Key Trends For Autumn-Winter 2019-20

There really is something for everyone this season; from floaty floral dresses to utilitarian boiler suits. A number of trends have been around for a while but are still very current so it’s definitely worth having a good look in your wardrobe before you hit the shops as the chances are that you’ll have lots in there that will transition nicely to this season.

Modest Dressing

This trend has been around for a few seasons now and is only growing in popularity. I’m not sure whether it’s a reaction to #MeToo or simply that these styles are so easy to wear and so forgiving that women of every age are embracing modest dressing. Basically, this is all about covering up; dresses are typically midi, maxi or midaxi (yes, it’s a thing!) with long sleeves and high necklines.

Loose, flowing feminine styles are particularly on trend and will appeal to those with a Romantic style personality whereas City Chics and Classics may prefer more tailored versions such as the red dress from Warehouse below.

These longer lengths tend to work best if you’re relatively tall but petite women can also carry them off  so long as they keep the silhouette quite slim.

From left to right – Kitri, Warehouse, Wallis

Shirt Dresses

A classic style, you will probably already have one or two of these in your wardrobe and there’s a version to suit most shapes. If you have a very straight body shape, you’ll probably want to wear one without a belt such as the Next dress below, whereas if  you have a defined waist you’ll  look good cinching it in with a belt. A fuller skirt such as the one from Mint Velvet will be flattering on those with larger hips. Don’t feel you automatically have to wear the belt that comes with the dress though, there’s no reason why you can’t add a different one – maybe to co-ordinate with your footwear or just as a pop of colour. Also, when Winter starts to bite, think about layering a tee shirt or silky roll neck ( Kettlewell have a good selection) underneath and wearing with thick tights and boots for extra warmth.

From left to right – Boden, Mint velvet, Next

 

Wrap Dresses

Another classic that never goes out of style and is very much on trend this season. This style is particularly flattering on hourglass shapes as it shows off the waist. For voluptuous hourglasses a soft stretchy jersey fabric will work particularly well. This style isn’t generally so good on straight body shapes but you may find you can get away with a faux-wrap which doesn’t have a waist tie.

Utility

If dresses aren’t your thing or you don’t do “girly”, you might be more comfortable with “utility” styling.  Whilst there are still plenty of jumpsuits around,  boiler suits are now coming to the fore too. These are basically a more workmanlike style of jumpsuit, generally with sleeves and a high neck and often with patch pockets. There’s also a utility feel to a lot of dresses and shirts which feature breast pockets. These are good for enhancing small busts but busty women who don’t want to draw more attention to that area may want to steer clear.

From left to right – Massimo Dutti, Warehouse, Kitri

Animal Print – All sorts!

Put aside memories of Bet Lynch and Pat Butcher!  These days animal print is viewed as positively classy and shows no signs of falling out of favour. As well as leopard, tiger and snake print, designers and are now embracing zebra, dalmation and even cow print! Animal print is a particularly good option for those with curvy bodies who want a change from florals. If you don’t have any animal print in your wardrobe and are wary of investing in a whole outfit, why not tip a toe in the water with a scarf, shoes or bag?

Dalmation from Mint Velvet, Zebra from Net a Porter, Cow from Kitri

Teddy Coats

Whilst all sorts of coats abound, the coat of the season is definitely the Teddy. Cosy, fluffy and snuggly, it’s like wearing a hug! Mainly available in teddy-bear brown, there are however some more colourful options out there too. It will certainly keep you warm this Winter but will probably date fairly quickly so I wouldn’t spend a great deal on one.

From left to right – Mint Velvet, Next, M&S

Tights and footwear

Opaque tights are back in style (for some of us they never went out of style) and they cover a multitude of sins. This season they’re available in a variety of colours and patterns. Try co-ordinating the colour of your tights to your hemline and/or footwear to elongate your legs. Pretty much anything goes when it comes to shoes and boots but Western boots (ie a slightly more refined version of the cowboy boot) are having a moment and there are plenty of block heel styles around too.  Fashionistas will be wearing  white and snakeskin versions.

Colour

This is a particularly good season for you if you have warm or soft colouring as there are lots of tones of brown, taupe and beige out there. For the ultimate in understated elegance, wear them tone on tone, or if your colouring demands more contrast or cooler tones, pair a neutral like stone with something more vibrant such as red as in the Hobbs outfit below.

From left to right – Next, Hobbs, Massimo Dutti

Dress to suit you

Whilst it’s good to keep abreast of current styles and colours, ultimately dressing well is about dressing in a way that flatters your colouring, shape, scale and proportions.  To feel comfortable in your clothes you need to find a style of dressing that reflects your personality and is appropriate for your lifestyle. If you’d like some guidance on what would work for you, I’d be delighted to help, so please get in touch.