One of the biggest trends is set to be the addition of a ‘touch’ of leather to your upcoming AW wardrobe – summer staples like the Chelsea boot and legging are re-worked with panelling and buckles; cute jumpers feature spiked shoulders and steel toecaps aren’t just for the Sex pistols this season.
Winter boots this year are easily done – ditch your short UGGs and tall riding boots in favour of the ankle boots you’ve been wearing all summer; austerity is in, and so are transitional pieces. These Chelsea Boots by UO’s featured brand Deena & Ozzy bring a whole new meaning to the term ‘buckle up’ – featuring removable cowboy buckles, a chunky mid-heel and mini toecap detail. Add a little grunge to your smart outfit, wear with thick boot socks and a skirt to lectures or paired with leather trousers and this All Saints blazer for ultimate night out chic.
The ‘Bonanza’ jacket by All Saints is the perfect feminine addition to your tough-girl look; the silk style and slim fit are ultra flattering, the digital flower is ultra modern and the polyester fabric makes it less of a hassle to clean than pure silk. Sure – I’d prefer silk for £200 – but as a student durability HAS to come first…. and I can still admire it from afar.
Every fashionista’s dream is to own their own pair of leather trousers (or rather – to squeeze into a pair, you lucky models you) and fashion house Balmain has resumed it’s place at the throne of haute-couture grunge. Trousers this season are skinny, patterned, pannelled, zipped and – most importantly – leather, and gorgeous styles can be found in Oasis, Zara and New Look at reasonable prices. Keep upper-body clothing and accessories simple and floaty for a balanced look, or go double-denim with spiked accessories and leather peplum if you’re feeling super daring.
Add a little sparkle to your ‘tough love’ wardrobe with these pumps by Carvela; whether you’re going for statement or subtle this season they’re bound to bring you a little attention. The ‘Holmby’ clutch by Sam Edelman might be last season but it’s still around, and you can grab one from as little as £69 now, making it the second transitional piece on our A/W wishlist.
If you’re stuck for tees for this trend, then head to student-fave Topshop for a gold mine of co-ordinating pieces. Stick to luxe fabrics; silk, cashmere, embroidery and structure are key features of this look and are essential in playing it up or down. Pair a neutral vest with leather trousers and a statement silk blazer for drinks with friends, embroidered peplum for a night on the town and this 80’s checked sleeveless shirt when you’re taking it to campus. If you’re still in doubt, you really can’t go wrong with a flirty shirt – this piece from the DAY line by Malene Birger & Mikkelsen is the perfect wardrobe staple for AW, making it our third transitional piece.
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