Style in the city: All you need to wear next season
Straight from the designers to you, these are the trends to follow this autumn...
It's not even summer yet, but it never hurts to plan your shopping ahead of time. What should you have in your closet this autumn? LondonNet takes a look at some of the hottest trends for the upcoming season, based on designs straight from the catwalk during February's London Fashion Week.
Hats and hoods. You can't get a trend more practical than this. Now you can take refuge from the bitter winter winds and look stylish at the same time. Try a slouchy gray knit hood or a pom-pommed hat to keep things interesting. You can have your pick of styles, but heed your mother's advice and cover that head when you step outside.
Crystal. The good people at Swarovski will help put a bit of sparkle on trendy clothing next season, with flashy touches showing up everywhere from buttons to dress straps to jacket lapels. Think of all this embellishment as the next step past metallics. You don't have to be a pageant queen to wear clothes that shine this autumn.
Draping. The Grecian goddess look has been played out over the last few years, but this is a good way to get the same elegance with a more body-conscious silhouette. Look for dresses with gently flowing folds of material, and if you want to show off your figure a bit more, pick a style with a defined waist. Some designers are using ribbons or belts to keep things streamlined.
Balloon sleeves. Expect fuller arms in coats, blouses and belted dresses next season. To balance structure with free-flowing ease, what about a balloon-sleeved fitted wool jacket? Just remember to consider your frame when shopping for big sleeves. Too much fabric can overwhelm someone of small stature.
Gray. Black is still a predominant colour, but don't make it the only neutral in your closet next season. Whether it's in the form of a bias cut wool check coat, a tremendously bulky knit sweater or a chic sleeveless cocktail dress, gray is a colour to have.
Volume on the bottom. If designers want you to wear your sleeves full this winter, they want you to wear your skirts fuller. Take your pick from styles that are gigantic and floor-skimming, tiered and lacy or A-line and gauzy.
Things to keep in your closet:
They've been around awhile, but why get rid of a good thing?
Belts. Our favourite waist-defining accessory is here for another go-round. Whether your belt is thick or thin, and whether you wear it over a leather trench, shift dress or tunic, make sure you have one for autumn.
Tights. Some wear them coloured. Some wear them ribbed. We say just make sure you have a few pairs. Try them under your favourite dress or a pair of loose-fitting city shorts, and you'll have a winning combination.
Metallics. Pick one piece of your outfit and really make it shine. Some of the best choices? A streamlined silver trench coat, a strapless metallic bubble dress or a full length sparkly gold evening gown.
- Jill Hilbrenner