Five Autumn/Winter Trends To Explore

Welcome to part three of our trend series: 2014 Autumn/Winter (AW) Fashion Trends.

Now, you might think following the recent heatwave across Australia that this post is not very timely – but the timing couldn’t be better.

The new season is well underway and you will begin to see (if you haven’t already) AW fashion in store, online meanwhile the international runways featuring FALL 2014 fashion were done and dusted almost six months ago.

In my role as a personal stylist, I conduct regular trend research both locally and internationally. This enables me and my team of stylists to provide trend advice when shopping with a client in store, while some of the images below depict the extreme of a trend it does not mean that we will dress our clients this way, the decision on a style is dictated by the clients personality along with careful consideration to their lifestyle and age, then only subtle use of a trend is used to ensure the clients look is stylish and up to date, the client must feel confident that it reflects who they are on the inside, and most importantly, they love it 🙂

It also helps me forecast styles and colours that can be purchased to take them through to the next season or two – handy right?

In terms of AW 2014, the season is looking to be very strong, structured and bringing back some favourite classics. I’ve rounded up five noteworthy trends that we will be sporting when the temperature drops:

Houndstooth

This fashion direction could be identified as a “classist” trend however it’s officially back for 2014. Jacquie Kennedy and Coco Chanel demonstrated houndstooth’s longevity wearing it incredibly well and this year we’ll be opting for a Mod Style take on the trend: think Bay City Rollers in the 1970’s.

This strong print which will be complemented by neighbouring check and tartan patterns and will appear in everything from full-length coats to narrow leg trousers. This is something which Rita Ora wears quiet often!

Houndstooth demands attention, from the bold statement pieces to the more demure versions for those wanting to incorporate a more subtle take on the trend.

Houndstooth will also be the accent look to complete your outfit so when wearing this trend piece, it’s suggested you keep the rest of your look simple unless you really want to extend yourself, then a head to toe look will work also.

Army Green | Military

Army Green filled New York Fashion Week back in September and will hit Australian shores in the form of military coats & jackets creating a modern edge to this strong trend.

Army Green will be considered a new neutral for the cooler months and can make a strong statement when mixed and matched with tailored & relaxed wool trousers or a leather skirt.

This trend is very suited to the Australian climate, with the colour found regularly in our earthy landscapes and for most it will be an easy colour to blend and pair.

There is a definite ruggedness to this particular trend that you can play up to when looking for a statement style (enter stiletto heels) or bring back down into a casual every day look.

Denim lovers should also look out for jeans in army green colours.

Gladiator Boots

It’s looking like a tough fashion season with gladiator boots taking the reigns from the gladiator sandal.

This powerful boot takes on a fierce look for those wanting to make an entrance and bring a powerful edge to their outfit. We will see legs and ankles decorated in straps, buckles and for a little femininity, choose a heeled version of the look.

You’ll find bold black and army green as the driving colours in gladiator boots along with strong accents of burgundy that will help this trend create the strong statement look it deserves.

Whether worn with leather skirts, tartan or black leather pants, this will keep in the warmth while creating an edgy look.

I’m also predicating a glamorous take on this look following some trend research in Italy last year. Italian fashion house, Salvatore Ferragamo had these gorgeous boots in their store window. You will see the cut out is a “neat” reflection on this trend with the boots exuding both a strong yet polished look.

Leather, Leather & More Leather!

Leather will remain a strong trend in 2014 particularly in skirts!

Take your pick as you will find it in pleated skirts, A-line skirts, full skirts, pencil skirts, shift dresses, pants and full length and cropped coats.

This season will boast with femininity as leather takes form in more polished and structured pieces. Leather effortlessly creates a strong foundation for our wardrobes as it enables the mixing and matching of simple luxury pieces.

Leather will always create a statement and along with its versatility and layering options makes for a popular choice for our varying climate.

On a further note, there are faux leather versions for those on a budget but understand that real leather is an investment. It will stand the test of time beyond most fabrics in your wardrobe which makes it easier to explain to your partner that you must have a leather fashion item as it as it’s a “forever piece”. (You’re welcome).

Capes

Capes will be one of the more exciting trends for AW 2014 as it will be incorporating all trends.

Now don’t fret, we’re not asking you to look like a caped crusader or wear a red cloth echoing that of Little Red Riding Hood, this years cape will be incredibly chic.

This cover-up piece will have a little more structure than in the past (goodbye poncho) and also be seen in blazer forms. Designers will construct them with beautiful weighted fabrics for Winter which will feature leather trims and strong statement checks and tartans.

Capes are great for layering in our forever changing climate and I predict will be the “go to” piece that we throw on to keep us warm, while exuding a style that is classic and effortless.

So now it’s over to my style observers out there. Have you seen any of these trends in-store yet or is there one you might like to try?

Let me know in the comments below. I’ll be starting with a pair of gladiator boots.

Cindy x