Six of the best

We look back at the AW17 catwalk shows and ahead to the high street collections to map out the pivotal trends of the season.

2017-09-23 -

The September issues are on news stands, the summer sales are well and truly over and we’re starting to see knitwear in the shops – that’s right, it’s autumn fashion time again. And what a season we’ve got to look forward to. The catwalks gave us heaps of ideas for revamping our cold weather wardrobes and the high street has really delivered with the autumn/winter collections, which are landing in stores in the next few weeks.

So there’s still plenty of time to plan your seasonal shopping list but don’t delay if you want to nab the perfect winter coat and the must-have boots of the season, because they’re sure to sell out. Here are the six trends that are set to dominate.

1. RED

The undisputed colour of autumn and winter, red cropped up on so many catwalks we lost count. Roksanda went for oxblood and crimson, at Prada it was pure scarlet, while Victoria Beckham and Molly Goddard plumped for brightest tomato. From cosy coats to bombshell dresses and Fendi’s showstopping latex midi skirt, whatever you wear this season, make sure it’s red.

– Michael Kors Coat, £395; Biba Jacquard Oriental Boxy Shell Top, £69 and Trousers, £69, all House of Fraser.

2. TROUSER SUITS

This is workwear, yes but not as we’ve previously known it. Suiting is now slouchy, mannish and worn with trainers, as decreed by Celine, Stella McCartney and Vetements.

A double-breasted blazer should be priority number one, preferably in a grey or brown heritage check (give black a rest for a while).

– Monsoon Harry Pow Jacket, £79 and Trousers, £55.

3. CARDIGANS

Yes, really. The knit that has been decidedly out of vogue for years is back and better than ever. At Miu Miu, snug cardis were cinched in with skinny belts, while Christopher Kane went oversized – in green, pink, grey and a gorgeous shiny silver – lending a bit of librarian cool to pretty midi frocks.

– Wallis Grey Double Faced Coatigan, £40.

4. EIGHTIES BOOTS

The most talked about footwear of autumn and winter fashion month? It’s got to be Saint Laurent’s blingedout, crystal-covered slouch boots and at just £6,855 you’ll obviously want a pair... Well, maybe not. New Look’s £45 homage, however? Now that’s a bargain.

– New Look Silver Boots, £44.99.

5. FLORALS

The trees may soon be bare but your wardrobe can still bloom this winter if you take your cue from Mulberry, Erdem, Preen and Simone Rocha, where dark petal prints abounded. Midi dresses suit this trend well but for extra style points, opt for a trouser suit in a textured flower print.

– Navabi Jacquard Jacket, £159.99 and Trousers, £119.99.

6. SEVENTIES

Marc Jacobs was at the front of the Soul Train trend for autumn and winter, sending out fabulous wide-collared coats in cord and suede. Mulberry and Chloe followed suit with a palette of mustard, ochre, crimson and camel.

– River Island Yellow Jacket, £92 (available in October).