The tough thing about being an acolyte of high fashion is that there are just so many different trends to keep track of each season.
If you’re looking to stay on top of the styles that are influencing designer clothing for women this fall, here are just a few of the key trends to follow.
Overcoats are Back
The good news for anyone who wants to stay warm and dry as the weather turns colder this year is that some of the biggest fashion houses around have embraced classic fabrics and cuts for their coats. In fact a number of designers, including Brunello Cucinelli, Stella McCartney and Dolce & Gabbana, have opted to adopt masculine styles for their feminine outdoor wear.
While we have not returned to the age of the trench coat, there is an embarrassment of glen plaid doing the rounds on catwalks at the moment, giving every piece a very British look that speaks of wood panelled rooms and warming glasses of brandy.
Animal Print is In
Although some might argue that animal print patterns are never really out of style, they definitely have peak periods of popularity. We’re right at the pinnacle of the current wave of animal prints, with almost every designer putting their own twist on this trend.
From jackets and leggings to bags and accessories, you can find every conceivable iteration of animal print at the moment. The biggest difference from past returns to power is that this time you’re invited to wear as much as possible; the more items of clothing that feature a wildlife-inspired print, the better.
Leather is Looming Large
As a hugely versatile material, there’s never a season in which leather doesn’t play some important role. In fall 2018 it is taking the spotlight more than usual thanks to the popularity of leather dresses.
These can take on a range of forms, from toga-like creations to pieces that have a closer resemblance to a costume from The Matrix than anything else. There are also a wealth of different colours, from broody black to bold blue, so there is a lot of room for fitting a leather dress to your own tastes.
Capes are Climbing the Ladder
In the past we’ve seen ponchos provide plenty of warmth and lots of room for design experimentation in the fashion world. This year, capes are making a comeback, with yet another extensive array of styles on the cards.
Some capes seek to swaddle the wearer’s body in a blanket-like wrapping of soft wool. Others are thinner, finer affairs made with silk and printed with intricate designs. Yet a third group of designers, including Saint Laurent and Nina Ricci, have gone for much plainer products, putting an almost mournful, funereal look at the top of the agenda for their black capes.
So there you have it; fall fashions in 2018 are a mixture of practical and purely decorative, giving you the freedom to pick and choose a style that will work, whatever your schedule.