Cut-outs and blazers are in this autumn
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This season fashion marries comfort with avantgarde aesthetics.
At some point, the heat will be gone and temperatures will start biting at the heels of winter. This autumn, fashion takes both a bold turn – and a practical one – as functional clobber, along with revealing some skin, conservatively yet unmissable, takes centre stage.
Image consultant Lynne McMaster said this season, fashion marries comfort with avant-garde aesthetics.
Alongside cargo pants, blazers, cut-outs and stockings, the shirtless blazer makes a star turn.
But it’s not the cargos of the ’90s that turned flattery into truck driver vibes. Instead, cargo pants this year are more tailored.
“Choose cargo pants that flatter your body type. Strategic pocket placement can optimise a silhouette,” said McMaster. “For those with fuller hips, choosing cargos with pockets situated lower can visually elongate the legs.”
Meanwhile, cargos with pockets on the hips or thighs can enhance the silhouettes of those with narrower hips.
“It’s about leveraging the design for your body type,” McMaster said – and this is where the functional and practical aspects of fashion merge with aesthetic appeal.”
Cargo pants are back for men, too. Far from their ’90s origins, this season’s cargo pants blend practicality with a tailored aesthetic, she said, marking a departure from their untidy baggy predecessors.
“Baggy cargo pants have made a magnificent comeback, but not as you remember them,” she said. “Today’s cargo pants are celebrated for their refined look and practicality, with a more tailored fit that ensures functionality without the bulk.”
Pairing cargo pants with a crisp white shirt strikes the perfect balance between utilitarianism and urban chic, said McMaster.
“This combination exemplifies the trend’s adaptability, effortlessly transitioning from the office to an evening out.
“Functional fashion continues to reign with style and practicality that can coexist harmoniously.”
For a more layered approach, McMaster said, oversized sweatshirts and camo jackets complement the cargo’s casual, rugged vibe. Polo shirts offer a slightly more polished option.
Blazers are one of fashion’s hottest tickets.
“Blazers have broken out of the boardroom and into the spotlight, offering endless styling possibilities,” she said.
It’s partly inspired by the pantless trend that, when paired with blazers, allow for playful yet elegant looks suitable for different occasions.
“Leather blazers and those in vibrant colours, like bright pink, further push the envelope, introducing texture and lively hues into autumn wardrobes.”
Also, as the pantless trend grows, stockings will gain greater prominence for their functionality and aesthetics.
“They offer both a layer of warmth and a canvas for expression,” she said. “Whether opting for classic sheer stockings, or those with patterns and colours, stockings provide an opportunity to experiment with looks without compromising on comfort during cooler months.”
The shirtless blazer “is a daring expression of style, combining the structured elegance of blazers with a bold twist.
“It translates to a powerful statement of confidence and style,” McMaster said.
“This trend challenges conventional dressing norms.”
Paired with high-waisted trousers or skirts, it will maintain balance and sophistication, McMaster said.
“This season is about exploring boundaries, where each trend offers an opportunity to redefine personal style, as much as there is a move towards the practicalities of comfort: aesthetics have married chilled, so to speak.”
The red carpet at the Grammys and other award events this year also indicated the cut-out trend continues to captivate, with designs ranging from subtle to bold.
“Cut-outs are a conversation between the wearer and the viewer; it tells a story and it’s a very public narrative,” she said.
Minimal accessorising is recommended to let the cut-outs themselves be the focal point of the ensemble, McMaster suggested.