Yes, I know it’s August, and yes, I know you’re already covering your ears (well, eyes) at the mere mention of autumn encroaching on your ice cream and (intermittently) sun-filled days, but stores up and down the land are filling up with faux fur as we speak, so it’s in your interests to start snapping up your key new season pieces NOW.
Love it or loathe it, one trend continued to eclipse all others on the AW15 catwalks – yep, the ’70s are here to stay. Here are the key items you need to nab to stay on trend and in the groove into autumn – plus how to wear them now and when you have to switch your ice lolly for your ice scraper.
For Laid Back Weekends
Key Piece: The Flared Dungarees – Zara, £39.99
Over the last few seasons we’ve done flares… we’ve done dungarees… and now it’s time to do them at the same time – if you don’t like it, take it up with Kate Bosworth.
Wear Them Now: If you’ve been doing the boho thing this season, you’ll doubtless have stocked up on LWBs (Little White Blouses) and ghillie sandals (the official term for that highland dancing-inspired lace-up shoe style currently storming the streets) galore. If not, there’s no time like the present. N.B. You’ll be able to mix and match virtually all of the separates featured here, and drag them out again season after season, so don’t be afraid to invest in the building blocks of your capsule wardrobe.
Wear Them Later: Throwing on separates in tan, suede, snake and shearling finishes will not only nail AW15’s layering trend but keep you super snuggly as well as uber stylish.
For Work-to-Bar Hopping
Key Piece: The Suede Culottes – F&F, £80
Yes, F&F… a.k.a. Florence & Fred… at Tesco. The supermarket giant has been stealthily upping its style ante over the past few seasons, but this is its masterstroke. If you haven’t already jumped on board the culotte express, I suggest dipping your toe (or, preferably, both legs) into these, pronto. And if you’re already a convert? Denim and crepe may be godsends for our summer wardrobes, but suede will work year-round.
Wear Them Now: See? Those LWBs are coming into their own already, aren’t they? If you’re after a sassier alternative to the summer sandal (which would nevertheless look fab with this combo, by the way), try a cut-out brogue for an androgynous “Old England” feel.
Wear Them Later: One of my only quibbles with culottes is that darn coat-length quandary – thankfully, F&F have come up with a solution in the shape of this achingly chic matching trench. But what about the cold weather hosiery dilemma? No problem – ditch or hide the tights as you please by slipping on a pair of black knee high boots (steer clear of tan – there is such a thing as co-ordination overkill). For a properly ’70s feel, try a tonal-print blouse, or tone things down a notch with a black cashmere roll neck.
For the Haute Hippies
Key Piece: The Faux Suede Mixi – Primark
By now, you’ve no doubt invested in one of (a) those M&S midis, or (b) the ubiquitous button-through suede-style minis currently spattered all over the high street. Since previewing Primark’s new collection, though, I’ve moved on… ready to welcome this little beauty into my life when it lands in stores later this month. Longer than a midi, but not quite a maxi – is any other length quite so chic?
Wear It Now: Nothing works better with a high waistline than a cropped blouse, whilst nude flats combine comfort with those all-important leg-lengthening properties.
Wear It Later: This skirt’s sleek lines form the perfect base for a bit of layering and texture clashing up top, but stick to a tonal colour palette to hold the look together. And the perfect in-betweeny skirt demands the perfect in-betweeny boots…
For Effortless Evening Chic
Key Piece: The Teal Jumpsuit – F&F, £25
For your Charlie’s Angels moment – minus the fringe flicks (please), this jumpsuit ticks off AW15’s jewel tone trend in serious style.
Wear It Now: While the sun shines, jumpsuits are socially acceptable around the clock – for day-to-night workability, metallic gladiators combine style with comfort, whilst a clean white “cape” blazer adds a bit of understated polish.
Wear It Later: Up the glam factor with a collarless faux fur coat and colour-clashing heels, for a look which will take you all the way through to New Year’s Eve.
For the Rebels
Key Piece: The Eighties Puffball – Coast, £95
If you’re already over the ’70s, there is an alternative – leapfrog the rest of the fashion pack straight into the next decade… ’80s fashion was referenced all over the AW15 runways, and, although it’s still pretty tough to find on the high street – under all those piles of suede and flared denim – there’s always a little additional satisfaction to be gained from being an early adopter, no?
Wear It Now: Go bold or go home. Try teaming a super-bright ’80s-style frock with this season’s mono print-pom pom trim dream team.
Wear It Later: The best thing about adopting an ’80s aesthetic is the option, no – the obligation, to throw rules and good taste out of the window and clash, clash, clash. Banana-coloured cover-up? Don’t mind if I do.
Samantha Simmonds
afternyneblog.wordpress.com 