Inspiring trends for autumn/winter 2015/16

Faux Fur Gilet, Bubble Hem Gypsy Shirt, Jeans and Fedora Hat, all available from M&Co. Picture: PA

AFTER spring’s crisp utilitarian feel and summer’s Seventies love affair, fashion takes a turn into darker territory for autumn – with a couple of notable exceptions.

Don’t ditch your boho blouses and flares yet, because the Seventies trend is sticking around, albeit warmed up for colder days and nights. Similarly, traditional outerwear tropes like tweed get a seasonal shake up, and gothic Victorian vibes undergo a revamp, while Eighties influences are felt in the eveningwear department.

But in contrast to all the autumnal colours, the undisputed shade of the season is actually a sweet, pale pastel.

Read on to discover the tones, cuts and catwalk-decreed styles you’ll be shopping this season.

OPTICAL ALLUSION

Gucci also tapped into one of the season’s biggest print trends, for op-art patterns in a muted Sixties colour palette. Ideal for early-autumn dressing, these sleek separates will slot easily into your work wardrobe and have staying power in the months to come.

Try the trend: Dorothy Perkins Skirt, £18  (www.dorothyperkins.com)

A model wears an Emilio de la Morena dressat the BFC Courtyard Show Space during London Fashion Week. Picture: PA

ALL TIED UP

Now here’s an autumn trend that started from the ground up. Giambattista Valli and Gucci both sent models out in dance shoe-inspired lace-up booties and, ever since, eyelets and drawstrings have been a feature on the high street and the red carpet. More S&M than sportswear, this trend is set to take hold this season, with low-cut lace-up tops and dresses all over the shops right now.

Try the trend: Miss Selfridge Long Sleeve Navy Lace Up Tunic, £35 (www.missselfridge.com)

ACT YOUR HERITAGE

Tweeds and checks often return for winter, but this season these trad fabrics have been patchworked and reworked to great effect. At Topshop Unique, English country classics like duffle coats and pinafores were reimagined for urbanites, while at House of Holland and Preen, houndstooth and plaid were given a modern spin.

Try the trend: Lorraine Kelly Quilted PU Biker Coat (right), £85 (www.jdwilliams.co.uk)

EIGHTIES EXCESS

Where Hedi Slimane goes, the fash pack follows, and for AW15, Mr Trendsetter scooted forward a decade on from his spring disco fling. Belted bodycon frocks, fishnets and rara skirts all featured, with Oscar de la Renta, Versace and Balmain sending out glittering Eighties party girls too. All that skintight sparkle may seem a bit much right now, but come party season, it’ll all make sense.

Try the trend: Preen Edition Dress, £75 (www.debenhams.com)

SEVENTIES FREEZE

Yep, the Seventies trend rocks on, summer’s diaphanous fabrics making way for a more wintry outlook. Think faux-fur gilets, felt floppy-brimmed hats, slouchy cardigans and lots of corduroy. Burberry led the way on the catwalks, with brown suede fringed coats, capes and bags – a pair of slouchy suede over-the-knees is also a must to complete your boho reboot.

Try the trend: Multi Faux Fur Gilet, £59; Long Sleeve Floral Peasant Top, £26; Straight Leg Jeans, £20; Fedora Hat, £16 (www.mandco.com)

THINK PINK

The new black? That’ll be pink. Palest, prettiest, pastel pink – as seen at Fendi, Alexander McQueen, Pringle, Prada, Marni... the list goes on. Considering fashionistas aren’t, on the whole, known for embracing this feminine shade, it’ll be interesting to see how widely it’s adopted this autumn. Not sure yourself? Try a dinky pink purse for starters. Before you know it, you’ll be lusting after a blush-toned Prada trouser suit.

Try the trend: Radley Portman Small Zip-Top Cross Body Bag in Dusty Pink, £139 (www.radley.co.uk)

REGAL RETRO

Giles Deacon’s AW15 collection of smoky gowns, high-necked blouses and huge Elizabethan ruff collars has informed an inordinate number of high street collections. Design teams have run wild with a mix of historical references, from sweet ivory Victoriana dresses for day, to strict gothic frocks for evening. A black lace blouse is a key piece, and one that also meshes nicely with the prevailing Seventies trend.

Try the trend: Definitions Lace Collar Blouse, £35 (Very.co.uk)