As everyone moves on to a more sustainable, thoughtful way of shopping, the word 'trend' is beginning to leave a salty taste in the mouth. However, trends are still a great way to spice up your wardrobe and fashion houses are definitely starting to shift towards more timeless trends that we have already seen come back year after year. In this post I'll be talking about the most prevalent trends for AW20 with a focus on those more timeless, wearable styles.
Colourful Boots
Above: Pink ankle boots, Doc Marten at ASOS
Footwear trends are great to buy into because it doesn't feel as important that the trend stands the test of time. For me, shoes are where I like to have fun, so a boot in this season's colour will take me through the next few years as long as they are durable and I like them enough to warrant a few visits to the cobbler. There are of course footwear trends that do look dated (the reason I haven't picked up a strappy kitten heel sandal is because I don't think this 90s trend will stand the test of time - yes it's back now, but it also had a good 20 years where none of us would have been caught dead wearing it) but colour is a fairly risk-free way to play with trends.
Fuschia Pink
Speaking of this season's colour, we can expect to see a lot of fuschia in the shops. How prevalent this colour will actually be in people's wardrobes, I don't know - it's not an especially autumnal colour and will likely be seen on a lot of sales racks once it's had its moment.
If I were to buy into this trend, I would focus more on accessories rather than a whole fuschia garment, but you do you.
Riding Boots & Over-the-Knee Boots
These are my favourite kinds of trends - practical, weather-appropriate and they suit all body shapes. I lived in my over-the-knee boots last year so I can't wait to bring them out again. The flatter riding boot is not one that I already own but I bet a lot of people out there do, so shop your wardrobe and see if you have anything already living up to this trend before you rush out and buy new.
If you do decide to buy new, then feel comfortable in the knowledge that these types of boot can be worn season after season.
Leather Layers
Above: Leather shirt, Isabel Marant at net-a-porter.com
I love this trend already! There were so many stunning leather coats on the AW20 runways. I feel like a leather or patent leather coat always looks so much more expensive than it is, so look to the high street if you want to buy into this trend. Leather coats also often turn up in vintage shops which is amazing if you want to shop sustainably (and cheaply) and still take part in trends.
This season is not just about leather outerwear but it's also about leather trousers, skirts, boots, even shirts - all worn together at the same time. The high street has already started bringing in a lot of pieces inspired by this trend, the most OTT of which are the leather shirts which are a fun, edgy style we haven't seen for a few years.
(Just a note - when I use the word 'leather' I am referring to both real and faux leather, except in the case of the Isabel Marant shirt pictured above.)
The Return of the 80s
There are always 80s-inspired elements in our wardrobes but this year the 1980s are back with a vengeance. From New Romantic velvet to OTT sleeves, the idea is to make a statement. The 1980s were about freedom and revolution particularly when it came to style and in 2020, a lot of us are having fun the only way we still can - with our clothes. Bold colours, like the fuschia trend we talked about earlier, will pop up again in high street shops, hopefully in a less Smiggle-highlighter form than the neon trend we've seen the past few years.
Latex
Speaking of making a statement...
Latex is often associated with fetishes and sniffed at but fashion houses have paraded it in front of us for years. It's not an especially wearable trend but there's a reason the designers love it - it's an eye-catching, empowering look and it gets everyone talking.
It's not a trend I expect to see appearing on the high street all that much, except for in retailers like Missguided and Pretty Little Thing which dedicate a lot of time to clubwear. If you want to wear this trend out on the street, luxury designers are your best bet.
Capes
Above: Camel cape, Max Mara
From latex to capes - there's definitely a superhero theme here. Obviously the AW20 trends were established prior to lockdown but it's very relevant for how 2020 has turned out to be. With the 80s trend, we are nostalgically looking back to a rebellious period in fashion history, and with capes and latex, we want to feel like Wonderwoman.
Even the most affordable of capes look luxurious so don't break the bank when it comes to this trend. Currently, capes are mainly appearing at either end of the spectrum - in the most expensive luxury retailers and the more suspect websites like Wish. Give it a few weeks and we should begin to see beautiful capes at affordable prices in places like River Island.
Cut-Outs
This one is a big no-no for me. Cut-outs are for summer, not for when the weather is turning colder, but if you can make it work, please do! It may work in the transitional period while we're still getting a few warm days and it will certainly work for layering - it's just not a trend I've personally got much interest in.
Glamorous Heels
We're back to footwear, my favourite thing! Glitzy, glam heels are of course back again for the party season but in the current climate, I imagine a lot of these styles will end up in the sales earlier than usual. One fabulous, trend-led way to wear these shoes would be to pair with a statement sock - this look is reappearing in 2020 too.
You may see chain accents appearing on your fancy heels as well as on loafers and boots - I'm so annoyed, I had a pair of ankle boots two years ago with chain detail across the toe and I adored them, but sadly they wore out. They would have worked so well for AW20!
Kommentare