Nine style takeaways from London Fashion Week you can wear right now
This London Fashion Week was full of bold ideas, spanning knitting-ball dresses at JW Anderson to fuchsia bubble skirts at Molly Goddard.
But which pieces will we really be wanting to add to our wardrobes? Here, we pick out the nine trends to try this autumn – or sooner.
Enter your cowgirl era – Molly Goddard
When Beyoncé embraces cowgirl style, the world follows. Molly Goddard’s Western-style leanings had come courtesy of her “eBay watchlists” which include “blown-up kids cowgirl dresses” and “softened cowboy boots” rather than Queen Bey, but nevertheless she contributed to a feeling that the yee-haw look is in the air. Get the look now by following Goddard’s example with a pre-loved embroidered Western shirt or a pair of cowboy boots: plus, her jumper is bound to be an autumn/winter must-have – maybe Beyoncé will get one?
Bag a brooch – Erdem
Autumn’s best brooches can inject personality into any outfit. Erdem threw single-stem flowers onto the lapels of boucle opera coats – a nonchalant styling touch that paid tribute to the soprano Maria Callas, and the fans who showered her with post-performance blooms. Pop a pin on to your favourite blazer, or wrapped scarf, for an instant update.
Tie your jumper round your waist – JW Anderson
You can spot a fashion person a mile off from the way they tie their jumper around their shoulders in the manner of a golfer on an unexpectedly balmy day on the course (hands up, I do this). JW Anderson introduced a new affectation for us to try next – tying our jumpers around our waists instead.
The ones which appeared on this catwalk looked knotted up and exaggerated but this is bound to filter down into a simple way to look instantly more “now” with little more than any old jumper you have lying around.
Go for bronze – Simone Rocha
Silver has been everywhere for the past year or so. I’m not suggesting you cast aside anything silvery you might have acquired but if your gold and bronze has been languishing at the back of your wardrobe for a while, Simone Rocha’s show will give you cause to dig it all out and polish it up again: see her beautiful burnished metallic dress.
Emilia Wickstead – go for brogue
Emilia Wickstead collaborated with Northamptonshire shoemaker Grenson on a range of polished loafers – hers came with exaggerated tassels and were worn with semi-sheer pop socks. “I was inspired by British Teddy Boys and Teddy girls,” she explained. “I love the way that people in the mid-1960s styled themselves, layering on these scarves, socks and hoop earrings in an individual way.”
The smart-yet-comfy shoe revolution was spotted on the front rows too at various shows. Ruth Wilson, teaming her decorative floral Erdem coat with black brogues, did it best.
A splash of cobalt – Roksanda
The interiors “red theory” trend has infiltrated fashion of late, meaning the hue has been everywhere. Fancy being an early adopter of the next colour pop trend? Opt for a little hint of cobalt. Roksanda did it in an especially refreshing way with leggings – extra points if you use your cobalt to create a truly delicious colour palette, like the pale pink/cobalt on the catwalk here. You could also use socks, a scarf or cardigan to introduce an unexpected new jolt of colour to an outfit you already love.
The glam skirt – 16Arlington
Of the 40 catwalk looks presented by 16Arlington designer Marco Capaldo, the final few were the loudest. Two tinsel ball skirts swooshed through London’s Barbican Centre, as the real-life audience swooned and the social media followers hit “like”. The sparkly maxi skirt pairs well with a surprising array of separates: tuck in a white shirt, or wear it with a tuxedo jacket to sharpen it up.
This is your bow-ment – Richard Quinn
All it could take to feel right for now this season is a metre or two of ribbon. You could channel Simone Rocha’s models – who had rows of tiny delicate bows in all shades from baby blue to cream and red plaited into their hair – or emulate Richard Quinn’s approach of adding a ribbon sash to your next party dress. A quick way to have the autumn/winter 2024 look all tied up.
Show your faux – Conner Ives
Next autumn’s outerwear options are rather, some might say, flashy. Think glossy leather macs and marabou-trimmed opera coats that would make a “Mob Wife” swoon. Faux fur has also made a comeback in many collections. Connor Ives’s belted cream wool coat, with generously-sized cuffs and collar, looked like one of the most wearable iterations, and was easily styled with wide-leg jeans and a polo neck.
