Autumn is rarely a quiet season for fashion, with September being the home of the big four’s fashion weeks, everyone’s focus is fixed to track the latest trends.
From Parisian chic to oversized everything, there’s a mix of trends to get everyone excited this season. So personal stylists break down what the most wearable trends are this autumn and how to style them.
1. Brown and Seventies suede
Returning as a leading trend once again is Pantone’s colour of the year ‘mocha mousse’.
Alongside it is brown’s best partner in crime: suede.
While last year saw these pieces thrive within the trend of boho chic, this season, designers have taken a slightly edgier, Seventies approach.
“[They’re] non-negotiable! With Pantone declaring ‘Mocha Mousse’ the colour of the year, you can’t escape this trend,” says personal stylist Deborah Sheridan-Taylor.But you shouldn’t be confined to the neutral, soft shade Pantone is championing. “Rich chocolate, chestnut browns, caramel latte, americano, macchiato espresso… wait, that’s my coffee order,” she laughs, “in the past, my clients would shy away from using brown entirely. It’s extraordinary how this colour has had such a glow-up.”
Brown is the ultimate versatile base, working with the likes of pink, blue, green, denim or leather better than harsher neutrals like black or stark white.
If you’re new to brown, Sheridan-Taylor recommends dipping a toe in with brown retro sneakers inspired by the coveted Wales Bonner x Adidas collaboration or Isabel Marant Bekett trainers.
Similarly, with suede, it’s best to dip your toe in with accessories or one statement piece like a jacket or boots.
Otiumberg Loop Drop Hoop Earrings, £120
2. Capes
You may be wincing at the notion of capes making a comeback – but this autumn winter they’re sleeker and chicer than ever.
Your autumn coat is no longer a practical, lightweight layer – it’s the wardrobe’s showstopper. And just like with jewellery, sculptural silhouettes are trending in our outerwear.
In the season of layering up, your outerwear plays a central role in your outfit, as luxury stylist and image consultant Angela Kyte notes, “[Cape coats are] cinematic but wearable with an air of mystery, power and elegance.
“Pair them with with tailored wide-leg trousers and sleek gloves. […] in a colour palette of deep forest greens and charcoals and pops of burgundy.”
Mango Large Oval Shoulder Bag, £45.99
3. Sculptural belts
Accessories and statement pieces are inextricable this season, as belts are mimicking outerwear by becoming one of the key players in any ensemble.
“Wide, sculptural belts are endlessly versatile for cinching dresses, tailoring or even knitwear,” explains Kyte.
Sculptural doesn’t necessarily mean big. “Belts are everywhere – suede, leather skinny belts for petite frames, medium for versatility or wide belts for longer torsos or defining curvier waists,” says Sheridan-Taylor.
“Double up – triple up even – with three slim belts worn around a crew neck cashmere sweater and slim-fitting trousers.
FatFace Chocolate Brown Suede Waist Belt, £40
4. Maxi skirts
You may have thought longer skirts have had their day following the long denim skirt trend of last year, but maxi skirts are leading the way this season.
“Cut in heavier fabrics such as wool, leather and even silk-lined tweed [maxi skirts] are dramatic yet practical,” explains Kyte.
“It’s not about bohemian flow anymore but about clean, strong lines, worn with boots and layered knits.
“People won’t realise how central it will become until it’s everywhere.”
Kyte also points to the broader Seventies influence on silhouettes this season: “High-waisted flares cut from heavy wool and velvet, paired with sharply sculpted shoulders gives that cool drama to the silhouette.”
5.
Penelope Chilvers Charleston Leather Shoe, £299