by This London Fashion Week was full of bold ideas, including knit ball gowns at JW Anderson and fuchsia bubble skirts at Molly Goddard.
But which pieces will we really want to add to our wardrobe? Here, we pick the nine trends to try this autumn – or sooner.
Enter your cowgirl era – Molly Goddard
When Beyoncé embraces cowgirl style, the world follows. Molly Goddard’s Western style leanings came courtesy of her “eBay watchlists” which included “knitted cowboy dresses for kids” and “soft cowboy boots” rather than Queen Bey, but she nevertheless contributed to the feeling that the look yee-haw. in the air. Look now by following Goddard’s example with a preloved embroidered Western shirt or a pair of cowboy boots: also, her jumper will be an autumn/winter must-have – maybe Beyoncé will get one?
Thorn bag – Erdem
Autumn’s best boots can inject personality into any outfit. Erdem wore single-stemmed flowers on the lapels of opera boucle coats – a no-nonsense style that paid tribute to soprano Maria Callas, and the fans who showed her flowers post-performance. Pin on your favorite badge, or wrap scarf, for an instant update.
Tie your sweater around your waist – JW Anderson
You can spot a fashionista a mile away from the way they tie their sweater around their shoulders like a golfer on an unexpectedly balmy day on the course (hands up, I do this). JW Anderson introduced us to a new fad to try next – tying our jumpers around our waists instead.
The ones seen on this scene looked knotty and exaggerated but this needs to be refined in a simple way to instantly look more “now” and not much more than any old sweater you have lying around.
Go for bronze – Simone Rocha
Money has been everywhere in the last year or so. I’m not suggesting you throw away any silver you may have acquired but if your gold and bronze have been landing at the back of your wardrobe for a while, Simone Rocha’s show will give you a reason to dig it out and polished again. : look at her beautiful burnished metallic dress.
Emilia Wickstead – go for a brogue
Emilia Wickstead collaborated with Northamptonshire cobbler Grenson on a range of glossy loafers – hers came with exaggerated tassels and were worn with semi-finished pop socks. “I was inspired by British Teddy Boys and Teddy girls,” she explained. “I love the way people in the mid-1960s styled themselves, layering on these scarves, stockings and hoop earrings in an individual way.”
The smart-yet-comfortable shoe revolution was also seen on the front rows at various shows. Ruth Wilson did best, teaming her embellished floral Erdem coat with black brogues.
Cobalt splash – Roksanda
The “red theory” interior trend has taken hold of late, which means the hue is everywhere. Want to be an early adopter of the next pop color trend? Choose a small tip of cobalt. Roksanda did it in a very refreshing way with leggings – extra points if you use your cobalt to create a really delicious color palette, like the pale pink / cobalt on the catwalk here. You could also use socks, a scarf or a cardigan to introduce an unexpected new jolt of color to an outfit you already love.
The glam skirt – 16Arlington
Of the 40 catwalk looks presented by 16-year-old Arlington designer Marco Capaldo, the last few were the cutest. Two tinsel ball skirts flew through the Barbican Center in London, as the real-life audience gasped and social media fans hit “like”. The sparkling maxi skirt pairs well with a great set of separates: tuck into a white shirt, or wear it with a tuxedo jacket to sharpen it up.
This is your bow – Richard Quinn
All you have to do is feel a meter or two of ribbon this season. You could channel Simone Rocha’s models – who sported layers of tiny bows in every shade from baby blue to cream and red as their hair – or emulate Richard Quinn’s approach to a ribbon sash add to your other party outfit. A quick way to see autumn/winter 2024 all connected.
Show your faux – Conner Ives
This autumn’s outerwear options are rather flashy, some might say. Think polished leather mules and marabou-trimmed opera coats that would make a “Mob Wife” swoon. Faux fur has also made a comeback in many collections. Connor Ives’ belted woolen coat, with oversized cuffs and collar, looked like one of the more wearable variations, and was easy to style with wide-leg jeans and a polo neck.
