THE CHIC LIST: Five trends to ease you stylishly into autumn
A note to the car industry: can you redesign the seat belt for autumn/winter 2025? Please manufacture one that isn’t a torture device for the female body. One that doesn’t sit right across my breastplate and on my stomach, making my insides feel like they are being squeezed to death while navigating traffic?
OK, as that’s probably not going to happen anytime soon, let’s talk about the more comfortable things we can look forward to this autumn instead.
Shacket, Sézane. Skirt, Róhe. Sunglasses, Saint Laurent. Bag, Bottega Veneta. Shoes, Chanel
There’s certainly more energy in the air thanks to a new batch of creative directors at the helms of the big fashion houses – Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, Sarah Burton at Givenchy and Jonathan Anderson at Dior. With this switch-up comes a mood shift, and some new trends I’m very excited to try.
Ladylike polish – but with a twist. At Chanel cardigans were heaped in pearls, while at Givenchy huge scarves were knotted and teamed with textured coats, and models looked like they had stolen their boyfriend’s oversized tweed jackets.
Statement shoulders are back and, whether exaggerated, padded or sharply tailored, they’re dramatic and fun, if styled the right way. The pencil skirt is set to be a big player here: its sleek silhouette, teamed with a big-shouldered top, makes for a hero contrast.
Boho still rules. It was the accessories trend of the summer: tasselled and beaded necklaces and belts, scarves worn around the waist and fringed studded bags. This influence continues with big, squishy totes and clutches held close to the body, layered necklaces and slouchy suede or leather boots.
Hallelujah for the return of the maxi coat. Not only does it hide a multitude of sins, it also provides warmth over a chilly party dress. I bought one from Toteme a few seasons ago and it has been a saviour on many occasions.
Key tones include warm browns, paprika red, butter yellow and cobalt blue. Earthy olive greens and dusty pinks are also in, as are jewel colours and classic winter hues such as cool blue and bright white.
JUMPER TO IT
If you want some new additions to your knitwear collection, start shopping now before all the goodies sell out! This chunky cashmere piece by Cos is perfection.
BEADY BUY
This statement beaded necklace from Sézane incorporates all the jewel colours of the new season.
SPOTTED
Dakota Johnson rocking this season’s wide and slouchy denim trend in her just-released movie Materialists. In her role as matchmaker Lucy, her super-stylish wardrobe is not dissimilar to what Johnson wears in real life. This look, a vintage black leather jacket layered over a white Another Tomorrow tank top with wide-leg Zara jeans and Gucci loafers, is a winner.
