All the latest autumn/ winter fashion trends…
Menswear
Jason Alexander Basson, GQ South Africa fashion editor, said this season it’s all about comfort. “We’re seeing a lot more in the way of soft tailoring, looser, bigger or baggier silhouettes and more emphasis on textiles that enhance the quality of the garment. It’s not just about how they look. Men also want to feel as good as they look,” he said.
When it comes to colours, this season’s palette is the standard autumnal varieties, but much stronger. “Burnt orange is a big hit, as is cerise pink and cerulean blue. I suspect we will be seeing a lot more of those intense blues and maybe a few oranges and yellows filter down to commercial fashion, but the point is that this winter is not going to be dull. Men are embracing colour,” he said.
And when it comes to fabrics, expect to see a lot of denim.
“There is so much exciting stuff happening in the world of denim. Go to your nearest G-Star, Diesel or Levi’s store to see what I mean. You won’t just find your standard variety of washes anymore,” said Basson.
He added that we will be seeing a lot of experimentation with colour, construction and fabric manipulation. And there is also formal denim and heavily constructed luxury denim now.
As with women’s fashion, accessories have become a very important part of a man’s wardrobe. Men are reconnecting with several of the more classic items like pocket watches, tie bars, tie pins, collar bars and chains.
Basson said: “If we’re talking about accessories that men will start seeing differently, I suspect that the umbrella will have its turn this year. Why not?”
Womenswear
When it comes to women’s fashion this season, bright colours, comfort dressing and denim can also be expected as well as a staple winter leather boot. Ethnic prints, punk rock, cool pajama styled clothes and even the midi skirt are just some of the trends making an appearance.
Living a healthy life has become something many think is important, so much so that designers are incorporating sporty looks into this seasons designs. Neoprene and perforated leather options are some of the main fabrics used.
Colours like gold, red, dark blue and olive are the most frequently used.
Glamour editor Pnina Fenster’s must have list this season:
For me, every season begins with the basics: classic buys that can be easily updated. In the case of winter – and every winter to come – this means a good leather handbag, one pair of high-heeled boots and one pair of flat boots, (either ankle-length or riding style).
Then there are the clothing staples: black pants that flatter your shape, a black skirt, a fitted black top, a good quality coat, and a beautiful dress in a knit or warm fabric.
Once you’ve invested in the very best quality basics you can afford, you can add the details that upgrade your look for the season.
* Lace-up brogues to add a masculine edge to your look. Brogues are also great with a floaty dress for contrast, and you’ll be able to wear them into summer, too.
* A choker. This is an easy and feminine addition to your jewellery box, and chokers are having a big moment.
* Something metallic. This could be a top, a dress, a handbag, a jacket or a strong piece of jewellery, and it can be in any metallic hue. The key to wearing metallics this winter is to know that they work for day and night, so be bold and shine.
* A utility piece. There’s a strong military vibe going on, and you can get it with an olive-green parka jacket, multi-pocket pants, or an army-style coat.
* A 1970s touch. Fashion looks backwards as well as forwards, and the inspirational era right now is the 1970s. Think floppy hats, fringing, caramel colours, retro prints, wide trousers, maxi skirts and suede.
Liam Joyce, Sunday Tribune