With the summer heatwave cooling off and September newness in the air, we’re starting to feel a little autumnal here at E5P (even if it’s still sunglasses weather two-thirds of the week). Autumn isn’t just about pumpkin spiced lattes and deciding on what to wear for Halloween though; when it comes to new season fashion, September is where it’s at. So, let us take you through the 5 key trends that you’ll be seeing a lot of this autumn/winter. After all, what would September be without a little catwalk report?
Animal Prints
L-R: Victoria Beckham, Balenciaga, Tom Ford (image source: Vogue)
Leopard, zebra, python; animal prints were in abundance throughout London, Paris, Milan and New York, as designers everywhere seemed to embrace their wild sides in time for autumn. From Victoria Beckham’s achingly chic, mid-length trench to Tom Ford’s boxy car coat, leopard prints were especially prominent – so yep, you’ll be dusting off last year’s leopard print coat again come October.
Shades of Brown
L-R: Miu Miu, Chloé, Rochas (image source: Vogue)
If there’s one colour to showcase this season, it’s brown. Tonal layering took this humble hue from dowdy to decadent as models sashayed down the runway in exquisitely tailored pieces. Miu Miu’s oversized reworking of the trench coat proved that there’s nothing wrong with sticking to sandy-coloured neutrals when it comes to outerwear – especially if paired with bouffant hair and plenty of attitude. From biscuit browns to tangerine-tinted hues, there’s certainly a retro thread running through this trend. Take Chloe’s terracotta-coloured trouser suit as a case in point; it couldn’t be more 70s if it tried. This season, browns are the new black.
Heritage Fashion
L-R: Richard Quinn, Toga, Chanel (image source: Vogue)
Ever since the Royal Wedding earlier this year, the Windsors have become one of fashion’s favourite families. The Queen was even spotted FROW at newcomer Richard Quinn’s 2018 autumn/winter show, before honouring the Central St. Martins graduate with Her Majesty’s Award for British Design. Indeed, you didn’t need to look twice to spot her Royal influence in the autumn/winter collections; baroque prints, silk scarves and tweed co-ords brought Balmoral-esq fashion to the catwalk.
L-R: Christian Dior, Erdem, Emilia Wickstead (source: Vogue)
One of our favourite seasonal prints, the heritage check, is back too. Traditional tartan prints over at Emilia Wickstead and Christian Dior were offset with kilt-like midi skirts and matching blazers. At Erdem, tweed separates were paired with delicate brocades, chintzy florals and sumptuous velvet fabrics, making for a decadent – and suitably regal – display.
80s Party Dresses
L-R: Alexander McQueen, Marni, Chanel (image source: Vogue)
The 80s trend we saw this summer shows no signs of waning, as designers looked to the decade for occasion wear inspiration. The bold-shouldered silhouettes and punchy colours we saw last season are still very much intact, though the autumn/winter catwalks were less Dynasty, and more Pretty in Pink, as designers seemingly took their cue from prom scenes in 80s teen movies. Taffeta, sateen and lace party dresses brought nostalgia to the catwalks; finished with ruffles or embellishments – and paired with OTT accessories – these glammed-up looks put 80s excess back in the spotlight.
Functional Outerwear
L-R: Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, Marni (image source: Vogue)
Gone is the idea of form over function; this season, outerwear serves its purpose. It’s practical and protective – you could even call it anti-fashion fashion. Referencing sports and leisure clothing, this trend takes streetwear to new places. From the extreme layering seen at Balenciaga and Marni, to the high-vis strips on Calvin Klein’s oversized parkas, models had a touch of the urban warrior about them – stalking the runway wearing zipped-up waterproofs and too-large knits. Designed for battling the elements whilst treading the mean streets, this season’s outerwear is defined by its functionality; get yourself a longline bomber to stave off the cold – and don’t forget to layer up.
