Autumn/Winter 2018 Trend Report (Part 1)

One of the main reasons I love what I do (apart from the joy of styling fabulous people) is the continual excitement I feel when a new style season arrives, especially Autumn/Winter.

For the last month I’ve been taking inspiration from runway shows, visiting stores, checking websites and putting look-books together for various clients. These looks give a nod to the fashion world but remain effortless, stylish pieces that work in ‘real life’ as opposed to catwalks!

So, allow me, over the next two Style Posts, to introduce you to the key trends I love this season. I hope they inspire you to take a look at your Autumn/Winter wardrobe and see where you can add pieces that give you fresh and stylish looks for the season ahead.

Animal Instinct

Whilst leopard remains a classic print for Autumn/Winter, this season sees it in different colour ways and also introduces snakeskin and zebra print. Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabanna and Max Mara showcased a variety of pieces from dresses, coats, skirts and knitwear – never has animal print been so dramatic on the catwalk.

Animal prints can seem a little ‘too brash’ at times (see above!) but if you choose wisely they are a timeless way to be more adventurous with print. Here are a selection of dresses I’m particularly loving in animal print together with style tips on how to wear them.

This snakeskin version from Zara gives a cool and effortless look. If you feel it opens too easily! size up so it looks slouchy and wraps your body. This would look stunning with flats and a long coatigan or with heels and an oversized jacket.

This red leopard print dress looks so cool with ankle boots (and bare legs if you dare). Alternatively wear with black opaques and long black boots – chic and stunning.

This Alice Temperely dress is very modest in design but looks far from frumpy. I would add white plimsoles and a leather jacket to keep the look casual. Altetnatively I’d add a jumper (you now have a skirt!), leather jacket and ankle boots.

Luxurious Leather

Whilst I love silk and velvet in winter, one of my all-time favourite fabrics for Autumn/Winter is leather and it seems the catwalk shows are in agreement. The leather dress took pride of place on runways. Short and sassy at Miu Miu; ankle-length at Loewe; shirt-shaped and smart at Givenchy, leather was everywhere, and, trust me, we can all wear it.

If you’re new to wearing leather, a skirt can often be the best place to start. Here are a selection of different styles and lengths to suit all tastes and my favourite ways to wear them.

I’ve had this Jigsaw skirt for over two-years. It’s a real Autumn/Winter staple in my wardrobe and I’m delighted they have relaunched it once again for 2018. It is a little short but if you have the legs to wear it – do. Try it with a long-line coatigan which will make you feel less exposed. Also try a chunky knit and long flat boots – stunning.

If you are looking for something more ‘grown up’ this beautiful pencil version is a winner from Whistles. It is a gorgeous burgundy colour, a great neutral colour for your wardrobe as opposed to black. It looks particularly chic with heels and a fitted roll-neck jumper as well as worn more casually with a loose chunky knit and boots.

There are also many midi-length skirts this season like this gorgeous brown version from Karen Millen. I love the colour (rich brown) and the zip gives it an edginess. When styling this skirt, always tuck (or half-tuck) your top to ensure you give yourself some shape at the waist. Add long suede boots and a silk blouse or knit – beautiful.

Heritage Fabrics

Whilst it may have a reputation for being trust-up and traditional, this season tweed, houndstooth and herringbone have had a make-over. On the catwalk there were flowing midi-dresses by Emilia Wickstead, not to mention super elegant trouser suits from Chanel and oversized coats by Miu Miu.

What is so fabulous about this trend is, you can wear the fabrics with anything from leather to silk, through to knitwear and denim.

A (slightly oversized) check coat is a stunning addition to your Autumn/Winter wardrobe. It will make your simplest outfit striking and is far more versatile than you think. This version from And Other Stories would look amazing over a suit for work, an evening dress or jeans and plimsoles – effortless and cool – job done.

I’m a huge fan of a statement skirt – and boy does this heritage version make a statement. I would style it with long suede boots and roll-neck, or heeled ankle boots and black sleeveless top, or white shirt and heels for the office. It also has a matching jacket (just saying…).

At first glance you may feel this suit is ‘too much’ but just think of how versatile it would be. The jacket would look amazing with a simple white t-shirt and jeans; the trousers with a chunky knit and plimsoles or a silk blouse and kitten heels. The possibilities are endless – trust me.

If you know anyone who needs some inspiration for Autumn/Winter 2018 do please pass on this Style Post. It’s always a joy to spread the word. Next week’s post we’ll be taking a look at winter florals, knitwear and the new season colour to take us out of our traditional black, navy and grey. Until then…

Have a great week-end and feel free to share this post.