.png)
It's the ole fashion season "switch-er-roo" time again, from the summery to the snugglier stuff and whether you're ready or not, it's always fun to find out what's hot and what's not, from the sublime to the ridiculous and then well....wear you're own thing anyway? On the other hand, like me, you may want to inject a few new lovelies into your wardrobe, for all those shindigs you're going to be invited to (ahem, yes I am), or update an overly loved and abused staple that's still clinging to the hanger with all it's bobbles and shiny patches...bless.
As usual, I've picked through the unwearable and downright stupid to present to you a lowdown of the good stuff for us savvy shoppers and cost per wear lovers to get more bang for your buck and see you through to Spring and Summer 2019.
So without further ado, I present to you my top picks.....
Colour -Fest
Ooh there's lots of brights to get your teeth into if you like a statement colour pop or want to try new mixes in your outfits. Green is taking centre stage this season, from the vivid primary to the deep and mysterious and would make a great staple in a winter coat or quirky knit. There's also the popular pinks, purples, deep reds and blues that seem to swamp the festive season in rich luxe fabrics such as satin and velvets, however, pastel blue is making a strong run in the suit and separates departments, who'd have thought. Love the edgy take on the power dressing here.
Don't worry though if you're sweating at the thought of pulling off all this colour because there is always a route for the neutral lovers and classic followers and this season it takes the form of beautiful browns. There's no boredom of beige here though because the choices are rich, from caramels to toffees and tans to tobaccos, just think chocolate heaven and werthers originals... nom nom. These staple lovelies can be mixed surprisingly well with yellow ochres, oranges, purples and blues, yes indeed, so get out your denims and soft knits and get comfy.
Silver is once again the metallic lovers choice and remains steadfast well into spring, so look for it in jewellery and accessories if you're not into the tinfoil coats and shiny fabrics.
Image ref: Pinterest image Blog.kukka.nl
Pattern Privy
Yes, my friends, all things checked, plaid, tartan and tweed are here to still here (was popular this time last year) so you may well have something still lurking in your wardrobe. It doesn't matter what the colour or pattern is so you can go 'freelance' here and work it into blazers, macs, coats, trousers or skirts whoopee.
Image ref: Pinterest
If you were a fan of Bet Lynch, you're in! Animal prints, particularly leopard print is frickin rampant this season but other fauna is being celebrated too from the snake and croc to the cow and zebra, so get back to nature and pop some faux in your wardrobe or accessorise darling. Personally, I find less is usually more with this kind of trend, so just one piece does the trick else you'll be getting signed up for Lion King productions.
Image ref: Trendbridged.com; Pinterest
If your tastes are a little more flora, then the dark and rich botanical prints might be more up your street for the dress department. I saw many a ditsy flower or dramatic bloom, in my digging, on black and other dark coloured backgrounds mainly and was seen on skirts and trousers too ,which gave the usual upbeat boho theme a little more mystery,. Always a bit more sexy, I think, for winter drinkies in snug little corners with your beau.
Image Ref; GalMeetsGlam; Pinterest
For the more dramatic and funky types, graffiti and graphic prints make an entrance on jumpers, so festive jumpers can now be a positive talking point, whereas stripes head for the trouser department and spots are pretty much a free for all. So you see there really is something for everyone.
Look Book
With patterns leading the way with themes of country royals, safari adventures and gothic floral boho then, I reckon it would be prudent to note that despite all this, the neat and the tailored still exist albeit in bolder colour blocks and with a looser fit (jeans mostly) and seen particularly in the comeback of the trouser suit, which is a welcomed addition to the usual office/work servings.
Image ref; GabiFresh.com;Pinterest
On the whole, the hemlines seem to be hanging around the midi length, shoulders are still being exposed and necklines remain high for the time being but obviously this is just my observations and any deviation is totally yours for the tweaking. As you may realise from my previous ramblings, fashion and trends are not written to be followed to the 't', rather just there for our enjoyment and to help us choose from the plethora of choice... make it your own if you wish.
It's the Little Things
Ah the hard working accessory, whether it be a clutch, a shoe or a necklace, they are the lynch pins to any outfit and can work magic on the simplest of outfits, whether you want to look dressed down or pimped up.
This season they are fun, friendly and practical (for the most part) and can be worked into your seasonal separates. Let's start with bags.... well they range from the small and structured to fluffy and slouchy with a questionable but useful 'bumbag' revival thrown in for good measure. However, I really struggle with this one on a styling level, personally, due to them being synonymous with the "car booter", no offence implied, I love a good root about as much as the next person, but they just don't do it for me..... "pair of ski boots or a sandwich toaster anyone"?
Seriously though, footwear has gone all sensible with rigid soles and block heels and the cowboy boot is back and the tall boot has gone slouchy, which bodes well for a better fit around the ole shapely calves. If you want to add some sparkle though, then crystals, sequins and embellished twinkling is rife and sure to add the Cinderella touch to any shoe, flat or high.
Image Ref; Destiny embellished shoe; Coast
If you love a scarf, I know I do, then get rifling through your drawers for a little silk number and tie it to your bags, round your neck or on your head and you'll be on trend and updated in no time. Love the little things don't you? Speaking of little, there's not much room for studs and tiny gems this season in the ear bling department, it's go big or go home, as statement earrings and blingy hair clips are here to stay and ooh they do add a lovely focal point to your flowy or chopped mane and beaut faces.
Top of the Picks
Ok, so I've blasted through the look, feely bits and extras, but what about the main pieces and themes Sara, I hear you say? What should I invest my hard earned dosh into for Autumn and Winter? Well fear not, I have once again picked out what I believe to be the best pieces to look out for until Spring.
* Blankets for Coats - Whether it's a checked cape, printed pashmina or a fluffy rug, if you can arrange it chicly over your outfit, then it's as easy as that. Outerwear is going snuggly and fluid for the cold snaps plus, they add an extra touch to your trench or winter coat and taps into the layering look trend.
Image ref; Fabulousafterforty; Pinterest
* Slouchy Boots - Ooh get your skinnies tucked in or wear with opaque tights and long dresses. They look fabulous and come in all sorts of lengths and heels.
Image ref; Aldo Cradolia Suede Boot
* Velvet Anything - Adding a bit of luxe always leaves me feeling special and what better way to scoop up this feeling then popping a bit of touchy texture to your outfit. It can be as simple as a clutch or as seductive as a dress or blazer to give you that comfort and stroke factor.
Image ref: Jenny Packham Clutch; Debenhams
* Face Glitter - Bear with me on this one peeps, as I don't usually add anything make up related to my trend write ups, but I just couldn't resist adding this one, especially for all those parties. On all the catwalks and write ups, the models seemed to be sparkling, some were totally covered, but it was the details to the face that I liked the most. Now I'm not talking craft box covered faces here, just dustings of the fine stuff over eyeshadows and on the decolatage as I do think a little shiny glow lifts the skin and what fun to resemble a bauble eh? So check out hues of rose, gold or pewter if you fancy a go.
* Statement Skirt - With so many prints, textures and colours available at the moment, it would seem fruitless to ignore the power of an interesting skirt. Now I know many peeps are not wearers in times of rain and snow, but with a good pair of tights, footwear and a simple top, the lowly skirt can look and feel a million dollars. Whether you like a pencil or an A-line or a mini or a midi, you can rock a pleat, a sequin or a bit of lace easily and what better time to do it then when you have places to go and people to meet this season. So go on, invite one into your wardrobe and give it some love, I'm going to.
Image Ref; Black Geo Sequin Skirt;River Island
So there we have it, a whistle stop tour of the good stuff, though there is obviously a lot more micro trends and other 'it' items out there for you to choose from and will no doubt be few more en route to Christmas, so I will endeavour to keep you abreast of any sudden pop ups.
In the meantime, if you have any comments, questions or foibles regarding the new season, please do let me know, it's always good to know that someone is reading my words.
Thanks for reading and feel free to check out my Pinterest Boards for seasonal colour and style inspirations.
Sara xx