We think you’ll agree, it’s good news for the fashion season ahead. The autumn/winter 2024 catwalks showcased down-to-earth looks – both covetable and wearable – demonstrating a marked return to wearability and longevity.
Short-lived micro trends and superfluous details have been pushed to the the side to make way for timeless style, re-worked classics, nostalgic trends and best of all – comfort. Hurrah!
Colours for A/W 2024/25
The autumn/winter catwalks displayed a mix of sophisticated mid-hues, nature-based tones, deep darks and wholesome neutrals, including Almond Milk (a rich creamy white), Eggplant (a nutritious dark purple), Storm Front (a rainy grey) and Evening Blue (dark navy), creating a base of familiar and dependable tones, albeit poetically named. These were interspersed with playful accent colours – pops of lilac, purple, cherry red and an ethereal, airy blue – to add a little punch.
Although green continues to be a key trend, from fern to emerald, it was olive green, whether worn head-to-toe or as subtle accents, that was prominent.
Boho Vibes
Boho chic has resurfaced this season, with peasant style blouses and billowing maxi dresses. Vintage prints are embellished with smocking detail, string tassel ties, handcrafted trims and pretty cotton lace, culminating in a relaxed aesthetic with laid-back vibes. Embrace the trend now and style with wooden wedges or trainers, then switch to knee high boots as the season progresses. Accessorise with big vignette sunglasses and a giant, slouchy bag.
Statement collars
Exaggerated collars remain big news for winter – from romantic ruffles and decorative embroidery to intricate crochet and crisp white lace. It’s been suggested that the trend initially emerged following the amount of time we’ve been spending on Zoom, so with webcam and video meetings now the norm, it’s a worthy accessory that will improve screen presence.
Come winter and the need for knits, simply layer a decorative collar over a crew-shaped neckline to add a little oomph. A grey jumper doesn’t feel so drab with a printed Peter Pan collar poking out!
Corduroy, winter’s most nostalgic and cosy denim alternative, loved for its heavyweight, durability and comforting connotations, is having a comeback. Insouciant and slouchy, see it in suits, jackets, skirts, dresses, trousers and jeans. The latter are baggy and boyish in fit and styled with cosy knitwear and either loafers or a technical trainer.
If jumbo cord feels too bulky, opt for a more flattering, velvety needlecord in neutral shades of navy, khaki, sand, slate and chocolate.
Denim is more exciting and creative than ever, with frilled yokes, embroidered collars, scalloped edges and elaborate trims, taking this well-loved, utilitarian fabric to a whole new level. Vintage details, like two-tone patchwork and plaited waistbands, create a sense of nostalgia but are updated to deliver new-season freshness.
When it comes to jeans, a looser silhouette with plenty of legroom continues to trend and this season it seems the baggier, and the more room, the better. Not only are wide-legs comfortable to wear, but they’re very flattering too, the high waist elongating the legs, especially when you surreptitiously add a pair of heels to the mix.
To balance the proportions, team jeans with cropped knits or floaty blouses, tucked in to enhance the waist.
The trend for double denim remains prevalent and the head-to-toe approach can be approached in many ways, from western-style shirts paired with jeans to pretty chambray blouses styled with denim pencil skirts.
Fashion loves contrast, so try a heavier denim with a lighter piece to add a sense of texture or mix shades of blue eg. a dark wash with a washed pastel blue.
Knitwear
This season’s knitwear is all about texture and embellishment – decorative stripes, cable knits, embroidery and surface interest, such as flowers within the weave, as well as off-piste ski sweaters that go from slope to street. The sleeveless knit, a garment we’ve leaned into this season, continues to be a key trend and is especially good for layering, particularly during the warmer winters we are experiencing. Boxy is still a key shape too, as it complements the season’s high waisted jeans and trousers.
Trousers
Great pants form the foundation to any outfit and are crucial to any curated wardrobe. The dominating silhouettes this season are tailored, high waisted and wide legged. Music to our ears as the freedom that comes from a looser, more slouchy fit is so liberating. Team them with a classic white t-shirt or shirt, an oversized blazer and sneakers for effortless, casual chic. A tailored blazer with heels or loafers would work in a more formal setting.
Make way too, for the style-mighty waistcoat. Whether tailored in wool or drafted in denim, wear now with nothing underneath, then come the chill, layer over skinny knits or blouses.
Footwear
No outfit is complete without footwear, so let’s kick things off with boots. This season the focus is on lived-in, heavy-duty styles perfect for stomping around the city, the more straps or buckles the better. Think biker and combat styles and you’re on the right track.
Knee high boots are on the rise this winter and it’s not hard to see why. One of the most versatile shoe styles there is, they’re perfect for pairing with a midi or maxi dress or skirt and narrow styles can be worn under wide leg jeans.
If you love a loafer, then step this way. This season they’re less of a prep school flat, but elevated, with stacked heels and chunky platform soles.
Cosy, comfortable and unconventional, fuzzy footwear was on the more experimental end of the season’s spectrum with shearling clogs, ballet pumps, sneakers and mules. Giving off slipper vibes, think bedroom to boardroom and back again…
Every discerning wardrobe needs a great pair of trainers to anchor it, but the skill is to nail the function-to-fashion ratio, so they’re stylish, versatile, supportive and comfortable.
White sneakers are still very much in evidence and are considered by many to be as fundamental to one’s collection as a white t-shirt. Style them with other classic pieces, like black tailored trousers and a trench.
Visit us in our Stockbridge or new Sherborne store, or take a look at our online new arrivals and see our curated collection of womenswear, selected to embody the more wearable and sustainable trends of the season!