Bring on the cold. Rephrase: Bring on Autumn/Winter 2018 and its lineup of hot trends, because we’ve got a rail of brightly coloured tweeds and blanket capes to wear. With that in mind, we've rounded up the most compelling trends to keep you wrapped up in style this season. And because no outfit is complete without the magical change-a-look-in-seconds accessory, we’ve teamed up with Charles & Keith (Molly Goddard's go-to for her SS19 show) to suggest the perfect finishing touches, from winter’s must-have white mule to a totally 'grammable glitzy bag.
TREND: Skirt Around
Say goodbye to last season’s sport-stripe trouser; your new smart but sassy office go-to is the skirt suit. Take your cue from Clueless' Cher and opt for a mini kilt, or go more mature and channel femme fatale Marlene Dietrich in figure-skimming pencil-skirt styles. It’s a cute-meets-career-woman look, whether you’re wearing it with a feminine blouse or a slogan tee. Packing a power-dressing punch, the skirt suit means business, so ensure you’re travelling hands-free for those all-important phone calls and wake-me-up coffee. This black rucksack is perfect for carrying your conference call notes and is just the right size for your digital devices, too.
Top tip: The more casual your bag, the cuter your shoe should be, and this look deserves no less than the coveted kitten heel.
Charles & Keith Micro Stud Drawstring Backpack, $69, available at Charles & Keith
TREND: Archive Deep Dive
The world’s gone gaga for good old-fashioned prints. From monogram montages and blown-up logos to heraldic crests, this season pays homage to beloved designs through the decades. Colourful, classic and evocative, screen-printed patterns are worked onto anything and everything that is silk, from scarves to skirts and shirts. And it’s okay to go head-to-toe. Embrace it. Print/colour shirkers: Why not tie a silk scarf to your handbag as a subtle nod to the past? This is a ladylike trend to say the least, so temper the sentimental spirit and soft shapes with a pair of timeless boots like these Victoriana faux leather lace-ups, set on a sexy stiletto heel. They feel as current today as in Downton days.
Charles & Keith Speed Lacing Detail Pointed Boots, $79, available at Charles & Keith
TREND: Tweed, Re-spun
Tweed is no longer reserved for the babes of Balmoral or nutty professors. The new season’s take on the traditional textured cloth (it’s naturally warm and waterproof, did you know?) is bolder, brighter and beautifully inappropriate for countryside pursuits. Enter multi-split miniskirts in tangerine and oversized coats in acid green. Techno tweed is not something for fashion's fainthearted, but it can be played down with clever pairings, such as black jeans and an oh-so-British rollneck. Don’t veer too far from the beaten track; we suggest these black leather riding-style boots as the ideal accompaniment to the Queen’s favourite fabric. Cup of tea, anyone?
Charles & Keith Buckled Strap Detail Knee Boots, $89, available at Charles & Keith
TREND: Turn Up The Pleat
The midi skirt is not going away any time soon. However, summer’s sexy, breezy wrap is being replaced by its slightly more serious sister, the knife pleat. Nipped in at the waist and cut sharp into an A-line, don’t let the precise lines put you off adding it to your daytime wardrobe. Presented in lightweight chiffon, it’s an excellent mover and will have you shimmying from your desk to the disco in the swift change of a top. For the office, pair with a classic white shirt and corset belt; on the weekend, go easy in a cosy, oversized sweater. Keep it from looking too prim with these chunky sneakers, which are toe-dipped in shimmer as a nod, bow and curtsey to the sparkliest time of year.
Shop Charles & Keith Trainers Here
TREND: West World
Partial to jeans and a nice top? Then line dance your way into autumn as cowgirl chic lassos itself around the fashion hemisphere. Noted for off-duty denim and suede tasselled jackets, it’s probably the most adaptable look to pull off, thanks to its comfy and casual credentials. But forget ranch-ready white-wash jeans and cowhide hats, this season’s key cowgirl pieces are elevated in cool and edgy city-appropriate hues, including monochrome. An AW18 Western wardrobe should, however, consist of a button-down shirt boasting a bolo tie (trust us on this one). We’re also loving Charles & Keith’s take on Tennessee with their slick stacked-heel boot. Sold? Then saddle up.
Shop Charles & Keith Boots Here
TREND: Candy Crush
Hurrah for pastels making the cold, dark days more bearable. Picture the Insta post: a sea of soft baby blues and pistachio greens juxtaposed with a metal grey sky #nofilter. But as ethereal as the hues may be, the new season sees the trend taking a much more modern form. Silhouettes are tailored, trousers are precisely cut and blazers are updated with peak lapels. Fabrics are contemporary and crisp in wool and silk blends – there's not a fuzzy jumper for miles. The trick is not to overdo the sugary shades, à la Mini Egg medley. Ground the look with one white element, like this high-heeled mule with a perfect point toe for extra pizazz.
Shop Charles & Keith Boots Here
TREND: '80s Power Prom
Finally, a licence to relive shoulder pads, wear ruffles in all the right places and go soft for velvet (again) because proper party dresses have arrived. In colours to upstage the party’s tinsel decorations, pick from neon brights to Quality Street jewel tones. AW18 styles have fallen into the hands of new-wave designers who have updated puffball silhouettes with sucked-in waists, structured shoulders, plunging V-necklines and shoulder-baring bodices for the more grown-up, refined, 1980s you. Ensure your accessories are also dressed up for the party – this crossbody bag, dripping in glitter, is perfect for girls who just wanna have fun.
Shop Charles & Keith Bags Here
TREND: That '70s Show
The coveted cape is back. This time it’s big, blanket-like and bedecked in '70s bohemia-inspired details. From luxe shearling-edged suede to patchwork, it’s all about hitting the decade’s hippy notes with this whimsical cover-up. The motto for the season is "the more, the merrier" so don’t be afraid of going big on embellishments and fringing, colours and textures. A perfect throw-on-and-go item, it pairs wonderfully with an easy-jeans outfit, or go girly in an ultra chic suede skirt. The cape is comforting come the coldest time of the year, so stay snug down to your footwear – try the decade's moon boot in black to ramp up the retro.
Feeling inspired to experiment and take the new-season trend plunge? Pick up a crucial accessory (or two) from Charles & Keith to create your favourite runway look in a flash (of a selfie camera light).
Shop Charles & Keith Boots HereLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
What Team R29 Will Be Wearing This Winter