Autumn/Winter Fashion

After a disappointing British summer, fashion enthusiasts across the UK are ready to box up their bikinis, kaftans and hot pants and enhance their wardrobes with oversized chunky knitwear, masculine block shape coats and jackets. This Autumn/Winter, the trends are catering for a variety of different styles and looks, giving us plenty of options for our wardrobe.

For 2012 it is all about revisiting our dark pasts for inspiration and as a rule of thumb not repeating our fashion mistakes. With this in mind we have to question how we are going to make the “Goth” look work for us. In my head I am fourteen years old again, caking thick black eye liner on whilst teaming a pair of black fishnet tights with tie-dye tops and a lot of Pantene extra hold hair spray! Put a couture spin on this very idea and you have this A/W’s key trend – black, on black, on black (and more black!).

However, do not panic if black is not your colour. Where colour is limited in this trend, embellishment, lace, studding, PU leather and motifs are used as key sight-lines to ensure your outfit is not too dark and dull. For those of us with champagne taste and lemonade wage all but a few of our favourite high street stores including Topshop, River Island and Mango are mirroring what has been shown on the catwalk of London fashion week. Making this dramatic trend both affordable and popular.

Valentino’s “Noir-rock stud collection” inspired by dark new-aged romance is showing heavy studding, snakeskin leather and lace bodices. Masculine lines and stand up collars blended with intense surface textures create a sleek dominating look that is powerful and eye catching. From catwalk to high street, the high street hot picks that illustrate this trend can be found in “sensationalist”- one of Topshop’s key A/W trends of this season.

Above: Leather look trousers(£42)
 

Sequin trousers(£70)
 

Stud western boots(£130)
 

Studded cup lace bralet(£38)
 

Textured lace peplum(£28)
 

Bugle bead collar(£16.50)
 

Lace dress(£36)

All Topshop

A second key trend this A/W, which will give masculine products an androgynous feel, is a complete contrast for those who prefer a variation of colour. This trend similarly is cleverly using colour, texture, lines and shapes for those with a paler pallet. Here texture and fabrications are used to create a girly and light feel. Khakis, pale pinks, ditsy floral, vintage embellishment, chiffon dresses and military jackets create a pretty Pennsylvania, factory style trend inspired by Little House on the Prairie and the 1950s. Casual collars are used for lines and oversized grungy knits used in pastel colours create a tailored daytime wardrobe, suitable for light layering.

Military jackets are timeless staples, essentials to our wardrobe and can be worn in so many different ways. This season the popular army style, khaki jacket gives statement and contrast to pastel colours for a non-dull feminine feel. The difference this season is that many retailers have taken the simple design and customised it for each trend: Camouflage, studding, and PU leather sleeves are popular styles that will enhance this simplistic jacket.

Designer Alexandra Wang incorporated Military Jackets into his Fall 2012 collection, shown during New York Fashion Week. By mixing these two trends his key pieces depicted a replicant army of military officers wearing leather trench coats and definitive tailored jackets with unique features.

Above: Boohoo.com (£40)
 

Bershka (£39.99)
 

River Island (£55)
 

With such contrasting trends littering the pages of fashion magazines, this A/W will certainly satisfy a need for longing fashion drama. These trends allow us to be brave, deviant and hot! With attention to detail and a stress on shape and colour there are five everlasting pieces that everyone will need to stay stylish this winter.

The first of these key drivers is the classic ‘leather jacket’- a timeless piece that will be a winter warmer and complete an outfit. Perform a blend trend and opt for a jacket with a fancy collar, or studding detail for that extra edge.

Above:  Topshop Studded Biker(£65)
 

River Island Fur Collar Biker (£55)IMAGE 15

Remembering the importance of shape and structure, the ‘Peplum’ shape is flattering for all shapes and sizes and creates body definition. Simplistic colours paired with skinny jeans or trousers work well.
Below: Peplum Top Topshop (all £18)IMAGE 16,17,18
The military jacket is an ageless jacket that can be dressed up or down to create a light layered look. This A/W take advantage of the variety of styles and shapes to suit you.

Above: Army Jacket New look (£39.99)

The collar is the perfect winter accessory. Detached from your item of clothing it can change the look of a simple, shirt, top or high neck knit. With a huge variety of embellishment, studding and lace, it’s a cheap and cheerful way to accessories the simplest of blouses.

Above: Embellished Peter Pan Collar New Look (£20) 

Do not be mistaken that the maxi skirt is to be put away for next summer. Adhering to the rule of light layering, team a classic maxi skirt with a chunky knit jumper and a pair of ankle boots and the look is transformed for an autumnal feel.

Above: Dip hem maxi skirt Missguided.com (£12.99) 

Finally a pair of PU leather look black trousers (or real leather if you’re feeling flush) are perfect for a day to night time look. Don’t feel restricted and experiment with metallic, high shine and snakeskin to create an individual look.

‘The disco pant’ American Apparal £70

So by combining these high street essentials with trends straight off the catwalk on a budget we are all bound to have the perfect autumn/winter wardrobe. For all us students out there remember to take advantage of freshers discounts found on twitter, magazines and round Uni with that all important student card. After all, every little helps! Happy shopping!