10 sartorial decisions you need to make ahead of the new season
You might have worn nothing but a sun dress, shades and a straw hat for the past three months and the thought of slipping into a winter coat might still feel like a long way off, but the new season is coming. As the new collections begin to arrive, it's time to start making some smart sartorial decisions. From the coat trend to try this year to the print tribe you want to join, here are 10 sartorial decisions to make before embarking on your autumn/winter 2018 shopping list.
1. The Print: Animal vs Checks
Animal prints were the standout pattern on the autumn/winter 2018 catwalks with everyone from Victoria Beckham and Tom Ford to Michael Kors and Max Mara championing the trend. But if you don't fancy taking a walk on the wild side, there is another print tribe you can join this autumn: checks. Erdem, Calvin Klein and Versace all made a case for statement checks in the form of dresses, coats and two-pieces.
2. The Coat: The Leather Trench vs Shaggy Sheepskin
Choosing your coat is the biggest sartorial decision you will make in winter – and this year, while there are plenty of options to choose from, two styles stand out more than any other. Glossy leather trenches were shown at the likes of Acne Studios, Simone Rocha, Fendi, Marni and Rejina Pyo, while shaggy sheepskin coats reigned supreme at Max Mara, Giambattista Valli and Dior.
3. The Shoe: Cowboy Boots vs Statement Snakeskin
There is no denying that the cowboy boot (and the western trend generally) saw a serious revival on the autumn/winter 2018 catwalks – it was championed by Calvin Klein, Fendi and Isabel Marant, to name a few. Animal prints too worked their way into footwear in a big way in the form of statement snakeskin boots, seen at Rochas, Proenza Schouler and Zimmerman.
4. The Unexpected Accessory: Hoods vs Balaclavas
Perhaps the most unexpected trend to emerge out of the AW18 catwalks was statement headwear, so if you truly want to look the part this winter, you better invest. Valentino, Maison Margiela and Preen all championed the exaggerated hood, while Gucci, Dior and Calvin Klein made a surprisingly convincing case for the balaclava.
5. The Jewellery: Oversized Earrings vs Layered Necklaces
Extravagant jewellery is going nowhere fast as was proven by Balenciaga, Y/Project, Zadig & Voltaire and Jacquemus, who were among those to show striking, oversized earrings in their collections. Meanwhile, Chanel and Coach went in a more ladylike direction, making a case for the layering of delicate necklaces.
6. The Bag: The XL 'Clutch' vs Vintage Totes
When it comes to investing in a handbag this autumn, there are plenty of trends to choose from, but two styles stood out as something fresh for the season ahead. Rejina Pyo, Tibi, Rochas, Chanel and Acne Studios championed the XL tote, but styled it as if it were to be carried as a clutch. Meanwhile, Fendi, Prada and Dior looked to the past by bringing back vintage styles from '90s collections.
7. The Denim: Stonewash vs The Boiler Suit
If you're planning on investing in some new denim this season, then don't be afraid to take yourself back to the '80s. Y/Project, Miu Miu and Alberta Ferretti all made a case for stonewash styles, while Dior and Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini championed the boiler suit.
8. The Ladylike Fabric: Tweed or Silk
Prepare to add a touch of heritage chic into your autumn/winter wardrobe this season with two fabrics that were seen across the catwalks. Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu championed the return of tweed, as, of course did Chanel. Meanwhile, ladylike silk was seen at Oscar de la Renta, Gucci and Toga.
9. The Everyday Hero: The Pleated Skirt vs The Leather Dress
Balenciaga, JW Anderson and Simone Rocha made a case for pretty, pleated skirts that are easy to wear and are also easy to dress up. The leather dress meanwhile was championed at Tod's, Alexander McQueen and Victoria Beckham – and will make a great addition to any everyday wardrobe. Both are excellent desk-to-dinner solutions.
10. The Party Dress: Luxe Fringing vs Silver Sequins
Autumn/winter 2018 is the start of party season with Christmas and New Year's Eve closer than you might think. This year, look to the luxe fringing on the catwalks of Givenchy, Christopher Kane and Loewe for inspiration or channel the disco feel with silver sequins over at Paco Rabanne, Halpern and Off-White.
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