From New York to London and now Milan, the globally trying times haven’t halted the progress of the seasonal fashion collections. Once again, most of the shows on the international fashion week circuits were digitally-focused, with designers utilising livestreamed runway shows to an audience on the other side of a screen; plus artfully-shot lookbooks and films to showcase their ready-to-wear releases for Fall/Winter 2021.
Of course, it’s still possible (and encouraged) to take inspiration from the likes of Prada, Fendi, Emilia Wickstead, Gabriela Hearst and more for how to style your own wardrobe this autumn — and perhaps what to invest in. Here are five trends we’ve spied to update your sartorial repertoire.
Top of the Crops
Whether rendered as a bra-top under a jacket, or as a rib-skimming knit, designers put the upper midriff on show this season — usually paired with a longer hemline on the bottom, try with some slouchy trousers or a calf-length skirt.
Blanket Dressing
Cosy does it with the copious number of ponchos, knits and oversized throws shown from the likes of Gabriela Hearst, Erdem and Alberta Ferretti. When it comes to this look, sleeves are overrated.
Lovely Leather
The black biker jacket has been firmly shown the door (aside from one sighting at Simone Rocha) in favour of buttery overcoats in a range of both neutral and saturated shades. Whether you opt for a looser, 80s-inspired silhouette or something more polished and fitted, the leather overcoat is an easy way to instantly look put together.
Creamy Cable Knits
Fine knit jumpers and dresses may be ideal for layering, but a chunky cable knit makes a statement and designers have gone for supersized stitches this season.
Leg It
Add a touch of sass to an otherwise covered-up look with a skirt that reveals a (still nicely summer-bronzed) leg when you stride about your day. As seen at 3.1 Phillip Lim, it’s a great way to show off statement hosiery — another big trend.
Standalone Designer Highlights
Prada
For their latest collection as co-creative directors, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons were inspired by change and transformation, and the liminality that exists between two disparate states of being. Harnessing both simplicity and complexity; elegance and practicality; expression and minimalism, the joyful collection is the perfect antidote to dark times with its tactile textures and artful layering.
The Row
With an uncanny ability to make us rethink the proportions of everything we wear, The Row has done it again this season with a perfectly relaxed take on its signature minimalist sensibility. The way forward, it seems, is just the right amount of oversized — from a cream turtleneck tucked into white trousers to a louche yet (naturally) luxurious camel suit.
Fendi
Kim Jones’ first women’s ready-to-wear collection for Fendi was a masterclass in neutrals imbued with rich interest, proving a muted colour palette is anything but boring. We love the fringed coats, both belted and not, the sumptuous materials and ultra-long sleeves.
