Autumn/Winter 2014: Trends I Can Work

 
The mere sight of these shearling-lined coats makes me reach for a glass of iced mint lemonade on our 30+ degrees Celsius temperatures and this is probably the one and only fall fashion themed article you will see on my blog before September. You see, I’m not done with summer yet and I intentionally stay away from the new collections, but a little inspiration beforehand is welcome. So here is my selection of the trends I spotted on the runways that I can work and could effortlessly blend into my wardrobe – because trends shouldn’t dictate your individual style, but they can certainly help it evolve.

Shearling coats. I may not want to look at them right now, but a shearling outerwear is about the only thing that keeps me warm in winter. And what I like the most is when comfort and style go hand-in-hand, like in the many interpretations of the designers for this autumn. From left to right: Burberry, Etro, Polo Ralph Lauren.
 
 
Mid-length skirts and dresses & high-heeled boots. One of season’s best. This is one look that so easily encompasses the elegance and refinement of fall fashion. From left to right: Valentino, Cristophe Lemaire, 10 Crosby Derek Lam.
 
 
Knitwear. Anything goes, from delicate to intricate and chunky knits. I especially like the sweater dresses and the oversized pullovers worn over vaporous skirts like Chloé suggests – mixing styles holds the same appealing as always. From left to right: Michael Kors, Chloé, Edun.
 

 
The ’20s. This is one trend I wouldn’t exactly know how to adjust to my wardrobe, but I was so impressed with Dries Van Noten’s and Roberto Cavalli’s take on the style that I couldn’t leave it out. From left to right: Dries Van Noten, Dries Van Noten, Roberto Cavalli.
 
 
Patchwork. When I was little my mother had these two patchwork wool dresses, one in shades of green, the other one in brown tones. They were long-sleeved and mid-length and had broad shoulders (it was the ’80s) and when the autumn weather was still warm enough to get away with a long sleeve and no jacket on top, she would wear them with high-heeled, knee-long leather boots. That is still one of my favourite ’80s look and back then I thought it was the most elegant look of all. Far from feeling too retro, this style, especially in shoes and bags, would rather bring a fresh note to my otherwise neutral outfits. From left to right: Derek Lam , Valentino, Valentino.
 
 
Understated luxury. When the luxury of a garment is in the cut and impeccable tailoring. No trace of ostentation, but a simple, graceful, strong, modern look. From left to right: Giorgio Armani, Hermès, Haider Ackermann.
 
 
Slightly rounded-toe shoes. Not too pointy, not too round, the middle way is usually the classic and timeless way, especially when it comes to boots or ankle boots. Autumn is the best time for wearing heels I think and these are all such elegant options – no platforms, no strange shapes, no ridiculously high heels (probably the best part is that you can actually walk in these). From left to right: Chloé, Chloé, Louis Vuitton.
 
 
Army green. One of my favourite colours. From skirts and coats to jackets and dresses, it’s a perfect shade for the cold season, just right to take you out of your grey-black-beige comfort zone, yet still keep a discrete overall look. From left to right: Balmain, Preen, Emilio Pucci.
 
 
The grey and herringbone coat. The camel coat may be a fall staple, but the grey and the herringbone patterned ones are just as elegant and enduring. A simple, minimalist, relaxed silhouette is my first choice. From left to right: Michael Kors, Jil Sander, Hermès.
 
collages by me | photos: Style.com, Valentino.com