Trend alert: How to dress this autumn

It’s the new season made simple. Fashion editor Annmarie O’Connor reveals her six top trends and how to wear them.

Sat, 03 Sep, 2016 - 01:00

Annmarie O’Connor

CALL OF THE WILD

Animal prints continue to roam the fashion tundra alongside furry naps, metallic jacquards and brash brocades. Expect maximalist interpretations of the trend across the board. No pussy cats here.

STYLE TIP: The leopard print coat is this season’s statement piece. Make like J. Crew creativ director Jenna Lyons and layer it over, well, everything! Meet your new neutral.

DECORATIVE ARTS

The candour of this season’s ‘notice me’ approach to dressing is rapidly dismantling dress codes. Jewels, embroidery and delicious embellishments segue from day to night and back again with little regard for social constraints. Any time, any day is the new occasion.

STYLE TIP: Pair an embroidered tunic with the trending cropped wide leg trouser. Finish with loafer slides for everyday elegance.

LADY ECLECTIC

Gucci reignites the spirit of last winter’s unlikely muse Margot Tenenbaum with a sequel to the lady eclectic. Jacquards, tapestry, retro shoes and explosive colours combine in a kaleidoscope of kitsch. The result? An homage to the quorum of quirky.

STYLE TIP: Not keen on hypertextuality? Opt for one stand-out piece like the pussybow blouse or a knife pleat skirt in matte rather than metallic. Dress down with a simple staple for everyday ease.

FUR-OCIOUS

Furry textures find continued expression in colder climes and this winter is no exception. Prim coat edging at Oscar de la Renta, outre and oversized silhouettes at Fendi, shaggy styles at Rodarte and floral confections from Michael Kors – the options are endless.

STYLE TIP: If the hirsuite doesn’t suit, take a less prodigious approach with a faux fur stole worn off-the-shoulder or cross-body and tucked into a coat belt.

MILITARY EXERCISE

Military references get the full salute with brass buttons at Coach, gold frogging at Dolce & Gabbana, caping at Mulberry, and not forgetting Prada’s nautical nous. More perennial than a passing trend, this is one closet keeper that honours its cost-per-wear.

STYLE TIP: Looking to invest? Look no further than a classic full-length coat. If brass buttons add too much volume, look to quieter single-breasted styles that offer a leaner silhouette.

CHECK IT OUT

As the mercury dips, watch check prints rise. Whether you prefer Victoria Beckham’s Prince of Wales print, Burberry’s muted plaid or Acne Studio’s Scandi tweed, box clever by opting for the square root.

STYLE TIP: Give heritage a new twist by pairing a tartan skirt and platform ankle boots with a demure polo neck and trenchcoat.

STYLE NOTES

The cut: oversized, relaxed silhouette, loose tailoring, sculptural silhouette, pleats and folds, voluminous

The eras: 70s Bowie with elements of 80s disco and a rollover of 90s grunge

The fabric: velvet, brocade, faux fur, sheepskin, chinoiserie, overstated knits, suede, snakeskin, leather, mesh, lace, denim, sheer, sequins, glossy patent leather, vinyl.

The print: leopard, check, winter florals The colour: pink and yellow (worn together), camel, black

The detail: ruffles, embroidery, frayed and distressed edges, pleating, tinsel, metallic sheen, quilting, tight lacing accents, skin-baring cut-outs, statement collars, reinvented fringe, crossbody fur stoles

The rollovers: slip dresses, bomber jackets, pyjama wear, athleisure, mules

The influences: genderless, global traveller, fairytales, vintage, maritime and military, ballet and dance, Studio 54, Renaissance women, punk.

STOCKISTS

Arnotts - Henry Street 01-8050400; www.arnotts.ie
Asos – www.asos.com
Brown Thomas – Patrick Street 021-4805555; www.brownthomas.com and other branches
Debenhams - Patrick Street 1890-946779; www.debenhams.ie
Dorothy Perkins - Patrick Street 021-4272060; www.dorothyperkins.com and other branches
Hobbs – Dundrum Town Centre 01-2079619; www.hobbs.co.uk
House of Fraser - Dundrum Town Centre 01-2991400; and www.houseoffraser.co.uk
M&S – Merchants Quay SC 021-4275555; www.marksandspencer.ie and other branches
Marc Cain – Oliver Plunkett St 021-4279909; www.marc-cain.com and other branches
Next - Opera Lane 021-4204000; www.next.co.uk; and other branches
Penneys – Patrick Street 021-4271936; www.primark.com and other branches
Reiss - St. Stephen’s Green 01-6712588; www.reiss.co.uk and other branches
River Island - Opera Lane 021-4278460; www.riverisland.com and other branches
Samui - Drawbridge St, Cork 021-4278080; www.samuifashions.com
Topshop - Opera Lane 021-4278268; www.topshop.com and other branches
Uterqüe – www.uterque.com
Wallis - Patrick Street 021-4271733; www.wallis.co.uk and other branches
Zara – Mahon Point SC 021-4972320; www.zara.com and other branches