Autumn Winter 2015 Trends

You might still be wearing your floral maxi because the weekend forecast is 35 degrees plus but that doesn’t stop your favourite stores launching their new AW15 collections.

Trends are forecasted approximately two years in advance with brands working to design and have collections in store before the end of the summer months.

So if you’re keen for a forecast of what you’ll be wearing when the weather cools, here is your first official trend report courtesy of Style with Cindy:

Artful

We saw digital prints dominate 2014 and now artistic designs are weaving their way into our favourite fabrics.

Think graphic prints and geometric designs that will see you layering them in a not so mix and match way. Cleverly clashing your prints will be admired but if you do, make sure you work with complimentary colour palettes.

Beauty products and application will also take this trend on with crazy lip, eye and cheek colour combinations. It won’t be as disastrous as the 80’s but don’t be alarmed if you see a rise in blue eye shadow and pink lips.

Black & White

Our favourite monochromatic pair are back and stronger than ever.

We discuss colours later on this report but black and white deserve their own category.

You’ll continue to colour block and mix and match prints and patterns in these two hues but white will also be found in some of your heavier winter items.

Think off-white leather jackets, crisp white coats teamed with printed scarves.

Sports Luxe

Australians are renowned for our strong health and fitness culture that has really directed this trend of sportswear becoming daywear.

So much so, that sports clothes have made their way out of the gym and are looking quite luxurious, also known as sports luxe.

Here you’ll work body con dresses and meshed layering. You might team these pieces with relaxed cotton print pants, leather leggings or a pleated mini skirt – inspired by the type you’d find on the netball court.

Gelato

Brands have translated the flavoursome colours of Italian ice cream to the runway.

One of the biggest colour palletes of the year will see gelato and pastel tones.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coveting a lime green cardigan, blood orange knit or soft pale pink biker jacket.

Greys and neutrals will also weave their way into this trend.

The New Floral

We saw flowers dominate our headwear during the Spring Carnival races thanks to the 70’s fashion movement.

For AW15, flowers will continue to lose their girly-ness as we’re presented with edgier, more artistic floral designs.

Think the blurred waterlilies of Monet’s masterpieces, rough design edges and large flowers prints on darker fabrics.

It will be a little dramatic and not so pattern-like as you’ll find flowers falling of hems and cut-off from sleeves.

70’s

The rise of the jump suit has been preparing us for a 70’s fashion reinvigoration.

Wide leg jeans/flares and boot cut are back – I can hear my hourglass and triangle ladies celebrating!

Personally, I think it’s totally overdue!

Yes, the cigarette leg is still around but a much preferred more elegant leg has returned – do we all remember our culottes?

Amal Clooney pushed this trend into full throttle for her post-wedding white pantsuit. I still sigh in admiration when I see it.

Other Colours

Cobalt Blue – we’ve seen this in our interiors and we’ll also be wearing it. Cobalt is such a luxurious colour and works beautifully with white, gold and your gelato pieces.

We’ll also see a soft take on army colours, think khaki, greys and warm browns.

If you remember earlier this year, we announced that PANTONE had selected Marsala as the 2015 Colour of the Year, so expect a lot of pieces utilising the wine colour.

Styles

So what can you keep from last season? The midi skirt for a start. This length is loved and proving to be long lasting as it takes as through yet another set of cool months.

Our pencil skirts will loosen up a little around our legs with a pleat like finish – very elegant and feminine.

For those meetings, “power-dressing” is oh so over. You’ll now adopt “soft power”; a style of dressing that is a little gentler in appearance.

The outfit will still visualise strength but the cut and design will be with an approached femininity.

Finally, for a touch of Japanese inspiration, we welcome Kimono Jackets. Featured in beautiful bright prints that we’ll layer over our dark winter jeans.

So where to get AW15 now?

Well, Witchery has lead the pack with their AW15 range that arrived by the 21^st January. Country Road, SABA and David Jones have also released their collections.

I personally love what I see. I’ve found a grey-charcoal flannel with a black button long line woollen cardigan.

Those grey turtlenecks at Witchery are divine for winter and I’m loving them teamed with the black leather A-line skirts.

Tasselled bags, brogues and ballet flats will house our feet in winter.

Boots have become classic again, think long, black and classic or a small gold buckle detail. No more gladiator, warrior styles that don’t actually keep our legs warm.

Now when it comes to wearing the AW15 Trends, there are of course a few style tips that might help you along:

1. Don’t jump in too quickly and get carried away with purchasing. Be inspired by catalogues and what the brands have put together, but ensure it suits you.
2. Think about the look and style you want to create this AW15 and then buy pieces to team with items already in your wardrobe.
3. Keep an eye out for special offers – spend and save – e.g.: Country Road, Trenery, Saba and Witchery.
4. Winter can be more shapeless and with thicker fabrics. So please be aware, make sure that it flatters your shape and that you love it before you purchase it.
5. Blend your colours in with each other so you don’t end up with a colour clash against what you typically wear/or that suits you.
6. The wide leg trouser/flare trouser and mini will more than likely require a heel. If you’re not a heel wearer, consider a shoe that will elongate you.

Here’s my wish list of Autumn/Winter Trends

What trends do you love or loathe? Do you like following trends, did any looks appeal?

I would love to hear your trend input!