Autumn is without a doubt my favourite time of the year, there is so much colour and wildlife around, the landscape changes with the falling leaves and the air starts to have a slight crispness to it. September also means the beginning of fashion season, with New York fashion week kicking off proceedings and Paris bringing them to a close a month later.
I am an avid follower of fashion, it is my guilty pleasure; I love the freedom of expression a beautiful dress can bring, and the joy of a new pair of boots… it drives my husband and co-founder, Richard, utterly bonkers. I am literally on first name terms with couriers. (Hey, Leo from DHL).
As consumers in 2021- climate change, sustainability and green issues have never been so high on our agendas or given so much media coverage. Reported sales demonstrate that we are keen to listen and act, and in turn, the industry is listening too. Fashion is making serious strides to becoming more sustainable - moving away from ‘fast fashion’, which is giving trends and styles more longevity.
This is great news, as not only does fashion account for 10% of all greenhouse emissions from human activity, it’s also responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater. Shocking, huh?!
A/W 21 TRENDS
Trends for A/W show that we are keen to move away from the athleisure elasticated waists that have been so prominent in our wardrobes for the past 18 months (adios, Covid).
Party season is officially back, with 2021 being more vibrant than ever - lifting the mood with feathers, sequins, and ruffles. If new textures were not enough, designers have taken on board the notion that bright colours lift spirits, with greens, pinks, and electric blue on the menu. What is not to love about that?
With styles having more longevity, the prairie looks that are popular during the warmer months are having an autumn makeover. Florals in rust and khaki colours for more of a stately-home upholstery-vibe, replacing the pretty field of camomile and foxglove. Oversized handbags are the style du jour on Instagram and not exactly ‘new’ for the party season; sequins and metallics are about to hit the stores, although this year you might pair your tulle dress with some chunky rubber ankle boots.
So, with all this in mind, what am I going to buy and wear? Living in the countryside and having three children, means sadly I don’t get a lot of opportunity for sequins. Therefore, here is my wish list.
Wide-leg jeans are back in a big way, bringing a much-needed update to undoubtedly the hardest working element of my wardrobe. With a nod to the 90’s, this season mixes it up with a straight leg and a high waist - adding to the drama of the silhouette, which could otherwise look slouchy. I’ll be wearing mine with a pair of heels and a collared top, tucked in to give me shape, or a crisp white shirt and trainers for a paired back effortless look. I usually start with high street jeans, (Zara are brilliant) and then if I wear them enough, I will invest in more luxe.
I know it’s not cold yet, but the fashion girls are already snapping up winter coats. Again, in another nod to sustainability, the puffer trend is going strong for a second year. Over-sized, cropped, floor-length, fur-lined – basically anything goes. Transitional (and probably appropriate for a British summer) lightweight quilted jackets are a hot trend. With styles from high-end to the high-street in a plethora of shades, patterns, and styles.
The Frankie Shop ripstop jacket is the holy grail of oversized versions, however, if you fancy something more feminine, Sea New York has a gorgeous, cropped version in cream and sky blue, or for a more affordable version try Mango. If you would prefer a longer lightweight the Toteme signature is beautifully made or Other Stories for the high street. Again, another transitional piece, a Breton is one of the easiest sweaters to wear. It goes with everything. Parisian chic never dates, is in fashion every spring and therefore always looks timeless. I have a buttery soft Breton sailor jumper from Bash, purchased earlier in the spring, that I will be de-boxing from the loft. Plus, an oversized sweater version to throw on over my gym kit. Try Other Stories, Arket, Mango and Victoria Beckham.
