IT’S the time of year when we say a fond farewell to summer staples and look ahead to what we’ll be wearing come autumn, as dictated by the AW20 catwalks.
This year's designer shows brought us a bumper crop of covetable clothing and accessories – everything from sweeping coats to glittering eveningwear – with some overarching themes emerging, which are now looking set to dominate this season.
So what’s in store for the colder months? These are the five most important trends of the autumn/winter 2020…
CHECK
Check, plaid, tartan – call it what you want, the classic Scottish print was everywhere at the AW20 shows. Some designers went the traditional route, with demure swishy skirts in dark hues, while others gave check a sexy spin with form-fitting dresses. There was lots of print clashing too, with Burberry and Prabal Gurung showing two, three or sometimes even four different checks in one outfit.
:: River Island Cream Check Print Front Button Mini Skirt, £32
RED
Each season, there’s one colour that takes over the catwalks, and this time round it’s all about red. As seen at Valentino, Preen, Balenciaga, Rodarte, Bottega Veneta, Christopher Kane and many more, a show-stopping scarlet dress is a must for this season – bonus points if it’s also sequinned.
:: V by Very Red Floral Pleated Skirt Midi Dress, £52 (was £70)
FRINGING
Many a model swished down the runway this season in a fabulously fringed gown or skirt – but we’re not talking short flapper-style frocks here. These tassels are extra-long and really up the ante when it comes to cocktail hour.
:: Evans Rose Gold Lurex Scarf, £11.40 (was £15)
LEATHER
If you buy one coat this season, make sure it’s leather. Matrix-style leather trenches and belted coats were a huge hit on the AW20 runways. Meanwhile, loose-cut leather skirts and trousers were teamed with cosy knits. Not keen on real leather? You can still rock the look with quality faux versions.
:: Marks and Spencer Collection Berry Faux Leather Belted Jacket, £55
GOLD
Who knows what ‘party’ season will look like this year, but if designers have anything to do with it, we’ll all be donning glittering golden dresses to celebrate the festive season. From brocade to mesh and sequins, there was a variety of textures and hues on the catwalks, so you can find your own way to go for gold.
:: Topshop Gold Liquid Satin Top, £35.99
