The time is now.
As I laid out today’s outfit, I was given a harsh wakeup call by my mother that the days of wearing short frocks and strappy sandals are coming to an end.
Before I know it, my predictable obsession with chic turtlenecks (trust me: they actually exist), chunky platform boots, and wool berets will have settled in for the coming months. And with those seasonal favourites will be a fleet of autumn/winter trends that I’ll bravely buy and perhaps master before the first snowfall.
The autumn/winter 2019 fashions are, to say the least, varied, vast and very much going to suit your style, whatever that may be.
From all-beige neutrals to bold statement coats, this season's trends are for everybody. But with so much choice and the fact we're not quite ready for bright yellow parka jackets - figuring out what to wear can be overwhelming.
The trick here is to embrace the notoriously tricky transitional period and invest in autumn/winter trends that will work both now and as the golden autumn leaves begin to fall. It's also the perfect time to experiment with what trends will and will not work for you.
Keep on scrolling to see the 5 key trends to take for a test drive ahead of the new season.
a DASH OF LEMON
If you dread heading into the grey winter months and have a wardrobe to match, then this season, you might want to add a pop of yellow. Think of it more as your new neutral as opposed to a statement piece. Wear it how you would white or ivory (or wear all three at once for maximum neutrality).
KEY BUY: Silk Dress, €99.99, H&M
Wear it with a roll-neck underneath and army boots when the weather gets chilly. For now, pair with a band t-shirt and a transitional jacket.
tOGETHER FAUX leather
Leather: it's sleek, it's share and it's now more vegan-friendly than ever. Soft and ultra-plush skin fabrics abound for the season ahead. Choose yours in an unexpected colour, and load up on pattern and/or texture in the rest of your outfit.
KEY BUY: Black Full Circle Vinyl Skirt, €68, Topshop
Be like Monikh and channel the Matrix or for a more practical look, try pairing with a textured knit.
Grunge and roses
Floral dresses are a wardrobe staple no matter the season, and for autumn, they are back and darker than ever before. Think dark red roses on black fabric, lavender on navy and tulips in your typical autumnal palette.
KEY BUY: Floral Print Dress, €49.95, Zara
Wear as it is with strappy sandals while the weather still allows. But as soon as temperatures drop pair with a leather jacket and trainers for a comfortable commute to work.
total square
You've probably already dipped your toe in this trend at some point this Summer but the footwear update this season is the square toe; from two-tone boots to neutral hues and mules - the square toe a key signature detail across all styles. Add that to the fact that everyone's already wearing the trend at Fashion Week and you've got yourself a very big trend in the making.
KEY BUY: Square Toe Ankle Boots, €99.95, Zara
If you already own a pair of the cult buy Topshop sandals, you've got this square toe down. Pair with socks if you're feeling brave or opt for these leather square toe boots that kills two trends with one style.
PUFF UP THE VOLUME
Shoulders were big this, but not in a voluminous way. This season, the catwalks have taken this trend and (ahem) puffed up the volume but not in the harsh and padded kind of way.
KEY PIECE: Embroidered Cotton Dress with Puff Sleeves, €89, & Other Stories
Main image by @topshop on Instagram
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