Annmarie O'Connor: Your guide to Autumn trends and six statement buys

The Irish Examiner's fashion editor shares six of this season’s biggest trends and investment pieces

Sat, 09 Sep, 2023 - 02:00

Annmarie O’Connor

RED ALERT

Sound the alarm! This is not a drill. Fire engine red dominated the autumn/winter runways, foreshadowing a commanding season ahead.

Strong, fiery, attention-grabbing, expect notice-me energy from head-to-toe iterations of the hue as seen at Stella McCartney, or a soupcon of sexy in Victoria Beckham’s pleated skirt panels.

Should the colour prove too commanding, opting for a red baguette bag from Valentino demonstrates just the right amount of chutzpah.

IMAGE ABOVE: Guipure cut-out midi dress, Farm Rio, €380

LET’S BE TRANSPARENT

Part Sphinx, part minx, this season’s ode to sheer fabrics dishes up delicious tension.

From Molly Goddard’s organza spliced skirts to suggestive lace cut-aways at Stella McCartney and Zimmerman’s billowy chiffon mini dresses, the result is titillating yet playful.

The high street proves equally intriguing with a twist on Baroque romanticism thanks to H&M.

Think film noir meets Wuthering Heights as lingerie details and equestrian silhouettes contrasting with sheer maxi dresses bearing pussybow necklines and tiered frill sleeves in obsidian black.

Top tip: Layer your gúna over black underpinnings and pair with over-the-knee boots and a roomy matching overcoat.

IMAGE ABOVE: Transparent ruffled dress, H&M, €99.

HOURGLASS

After seasons of venerating the louche and the oversized, prepare for a redux of old Hollywood glamour.

Cinched waists, peplum frills and hourglass silhouettes flirt coquettishly with sharp tailoring creating a defined yet dramatic look.

Dolce & Gabbana served Robert Palmer realness with a white-waisted coat and slicked-back hair while The Frankie Shop’s exaggerated blazers pair perfectly with luxe cargo pants and tonal ankle boots.

Looking to add extra dimension? Incorporate textures like lace, silk, velvet or leather for Ava Gardner vibes.

IMAGE ABOVE: ‘Colette’ hourglass blazer, The Frankie Shop, €289

CORPORATE CHIC

Business casual just got its P45. You heard it here first.

C suite style is back with the power suit heading up operations.

Parlaying ‘80s executive brio with classic prints (think pinstripes and checks) and sumptuous fabrics, this new iteration of power dressing means business.

Looking to elevate your office game? Promote the Saint Laurent-style pencil skirt with a Merino wool sweater and kitten heels.

For traditionalists, a white shirt and black-tie pairing (thank you, Alexander McQueen) segues outside office hours with wide-leg jeans and Mary Janes.

IMAGE ABOVE: Gingham oversized blazer, €159; long sleeve Merino top, €49; pencil skirt, €89; leather slingback heels, €189, Arket

QUIET LUXURY

Ten years ago, the term “normcore” described a burgeoning backlash against trophy dressing. The irony? Its association with no-frills staples (New Balance sneakers, cargo pants, oversized button-downs) quickly reached cult status.

Fast forward to 2023 and the “quiet luxury” moniker is making an equal amount of noise.

Alluding to the sartorial simplicity favoured by old money; the look, which relies on subdued cuts and refined fabrics, also requires a Succession-worthy bank account.

So, how does one achieve the glossy discretion of Prada or The Row on a budget? Consider brands like Whistles, ME+EM and The Curated.

Think neutral wool coats, cashmere sweaters and polished leather bags for that legacy of wearability.

IMAGE ABOVE: Textured wool blend coat €519; ‘Penelope’ silk mix organza shirt €169; ‘Loki’ wool blend knit cardigan €195; ‘Loki’ wool blend ribbed trouser €179; ‘Asa’ Western knee-high boot €399; ‘Sofia’ fold over baguette bag €169; textured wide hoop (silver) €39, Whistles

LEATHER FOREVER

Leather assumes an irreverent and experimental edge as designers play with form, textures, and unexpected colourways like Prada fire engine red and Jil Sander buttermilk yellow.

Innovation and craftsmanship remain a sustained focus for outerwear with trompe-l’oeil offerings from Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen, and leather stem cosplay complements of satin at Stella McCartney and Courrèges.

More dash than cash? Massimo Dutti’s edit of leather trench coats wins big in a variety of colours.