As we move into the new season, now, more than ever, our sartorial needs are rooted in versatility, ease, comfort and effortless style-factor. The autumn/winter offering plays perfectly to this mood, focusing on themes proven to have timeless appeal; think updated heritage motifs, classic silhouettes and a palette of rich autumnal hues. No cold-weather collection is complete without hard-working staples, and we were delighted to see these championed in abundance, from luxe knits to sturdy riding boots, black polo necks to the classic trench coat. With many of these pieces already in our wardrobes, we’re looking to the myriad smart styling tricks displayed on the catwalk for new ways to wear them. Whether shopping your own collection or investing in a new forever piece, here’s your definitive guide to the season ahead.
A cornerstone of the autumn/winter wardrobe, this season sees luxe knits worn head-to-toe in the form of sophisticated dresses and coordinating separates. The chances are you already have a knitted piece in your collection, so simply give it a seasonal newness by pairing it with leather accessories. If you’re yet to invest, now’s the time. Look for premium fabrics such as wool or cashmere which, when properly cared for, will last for seasons to come.
Delivering on waist-up appeal, the neckline continues to be a focal point this season, with statement collars a key detail on the catwalks. Reach for shirts, blouses and cardigans adorned with upscaled Peter-Pan, XL Chelsea-cut and ruffled pie-crust collars. Already in possession of a statement neckline? Take a style cue from Chloé and layer it underneath a cable knit, or make like Erdem and pair with an evening skirt for after-dark elegance.
Be it deep tobacco, rich rust or classic tan, a palette of sumptuous browns prevailed on the catwalks, with the likes of Saint Laurent, Rejina Pyo and Fendi leading the toffee-toned charge. As versatile as it is sophisticated, this is a forever trend well worth having in your style arsenal. Whether investing in a new piece or reaching for those in your existing collection, consider mixing and matching colours for a head-to-toe tonal look. Alternatively, pair artfully with navy, camel and cream.
Autumnal drama comes via this season’s taste for statement sleeves; think voluminous balloon, poet and puff shapes, as seen at Ulla Johnson, Chloé and Isabel Marant. The definition of high-impact dressing, a statement-sleeved piece is a simple way to rejuvenate existing wardrobe classics; simply add to tailored trousers or wear atop a favourite skirt. The key to success is proportion: balance big sleeves with a slim-fitting bottom half, keeping additional detailing and accessories minimal.
This season’s demand for carry-all practicality means the spacious hobo bag is at the top of the accessories agenda. With room to hold the new daily essentials (mask, hand sanitiser, wipes, etc) this is a piece you’ll be relying on all season long. But functional doesn’t mean dowdy; look for structured styles in premium leather that will add polish to your everyday wardrobe. Classic colourways and minimal hardware will ensure longevity.
A bona fide wardrobe ICON, we can’t endorse the trench coat enough (and have lost track of the amount of times we have!). Timeless, ageless and perennially stylish, this cover-up continues to prove its relevance season after season, earning its spot in the forever closet. This is a piece that needs no styling tip; wear over any outfit and look immediately pulled together. If you’re yet to invest, follow Burberry and Celine’s example and reach for a classic iteration in neutral.
We’ve long considered the black polo neck a staple of the autumn/winter wardrobe (and have several ourselves), so are delighted to see it thrust into the spotlight this season. Now’s the time to rediscover yours and give them some airtime. Update suiting by layering them underneath tailored jackets in place of a classic white shirt, or give work trousers a refresh by wearing an oversized style over the top. For evening wear, make like Emilia Wickstead and team with vampy leather trousers.
The right accessory has the ability to transform an outfit. Case in point: the luxe leather belt. A key feature on this season’s catwalks, elevated styles in brown and black were used to anchor feminine prints and palettes, while giving classic shapes a new point of view. Make like Ulla Johnson and use an extra-wide version to belt the middle of floral midi dresses, or follow Miu Miu’s lead and update last year’s coat by pulling it in at the waist.
The faux-fur coat has become a staple on the autumn/winter catwalks over the past few seasons, confirming it as a forever trend worth investing in. Adding texture to cold-weather separates, it also delivers on warmth-factor and can be worn effortlessly during the day and night. It’s not too early to rediscover yours; throw over a light knit and skirt, à la Michael Kors, or team with ankle boots, adding a waist-cinching belt, as seen at Stella McCartney.
This season’s sartorial confidence-boost comes by way of the myriad flaming hues that blazed down the catwalk. From pillar-box to tomato, claret to oxblood, the message was clear: this season, red reigns supreme. Inject new-season vibrancy into your existing wardrobe by teaming a flash of red with neutral tailoring. Or restyle existing pieces into fresh colour combinations, such as head-to-to tonal, as seen at Altuzarra, or mixed with classic brown and black, à la Tod’s.
Having been a key spring/summer theme, the mood for all things ’70s continues into the new season with timeless, retro-inspired outerwear silhouettes centre stage. We’ll be taking a cue from Celine and teaming a bohemian blouse with wide leg jeans and cord blazer, wearing double-breasted jackets over tonal roll necks à la Gabriela Hearst, and looking to Tod’s by trying a shearling pea coat, accessorised with outsized shades.
Nothing makes our hearts sing more than when classics get a new lease of life on the catwalk – which is why we’re excited about the return of the riding boot. The equestrian staple was seen at Chanel, Valentino and Etro, coming in high-polish leather for a desirably luxe look. Smart yet robust, this is the right boot style to anchor floaty lengths, rendering summery dresses autumn-appropriate. During the cooler months, team with slim-fit jeans and chunky knitwear.
Traditional checks have long been an autumnal favourite, but this season sees them reinterpreted in a rainbow of colourful shades. Balancing classic with contemporary, they promise to offer all the flexibility of the heritage motif, but with added statement-making impact. How to wear them? Take the lead from Miu Miu and showcase to full effect on a wear-forever coat, or use printed separates to add interest to your cold-weather classics.
With its influences never far from the catwalk, the ’90s has proved itself a decade with enduring style appeal. The signature sleek silhouettes and monochrome colour palette speak to this season’s desire for fuss-free yet polished dressing. We’re following the lead of Brandon Maxwell, Victor Glemaud and Rag & Bone and choosing plush, fine-gauge-knit and jersey dresses with body-hugging silhouettes, to take us from day to night with just the switch of a shoe.