AUTUMN TRENDS TO TRY
Five new looks inspired by the international runways
1.TURN UP THE VOLUME
One of the good things about cold weather trends is they tend to be inherently practical. Enter the oversized jacket, which has the benefits of being both cosy and a fun play on proportion. This season, the way to wear even the most puffed-up styles is with a belt, adding at least some semblance of shape to your silhouette. Quilted, faux fur and down-stuffed styles all benefit from being paired with something sleek to balance out the look. Tailored trousers, fitted jeans or even a slinky silk skirt (if it’s not too chilly) are combinations to try. For this look, any colour except black is the way to go.
2.POLO POWER
The polo shirt has had a makeover. As seen at Alexander Wang, Nanushka and Sandy Liang, as well as locally from Wynn Hamlyn and Gregory, there are several variations on the polo to suit any look. Play up the prep factor with a cotton button-up polo T-shirt, or go for an elegant fine-knit style, perfect for the office and beyond, and slightly more dressy than a V-neck T-shirt.
3. TWO PIECE
When you want to look put-together in an instant, few outfits can deliver this as effectively as a suit. Whether we’re talking a classic jacket-and-trousers combination, or a matching shirt and bottoms, the general consensus is to try colour over black, as demonstrated both on and off the runways. Encompassing shades of pastel, especially pink and blue, 1970s-style browns and oranges, and plenty of textural or patterned fabrics, this season’s suit is a statement all on its own.
4. Shades of Green
Some colours have taken over from head to toe during the past few seasons. Where once it was the omnipresent Millennial Pink, there’s more of an 'anything goes' attitude, with various shades having their 60 seconds of fame. Lavender and orange have both appeared on the runways this season, but another lush shade has pipped them both to the post with its versatility: green. The spring/summer collections were all about light sage green (or pistachio, as some are calling it), and this is still going strong into autumn. It adds a lovely freshness to cool-weather dressing. Other shades of green have been appearing too; neon green experienced a boost in popularity spurred by the likes of the Kardashians. Autumn’s iterations from the international show circuit are more wearable, such as forest green, a nice alternative to navy, bright, grassy green and the aforementioned sage.
5. COLD SHOULDER
One of the most prolific necklines to appear this season is an elegantly dishevelled sidestep from the one-shoulder neckline. As seen from designers 3.1 Phillip Lim, Ports 1961 and Prabal Gurung, this styling detail is a nice way to show a little skin in an unpredictable way. Shirts, jackets and dresses were all given this treatment, but if you’re not a fan of that strapfalling-down feeling, a simple one-shouldered top, dress or jumpsuit could be a nod to the modern sensuality that the trend brings. Locally, Zara and Ruby are offering some good options, and we predict there will be more on the horizon.