How to be Fashion Forward this Fall

As we are fast ‘Falling’ into Autumn/Winter, we finally get a chance to work the layers and rock some serious outerwear. So in preparation here’s a roundup of the trends seen on the catwalks that I’ve tweaked specially for you Abu Dhabi style seekers. Not forgetting us Abu Dhabians have the added luxury of the glam factor in our decadent surroundings so you can take these trends and have fun with them!  These are my most wearable picks that you’ll be seeing all over the high street and my tips for how to wear them…

Statement making outerwear

Whoever thought that there would come a time when we would actually miss wearing coats!  So many of the key looks this season featured outerwear as the statement piece of the outfit, Coats were oversized and the cocoon shape seemed the most popular, go for lighter fabrics, cashmere and fine wools which are best for this climate. Pink also seemed a popular colour on the runways for coats and jackets and was also shown worn head to toe – take note all you girly girls out there! Seen on the runway at Topshop Unique and Burberry.

Winter White

This has become my favourite colour to wear since I moved to these sunny shores especially pared with gold accessories and lucky for me they were also featured heavily on the runways, head to toe white is the way to go. If you don’t feel quite so daring then a white coat or blazer jacket is the simplest way to buy into this trend. For all white ensembles pare with some whiter than white, wide leg trousers and a white or cream light knit with a roll neck. This is one trend that certainly has the glam factor.

Classic Patterns

After being bombarded for several seasons by digital prints this season showed a return to classic patterns so think leopard, camo, plaid and pinstripes with houndstooth being the star attraction. Zara are bang on trend with plenty of plaid to go round but you’ll see these traditional prints, pretty much everywhere for the next few months. Choose plaid for coats and capes, houndstooth for dresses and trousers and camo and leopard for statement tops.

Shades of Green

Something we are lacking environment wise so why not compensate this winter by wearing one of the many shades of green from emerald and jade to moss and ivy. One of the most wearable colours for all skin tones and one of my personal favourites

Midi Skirts

Without a doubt the most flattering and wearable skirt length for all women, whether you choose a pencil figure-hugging style or one with a gentle kick flare below the knee, this length will be in fashion for seasons to come.

Masculine Tailoring

This is a super flattering trend if you get it on the nail, don’t take it too literally and starting raiding the hubbies wardrobe though!  Clothing should be sharply tailored and cut to fit; this is a great option for the working woman who wants to command attention in the boardroom. Go for slim plain well cut trousers and a long line blazer with accentuated shoulders finished off with a crisp white shirt with sharp collars. Stella McCartney is the queen of mannish tailoring and also featured heavily at Victoria Beckham this season but for more affordable options head to Debenhams, Autograph and Marks and Spencer and Topshop.

Monochromatic

Always a firm fixture in Autumn Winter, black and white rules, shown all over the catwalks there was a very austere air and a very literal interpretation, the high street however has much more wearable versions, simple black day dresses with white collars attached is probably the easiest way to do monochrome but really it’s hard to get this trend wrong, as a general rule if you go for a monochromatic pattern (i.e. houndstooth) on the bottom keep the top simple – either black or white.

Accessories

The oversized Scarf

Easily my most used accessory here is super sized scarves and pashminas in fabulous prints or designer monograms, we always need that cover up for chilly nights and its doubles up as a great way to inject a pop of colour into your winter wardrobe. I personally love the new selection of scarves by jewellery designer Bex Rox which are vibrant and large enough to wear in a number of ways (www.bexrox.ae)

Over the Knee boots

As someone who has more pairs of boots then is absolutely needed, this is music to my ears – an excuse to buy more! The best over the knee boots are those that have a lot of stretch making them wearable for everyone, you can also achieve the same effect by wearing leather leggings or trousers with ankle boots. Ralph Lauren, Phillip Lim