Autumn is probably the most forgiving month for fashion trends. Clingy, cut-out sundresses are replaced by generous knits and flattering tailoring, and pastels make way for bold jewel colours and easy-to-wear neutrals.
This year is no different. The womenswear trends for autumn 2017 are wearable and versatile, with something to suit everyone.
Read on for our guide to the essential trends of the season...
Belted coats
Belted coats are back – and this is one of those rare trends that just about anyone can pull off. Everyone from Louis Vuitton to Dior has jumped on to this look, with skinny belts and blazers, wide obi-style belts and trenches, and big-buckled belts with woollen coats. Get the look by upgrading your existing belt collection and cinching in the waist of your favourite coat.
Head to toe colour
Colour blocking is officially ‘out’. Now the fashion pack is dressing head to toe in one stand-out colour. However, you can’t cheat your way into this look by dressing in black or neutrals. This trend needs bold colours in autumnal hues of red, orange, green and blue. Don’t be afraid to mix up a few different shades of the same colour, but do make sure you keep the rest of the piece simple.
Checks
Heritage checks have been circling the catwalks for a while, but this is the season that they become a bona fide trend. Think ‘Downton Abbey shooting party’ and you’re halfway there. The checks themselves come in vintage colours of beige, burgundy and forest green, but the tailoring has been updated for the 21st century. Look for single-breasted midi coats, paper bag trousers, and relaxed-fit blazers. Wear one item at a time or go all-in with a three-piece checked suit.
Androgynous suits
And speaking of suits – the trouser suit is back, and its more androgynous than ever! Calvin Klein, Celine and Alexander McQueen are just a few of the designers who have been playing with loose tailoring this season, and the result is a slew of chic, modern suits that would look just as good in the boardroom as they would on the red carpet.
Feathers not fur
Faux fur is a perennial favourite for the autumn and winter, but this year it’s being upstaged by faux feathers. Prada, Lanvin and Sonia Rykiel have all embraced the trend, sending models down their catwalks covered in ostrich feathers and exotic plumage. This is definitely more of an evening look, and it’s not exactly for everyone. Try out the trend by investing in a feathered clutch or a feather-trim skirt, and keep the rest of your outfit simple.
The midi tea dress
When the Duchess of Cambridge arrived at Princess Diana’s 20-year memorial in a green Prada tea dress, she sparked a hundred fashion columns, all raving about the versatility and elegance of the style. A midi-length tea dress is the ultimate day-to-night outfit, which can be dressed up with a few well-chosen accessories, or dressed down with a bomber jacket and ankle boots. Isabel Marant, Christian Dior and Valentino have all produced their own version of this new fashion staple, and the high street won’t be far behind.
