With fall just around the corner, we’ve already turned our heads away from dresses, beach bags and sliders. This year we are more reluctant than ever to bid goodbye to the unspeakably good, extremely rare, glorious British summertime. So what better way to beat the summer blues than indulge in the beautiful textures and fabrics A/W has to offer us?

The usual suspects are back yes, chunky knits, cosy scarfs and boots to make you swoon, however, this season pairing them seems more exciting than ever. With staple purchasing essential and layering never being more important, here are a few tips to get you started…

 

ANIMAL PRINT

As excited as we may be hearing a possible Spice Girl reunion, we are not quite talking full Scary Spice, but we’re not far off as animal print will be adorning everything from bags, trench coats, lingerie and socks. Shows from Tom Ford and Balenciaga have made a bold statement, however, let us think less Kat Slater and match leopard prints and zebras with paired down outfits. Team with flats to allow it to be more casual.

COWBOY

Lace up your boots and saddle your horse, it’s getting wild west, but glamourous. Think plaid dresses and suede fringing married with earth-toned hues and the chicest of fringing. Isabel Marant opened her A/W show with Dolly Parton’s Jolene and Fendi sent models down their runway in beautifully cut cowboy boots. Go big, go subtle or take a pinch of the trend and add a bag adorned with tassels.

‘MODESTY’ DRESSING

In a post ‘times-up’ era, where the female voice was strong and more importantly united against discrimination, designers took inspiration for their shows. Think lower hemlines and higher necklines, extreme layers covering the silhouette and power tailoring. Erdem threw evening dresses over prim shirts and McQueen experimented with female sexuality by strongly shaped suits that highlighted the femme form.

TWEED AND CHECK

Tying in with the trends above its only right that patterns make their way into Winter wardrobes this year. As check and tartan sneak into our scarfs or maybe snug duffel jackets at some point every year, this year it’s much more prominent. American plaid and rich heritage tartan feature in jackets and skirts, layered together in different materials work for a wonderful texture. You could make it more daring like Versace did and go for a look straight out of Clueless and opt for matching bright check or wear patterns with a patent, high gloss finish, which is bang on trend.