the cooler season as well, Johansson says, with the opinions and styling of bloggers and other fashion influencers weighing in alongside those of designers.
“Street fashion is most interesting right know and there’s still a few designers that influence fashion on a bigger scale,” she explains.
But, suiting and street-style aren’t the only highlights of the sartorial season ahead. In fact, the fall season is shaping up two be uncharacteristically colourful (think: reds and greens) and printed (think: florals of virtually every shape and size).
“The ones you really need are checks and florals,” Johansson recommends for the top prints to pick up. “They’re great in combination — like a checked blazer on top of a floral dress.”
Not feeling quite so daring? Opt for one of a printed piece that can be worn as an accessories rather than a full-on look.
Trying to find ways to incorporate the trends into your fall repertoire with only a minimal commitment — or expenditure? Johansson says it’s best then to stick to your feet.
“A fashionable pair of socks can totally change an outfit and for a very good price,” she says. “Go for either sporty ones with stripes or more glamorous glitter ones.
“Socks in sandals or slides are not a no-no any longer and you can continue to wear your summer shoes for a longer time.”
Now that’s smart style.