The Autumn season has dawned upon us but before you start squirrelling away into winter coats and waterproof trousers, pay attention to the latest trends to hit the high street. With Baroque and matching prints set to dominate this slightly chilly season for the ladies, and Romantic styles and layering up set to be key for the men, here is Vision’s definitive guide to what’s what and how to wear it to styling success.
FEMALE
Costume Jewellery
AW12 is all about statements and embellishments, and the jewellery report for this season is no different; statement necklaces, heavy wrist cuffs and oversized earrings should all have a place in your winter wardrobe. Keep it ethnic & edgy during the day, and go all-out Hollywood glam in the dark.
Oh so Opulent
The runways were a feast of romantic Baroque opulence, with gold, Rococo wallpaper prints in velvet, lace and brocade. Dolce Gabbana set the decadent tone – all chandelier earrings, glittering gold embroidery and embellished footwear. This season, one of the most user friendly trends comes courtesy of cigarette trousers: Zara, Topshop and River Island have done brocade straight legged trousers in gold and black wallpaper prints. Accessorise with a jewel-encrusted clutch, such as Anna Dello Russo’s new lavish H&M collaboration. There is only one rule here: more is, without question, more.
As tailoring has formed a strong foundation for AW12 pieces, the emphasis is on embellished details and the use of opulent fabrics. Silk, chiffon, velvet and fur all featured heavily on this year’s catwalks – choose silk during the day, velvet & lace for evening and accessorize with faux-fur for that super-chic look.
Matchy Matchy
The matching-print trouser suit is one of fall’s key trends. Designers pushed their print passion to the limits with paisleys, florals and checks. Head to toe pattern prevailed at Miu Miu, Rag and Bone and Erdem this fall. The trouser suit is feminine, fun and new; spending hours putting outfits together, who has the time for that these days?
MALE
The New Romantic
Muted tones, clean cut shirts and layered Heritage fabrics – English tweeds, quilts and leathers. A neutral palette of moss green, soft grey and midnight blue. In the Burberry Prosum AW12 show: The Gentleman, David Bailey combined the military man and city boy. It’s time to follow suit chaps: button up your collars, throw on a double breasted jacket and accessorise with a tweed flat cap.
Layer Up
Summer might be over lads, but warm shades and layering will keep your spirits up this AW12; pair patterned shirts with the re-worked ‘skinny’ cable knit for cool casual, and invest in a smart woollen pea-coat or chunky knitted blazer when winter rolls around.