The Key Fashion Trends: Autumn Winter 2015/16

Here's my roundup of the latest in colours, patterns and prints to keep you on track for the next season. So get a jumpstart and make sure you are totally ready for these trends.

Emerging trends for Autumn and Winter 2015-16 #Fashion #Trends

Colours

Reds and browns are the dominant colour palette in outdoor wear, with reddish browns, chocolate and camel most favoured on the catwalks. Camel is the new, dominant fashion shade, and designers featured it in well-tailored clothes and premium outerwear. Lingerie and underwear featured cranberry red as the choice for Autumn/Winter.

Ice blue and teal are new colour entries into the fashion scene, and has taken the winter catwalk by storm. Ice blue, a washed-out winter colour, was mixed with black, white and bright colours in clothing and footwear, for a retro-inspired look. Top-to-toe denim is back, and indigo is the choice for outerwear and dresses.

Luxurious and sophisticated, teal adds subtle elegance to satin dresses, fur and accessories and is the party wear choice.

Left to right: Monique Lhuillier Ready-to-Wear, Matthew Williamson RTW, Anna Sui Fall RTW. Get the ice blue and teal look with these Offset Warehouse fabrics in particular: Indigo Denim Chambray, our luxurious Black Hemp Silk Charmeuse, and Teal Peace Silk.

The eternal office favourite of the modern woman, charcoal and rich greys were featured by designers like Michael Kors and Stella McCartney. The strong masculine colour was kept monochromatic, but lifted with texture and pattern to make it interesting.

Inspired by the 1970's, sunny splashes of orange in knitwear and basics were teamed with camel and brown by designers like Louis Vuitton and Balmain.

Pastels are still in style, the current favourites being barely there and muted powder pink. Other top choices were romantic colours like smokey purple and dusty pink in ethereal fabrics. Here are our ranges of ethereal Silk Organzas to embrace the trend.

Prints

Animal prints are back, and this time in matt colours. Apart from the classic leopard prints, fox, owl, giraffe and butterfly prints were also spotted. Overscaled herringbone endows personality to large coats, shawls, capes and skirts.

Colour blocking and mixing of creative prints and contrasting colours was another designer favourite. G prints, black and white patterns and florals, it adds vibrancy and rhythm to everyday outwear and knits. This year, 3D and bold graphic patterns on sportswear silhouettes will also be popular.

Winter will see tribal prints and ethnic patterns in muted autumnal and warm colours, on Burberry capes. The trend is to seamlessly integrate folk and tribal prints into modern patterns, adding more colour and interest. The focus is more on comfort than femininity, so attires were masculine, with their raw and rugged edge coming through.

These hand block printed cottons are perfect for this folky, tribal trend.

Casuals and Comfort

Maxi dresses are back in style, but this time in newer and larger proportions. Leather trucker jackets in smooth matt leather will replace biker jackets. Sleeveless tailored coats continue as popular choices for layering over knitwear and basics.

Winter Kimono coats and 3/4th sleeve boyfriend coats that allow layering, form fashionable outerwear. Adding femininity to these unstructured garments were tops with bracelet length sleeves, layered beneath them. Although Yetti coats were featured in many autumn collections, these are risky and are better off as “statement pieces.”

Tunics may be worn over knits and shirts, or else styled as tabards. In the men's department, ponchos are in style. Longline blouses as trendy replacements for shirts and dresses are stylish casual wear. This year, expect to see them in sheer fabric and layered fashionably. White polos continue as the standard choice in layering with dresses and sleeveless jackets, creating interesting graphic silhouettes.

Culottes sales report a 11% increase this year and have secured place as mainstream fashion apparel. These 3/4 length trousers may not be for everyone, but styles from the runways are inspiring and show us how to style them right.

The 70's inspired wide leg flares and tapered trousers are back in demand as semi-formal to formal wear. Another instant hit is the 1990's five-pocket combat style pants. Also expect to see knee-length wrap skirts inspired by kilts, and in heavier fabric this winter and autumn.

Two silhouettes—the flattering short A-line suede skirts and kimono-style sheaths and shirts, were seen everywhere. Decorative sheer dresses, with layering or embellishments were highlighted as party wear for this season. The fringe trend is set to add a retro-inspired touch to dresses and jackets, and also updates pointy shoes with style. Dramatic turn ups add refreshing updates to boyfriend jeans.

Fabric Trends

Autumn and winter will see tactile, upholstery style fabric sharing space with rugged fabrics like wool that give knitwear more texture and finish. Feathers, spiky quilted fabrics and faux fur ensembles were in the spotlight, creating unusual effects. The 70's inspired fashion stage embraced suede mixes in outerwear and casual outfits. Mixed hybrids and embellishments will play a significant role in party wear. Cooler grey furs will adorn entire or part of jacket and dress sleeves and rugged textures will be seen, with the use of wool and netting on garments.

Colour mixing will update casual and formal looks. Expect to see considerable detailing and personalization, like emblazoned signatures on classic patterns for a fresh update. Monogramming and painting will be popular choices in adding personal touches to gifts and will enhance the festive effect around Christmas time.

For some fabric inspiration check out these interesting textured fabrics, perfect for mixing and matching. Try the Faux Lambswool for ultra comfort, Fleece or Stretch Terry.

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Feathers, spiky quilted fabrics & faux fur ensembles were in the spotlight. #Trends #Fashion

The 70's trend is here to stay for Autumn Winter 15/16 #Trends #Fashion