Hello Autumn!

It's always hard to say goodbye to summer, warm weather and summer clothes, but as flowing floral maxi dresses and sandals turn into longline coats and boots; there’s always got to be a little bit of excitement at the chance to expand your wardrobe ready for the new season.

Knitwear

Forever one of the main features of any designer’s autumn/winter collection, knitwear in all its glorious forms is an essential part of every autumn wardrobe. From oversized jumpers to knitted dresses, with the right combinations you can achieve the perfect look with the added benefit of extra warmth as the weather starts to get a bit cooler. This season the two big trends in terms of knitwear seem to be cable knit and oversized jumpers, featuring in every collection from high street to high end. In terms of the oversized jumper, it can add a bit of comfort to your wardrobe, sprucing up your loungewear or serving as the perfect casual wear jumper to snuggle into in the last few months of the year.

One of the other knitwear products that has continued its popularity into this year’s autumn/winter collections is the polo neck, with its versatility in use (paired with skirt or trousers, smart or casual) making it a staple item in any wardrobe. The polo neck fits in perfectly with one of this season’s other big trends, longer cuts and high necks, which has been a prominent feature on the catwalk over the past month. With midi lengths (and the resurgence of the midi skirt) being popular amongst designers, knitwear is one of the main areas in which anyone can incorporate this trend into their everyday look; the knitted dress featuring heavily in this category and paired with a pair of knee high boots you can pull off the perfect cosy autumn look.

Image courtesy of fervent-adepte-de-la-mode via Flickr.com

Cardigans

Cardigans have made a big comeback in all sorts of autumn/winter collections this year. From Gucci and Prada to Primark, you’ll be seeing cardigans in every shape and form imaginable. From the kind we used to wear as children to big chunky knits to glammed up garments with a bit of added sparkle. For everyone who loves nothing more than the warm hug of a cardigan, their catwalk comeback will be welcome news.

The Classic White Shirt

As well as cardigans making a resurgence this autumn so to is the white shirt. I am a huge fan of a white shirt, something that has for so long been considered a lynchpin of men’s clothing ranges is now more frequently being experimented with in the feminine form. The rise in popularity of the ‘work to casual’ trend has surely played a part on this prompting designers are starting to experiment a lot more with the classic white shirt. Whilst the white shirt in its classic form is still extremely popular, (be it paired with a skirt, a pair of jeans or going down the smarter route) designers are embracing the white shirt in many different forms from frills and flared sleeves to embellishments and corset waists.

Image courtesy of fervent-adepte-de-la-mode via Flickr.com

Red

This autumn/winter it is all about those big bold colours and you can’t get much bigger and bolder than red. Red is absolutely everywhere from bold red trousers or knee high boots to classic red jumpers and delicate blouses, whether you want to stand out and make a statement or use it more subtly to give your everyday look a little bit of a lift. The prominence of red in this year’s autumn/winter collections is to represent power, its bold tones standing out no matter what the occasion. Whilst red is a big feature across every aspect of this season’s collections, red coats and red shoes in particular are prominent.

Image courtesy of fervent-adepte-de-la-mode via Flickr.com

Knee High Boots

Knee high boots have become increasingly popular over the last few years and this season’s collection is no different. From flats to chunky heels to stiletto heels, knee high boots and thigh high boots in all different colours, materials and designs are featuring everywhere this autumn. Whilst the classic plain suede knee high boot is one of the most popular designs, variations including lace up backs are becoming increasingly popular and add a little bit of glamour without going over the top. In contrast for those slightly more daring shades of bright red and bold floral designs to make you stand out and make a statement are becoming increasingly more available with high street stores (not just designers) now embracing the bold look.

Image courtesy of fervent-adepte-de-la-mode via Flickr.com

Mini Bags

Carrying on from one of the big spring/summer trends, mini bags are continuing their prominence in this year’s autumn/winter collections. From Zara and Whistles to Chloe and Louis Vuitton, everyone is going crazy for this timeless accessory. Mini bags can add a sense of class to an outfit and are perfect bag for so many occasions, from popping out to brunch to nights out and everything in between.

Image courtesy of fervent-adepte-de-la-mode via Flickr.com

Shearling Coats

Shearling coats are this year’s must have item and are lining mannequins and clothing rails across the country. In every colour and style imaginable get ready to see a lot of shearling in the coming months. Be it the entire coat, the lining or just the collar, shearling is definitely having its moment in the spotlight, to keep us all snug in these cold months. Particularly prominent are the stylings with suede and the all over look, both of which can be glammed up or styled down to go from day to night easily.

Image courtesy of fervent-adepte-de-la-mode via Flickr.com

Though we’re all a little disappointed that summer is over, a little retail therapy and some stunning clothes to prepare us for autumn and winter might just take the edge off of it.