The weather hasn’t even begun its worsening yet, but, thanks to the calibre of clothing showcased at the recently wrapped-up Fall 2020 ready-to-wear shows, we’re already eagerly anticipating the arrival of autumn. At the Milan, Paris, London, and New York fashion weeks, protecting against chilly and inclement weather while remaining sartorially-savvy was at the crux of each show — at Paris Fashion Week the runways were even ravaged by faux snowstorms (Thom Brown) and floods (Balenciaga) to truly reiterate the theme — and thus a medley of strong, seasonally appropriate looks were born. From checkered prints to lashings of leather, here we’ve outlined four of the most runway-dominating trends that we’ll be sporting all season long.
1. Layers upon layers of leather
It’s clear that the punk spirit can be well and truly felt in the air, at least that’s if the lashings of black leather dominating the runways are anything to go by. Whether employed via items of clothing like trench coats, jackets, dresses, trousers, or skirts, or via accessories like knee-high boots and gloves, the rule to bear in mind is that more is most definitely more. Make like the models storming Emilia Wickstead, Alberta Ferretti and Dior and layer it up for full dominatrix effect.
2. Check it out
Whether head-to-toe, colour-blocked or emblazoned across one hero item of clothing, gingham, houndstooth, or buffalo, checks are the print stealing the limelight for the foreseeable future. A monochromatic coat in a failsafe checkered print, like those seen at Stella McCartney, make for a simple but timelessly elegant wardrobe update, while a head-to-toe look provides a way to dip into the trend for those who are looking to make a sartorial statement. Fortune favours the brave, after all.
3. Tailoring, but elevated
Classic suiting has been given an ultra-elegant overhaul for autumn 2020. From Prada to Lanvin to Off White, the runways were littered with an array of androgynous silhouettes, each of which were boasting a noticeably couture aesthetic — including the likes of sculpted shoulders, deep, sultry v-necks, oversized shapes and chic sleeve detailing.
4. Cutouts
The temperatures may be due to descend, but don’t assume that equates to showing less skin. Slashes, slits, asymmetric necklines and cutouts ensured that models offered onlookers a peek of the obliques, a sliver of abs and a glimpse of the collarbone — but in a truly tasteful way. Take inspiration from the likes of Boss and Proenza Schouler and don a subtle cutout for a look that is bold and risqué but without stepping into harlot’s territory.
