For a fashion savant, buying into new trends each season is not only a must, but made more satisfying when you know they’re definitely sticking around for another season. This is especially delightful if you’re the type to invest in designer versions of your favorite style movement. For this spring and summer, modern luxury retailer MATCHESFASHION.COM has identified five major trends that are indeed carrying over into fall. What could be more worthy of your hard-earned cash? If you’re in the mood to procure a fresh piece or two (or five!) that you know won’t feel stale after a few wears, Natalie Kingham, fashion and buying director of the retailer weighs in on what’s worth the spend.
Trends To Invest In
“The strongest and most prevalent trend for AW18 is animal prints and not any one in particular—from zebra and tiger to, of course, leopard. They are officially neutrals and every woman needs an animal-printed piece of outerwear for starters. Hillier Bartley’s SS18 python trouser and Pallas leopard-print coat or Chloe’s print blouse pared back with classic, well-tailored trousers, is a more subtle approach to the trend. A personal favorite look of mine for SS18 was Halpern’s full leopard sequined suit and I love that he has continued to play with animal prints for AW18.”
“Plaid and check is becoming an accent—Max Mara’s leopard was amplified by the muted check and Versace featured it with reconstructed patchwork, full plaid scarves and berets. At Gucci, the check was used to temper the otherwise loud mash-up of prints, instantly making each look more wearable. For the current season, look to Thom Browne, who created a great pair of plaid-print trousers and Johanna Ortiz for a stand-out checked skirt.”
“From hoods at Preen by Thornton Bregazzi and Maison Martin Margiela to hats and headpieces at Saint Laurent and lovely Swiss doll veils at Erdem, it’s one of the most directional trends of the season. Gucci introduced some key pieces for SS18 but took it to a new level for AW18, showcasing a full spectrum of headwear that included knitted balaclavas and Russian babushka headscarves to crystal headpieces and reworked hijabs.”
“Scarves are providing inspiration beyond how to wear them. Designers are developing the idea by executing print mash-ups and draping to celebrate the soft accessory itself in ready-to-wear form. Marine Serre used scarves for earrings, bag handles and bralettes, as well as full patchwork dresses and skirts. Loewe played with this idea with one of its handbags this season.”
“Heavy footwear was something that first caught our attention in SS18 with brands such as Chloé pairing boots with floaty dresses. Moving into AW18, the excitement with shoes that make themselves known—buffalo boots at Vetements and Junya Watanabe, all-weather boots at Loewe and Chloé and combat (the true stomping boot) at Marques Almeida. Western boots at Isabel Marant and Fendi reminded me of our SS18 exclusive style with Toga—one of my favorites for the season.”
“This one is a really exciting trend for the season—designers are developing innovative ideas around different types of people’s uniforms. A fireman coat at Calvin Klein, school uniforms at Versace and Burberry, as well as less literal iterations like at Gabriela Hearst who is always inspired by utilitarian uniforms. A go-to look for the uniform trend is always army colors and camouflage prints—Myar does this style well, offering great fitting army shirts.”
