Texts by Sanita Ahmed. Sanita Ahmed is a fashion marketing consultant and can be found at www.velvetveins.com. Follow her on Instagram @velvet_veins
Forget muted tones and basic layers because autumn 2018 is a maximalist’s dream come true. As the long summer spell fades, say hello to the upcoming reincarnation of animal prints and discotheque sequins in the new fashion season. While Fashion Week offers a myriad of visual inspiration, wearing the trends off the runway is a form of mastery that involves strategic everyday incorporation honed with personal style. If you are wary of this season’s big, bold and sparkly aesthetic, don’t fret! Check out five totally wearable trends you can get on to assemble your fall wardrobe.
BROWN IS THE NEW BLACK
Adios, millennial pink because the sepia culture has arrived. Brown is one of the key colour trends of this season – the new neutral! Autumn 2018 collections unearthed this autumnal hue in different shades, ranging from terracotta to caramel. The subtle hue is easy to wear if you select the right tone that flatters your complexion. If you are not afraid to experiment, you can even select different levels of saturation for a monochromatic brown look. Pairing tan accessories and opting for brown lipstick are other foolproof ways to inject this colour into your fall outfit.
WILD, WILD WEST
Saddle up and head west for your fall wardrobe. Visualise cowboy boots, rustic fringe details and ethereal prairie dresses. Keep in mind; you don’t want to resemble Sheriff Woody, as the catwalk styles only act as a source of inspiration that is open for daily interpretation. Instead of going all out, choose a smaller ratio of Western-inspired items to incorporate into your look e.g. an embellished yoke, fringe trimmings, big buckled belts etc.
80s REVIVAL
Every fashion season brings a revival trend and this year, designers were onboard the retro carousel from the 80s. Iconic styles from the era such as power dressing, bold neon colours and iridescent party frocks dominated the runways. While they may look garish and excessive for modern-day looks, the trick is to pair 80’s silhouettes and textures with simpler counterparts e.g. a sequined top with a pair of muted dark jeans or a LBD with small shoulder pads.
ANIMAL CULTURE
Recall Shania Twain’s “That Don’t Impress Me Much” music video and you have the most dominant trend of the season: animal prints. Designers went wild this autumn and if you are skeptical of donning the worn-to-death leopard print, try something else from the fashion jungle! Reptilian, zebra and tiger prints are other options you can explore, especially with accessories such as a statement handbag or pair of high heels.
PLAID IS RAD
Thanks to the 90s infiltration, plaid is having quite the moment in autumn 2018 runways. It’s almost as if designers made a unified pledge to pay homage to the iconic Cher Horowitz yellow schoolgirl set from Clueless. The best part of plaid is its versatility factor as you can choose any silhouette in this checkered fabric. Incorporating plaid in a unique fashion, e.g. a checkered power suit or an oversized scarf, is the perfect way to revamp and wear this timeless classic.