As we were leaving the US last August, the famous “September” editions of the big-name fashion mags came out. Despite their hefty weight {916 pages in Vogue alone}, I lugged them all the way back home.
Why?
Because I’ve always loved having that sense of being top of what’s coming next? What the next trends are?
Which is quite ridiculous these days because they way we all talk and source information about everything – fashion included – means that in Australia we are no longer a whole season behind. We seem to blend with our Northern Hemisphere fashion forecasters in ways that have never happened before.
So, as our fashion seasons change here – and yes, if you’ve been into your favourite store or checked out your favourite label online this week – they have changed, then it’s not so much a case of “out with summer; in with autumn” approach to our wardrobes but more how we can blend our summer with our autumn and re-visit pieces from early spring or even last winter.
Global fashion is like a giant melting pot. Lots of people throw their trends, colours and flavours into the mix, but the combinations you or I ended up wearing or adopting? That’s totally up to us and our own style.
A new fashion season does allow us to:
1. Replace or stock up on wardrobe basics for that season and;
2. Pick out a few show pony pieces to breathe life into those wardrobe basics.
I’m also a particular fan of shopping during the trans-seasonal time of the fashion year. This won’t apply to my southern friends but because winter is pretty mild up here {only the nights and mornings are freezing}, I get most wear out of clothes bought with mild – but not cold – temperatures in mind.
For me, that means shopping now and usually August. Then I usually need high-summer pieces for when it gets way too hot for any trans-seasonal compromise. You might need to add in some serious winter wear to the mix.
Why am I telling you all this? Because it’s a round-about way of saying that now is a good time to shop. Even if you’re still in a beach holiday frame of mind {and boy that applies here}, keep your eyes peeled for just the right addition to your wardrobe.
Autumn style 2013 trends
1. Rich florals: incorporate these fabrics in tailored shapes and let your garment do the talking. Less will be more in the accessories department.
2. Leather: and not just in jackets. Think a-line skirts too, bringing a contrast of feminine and tough. Colour leathers are there for those wanting to lead the pack.
3. Embellishment: too much sequins and adornment will not be enough.
4. Prim and proper: Think pencil skirts, high necklines and long sleeves. It’s all about classic style.
5. Suits: Just when we’ve got used to deconstructing the suit, it’s back and worn matchy-matchy together. Not sure I’m ready for this.
6. Asian-inspired prints: there’s a richness in these that is both statement and classic.
7. Uniforms: a bit of military, a bit of country and a bit of urban thrown together for chic.
8. The full skirt: a work and play alternative to the pencil skirt. If hips are your widest point, then look for a drop-waist style. I certainly will be.
9. Body conscious: think slim-fitting garments designed to show off your shape through clever seam work and graphic lines. With skilled patterning and good fabrics, this can work for all sizes.
10. Sporty: A bit athletic, a bit sci-fi, a bit modernist. These are statement pieces to be worked back with classics. Reminds me of my David Bowie ’80s days.
{sourced and adapted from InStyle US, September 2012}
And to get you thinking autumn, I’m sharing today some key autumn style 2013 campaign images from some of my favourite stores and designers. Maybe something will catch your eye and make your new-season shopping list.
Zoe Kratzman Autumn 2013 {available March; neon yellow not available}
Rockport {available March}
See anything you like? What’s on your must-buy list for autumn 2013?
