It’s not uncommon to hear disgruntled ladies complaining that Summer clothes have been replaced by the woollen knits of Autumn/Winter (“A/W”) trends, especially when Summer ‘isn’t even over yet!’
Here at LMF LMF, we can appreciate where they’re coming from; the change in season marks the shortening of days and the lengthening of cold nights, the impending persistently bad weather and, of course, it marks the final end of Summer. We’re no strangers to the pang of disappointment when bikini rails are replaced with woolly tights - before you’ve even been on your summer holiday, but admittedly, we’re also a sucker for an oversized cable knit jumper teamed with a pair of big, sensible boots!
Whether you love or loathe the early season changeover, I think that the versatility of this years’ A/W trends will make even the most Summer-style loving fashionista convert to the mysterious and outrageous styles of the new season. Think mid-century Savile Row meets School of Rock punk! We have nipped in waists, A-line and dirndl skirts and oversized everything!
Colour Palette
This year’s trends see monochrome with a twist. Aside from a flurry of different patterns and fabrics and rather than a focus on the normal ‘black and white’, catwalks opted for charcoal colours teamed with shades of winter-white. There’s also a heavy influence on navy and deep shades of purple and green.
For those of you still keen to hold onto those summer days though, do not worry; as well as taking the edgy-romanticism vibe, this A/W trends also come sugar coated with pastel shades of lilac, dusky pink and baby blue. If this wasn’t enough then we can be thankful for the metallic hues of gold, silver, gunmetal and bronze, to add the extra bit of sparkle or shine to any outfit.
Tartan/Plaid/Check
Don’t be alarmed! Although many designers, including Yves Saint Lauren are taking tartan to the punk extreme by incorporating PVC, studs, spikes and mesh, you can make it as subtle or as loud you like. Having a statement piece of tartan is a must for every wardrobe this A/W but that doesn’t mean it has to be the craziest – keep it simple with a pair of tartan trousers in muted tones, or even in a jumper.
Patterns and Texture
If tartan is still too out-there for you then fear not, this season’s trends are all about patterns and texture which means there is definitely something for everyone. Whether it’s faux fur, a shabby mo-hair style fabric, leather, vinyl, tweed or herringbone; even the leopard print that is here to stay – A/W 2013 has it all! And if you like them all, don’t shy away from wearing them all! No, really, this year’s catwalks have been incorporating all kinds of different textures and patterns into the one outfit.
Men’s Tailoring
With patterns and fabrics such as tweed, herringbone and dogtooth popular for A/W trends then it is no surprise that female fashion has taken inspiration from men’s tailoring. Think oversized coats, jackets, blazers – the works! Oversized coats were on catwalks all over the world and ‘cocooned’ models in so many different styles.
Oversized trousers are also making an appearance this season. Make sure go for a flattering style like high-waisted (depending on your body shape of course!) and team with a simple top so the waist detail (and some femininity) still remains.
Crisp cut shirts with rounded outlines are also a must– pair with a leather or PVC style skirt or wear under a fluffy knit jumper for two contrasting styles!
The Midi
The midi is here to stay! Although not in the figure hugging, bodycon styles we saw throughout summer (I hear some of you breathe a sigh of relief), but this time in more mid-century styles. Hitched in at the waist with a full A-line skirt, even just loosely flowing below our knees – it’s all about the midi. Another huge trend this season is the skirt-jumper combo. No matter what the style, think skirt and jumper.
Layering
So all those prints, fabrics and patterns we just mentioned? Layer them! I’ve already mentioned that combining different fabrics and patterns is a huge fashion statement this season but this qualifies across all the different micro-trends we’ve visited! Wear your tartan jumper with a vinyl mid-length skirt or your sequin blazer on top of that fluffy, mo-hair crop top.
Good luck guys and stay tuned for Love My Figure, Love My Fashion’s A/W collection coming soon!
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