What You'll Be Wearing this Autumn Winter 2015/16

Summer may not be over yet but I'm already thinking about autumn/winter fashion collections........

Whilst some of us may wish that summer could go on and on (even if it has been a tad wet and grey!) and lighter fabrics, sandals and shorts were our wardrobe staples, there is one saving grace to the oncoming cooler temperatures and darker evenings: new season collections!  

Once the tan has worn off (I hope you've been lucky enough to get one!) which is pretty quickly in this country, I start to get excited about the opportunities that autumn brings, to update my wardrobe with some new and exciting pieces that will breath new life into old items.  For many women though, the transition of seasons can be a bit tricky. With the shops featuring the new collections before autumn has actually arrived, it can be even more overwhelming not knowing what to wear and what to invest in.  So, I thought I'd bring you a round up of the trends that you're going to be seeing a lot of this season which I hope will help you feel more ready and prepared.

Boho styling is going to be big, but forget the loose flowing, hippy dippy beaded vision in your head, this season it's a bit more modern with tailored dresses, faux fur and clashing patterns paired with ankle boots, suede fringing and victoriana lace detailing.  

Suede and velvet are going to provide a luxurious alternative to wool but if you don't like the idea of wearing velvet culottes (this style of trouser is sticking around for a bit longer), look for pieces that have small touches of it like the Topshop blouse below. A suede trench coat (the coat du jour) might seem a ridiculous item to invest in once it starts raining but a fringed clutch bag will instantly update your look and keep you fresh and modern without blowing your budget.

Blanket capes were huge last winter so if you invested in one, bring it back out as they are as popular once again.  They're a great alternative to a cardigan and for adding an extra layer of warmth and can be worn loose or belted. If you want to be super 'on-trend' layer it with this seasons must-have: a polo-neck.  A fab practical item that not only keeps you warm, but can look great too and is a perfect background for featuring some great accessories. 

I mentioned earlier about faux fur, well this season anything fluffy goes, mongolian fur, shearling, basically if it's soft, warm and shaggy - buy it!  But if you don't fancy bulking up in a gilet or jacket then opt for a fur hat or to make it even more simple, a fur pom pom keyring will instantly add a bit of fashion frivolity to your handbag.

Patterns are always popular and are a great for tool for camouflaging lumps and bumps so don't be afraid to try them out.  The rule goes: the bigger you are the smaller the print. Clashing vivid, graphic patterns in optical illusions, heavy brocades and wild prints feature on everything and if you can't decide which to wear - be confident and wear them all together!  It's not a look for the faint hearted though!

If you'd like to know what colours are going to be featured, then look no further:

• Rich, earthy tones of red, brown and camel.  Forest and moss greens with burgundy and scarlet highlights
• Sky blue, ice blue and teal 
• Charcoal and rich greys highlighted with brighter pinks and soft purples
• Pastels - barely there shades of powder pink and blue

So, I hope that I've helped to give you an idea of what to expect in the shops over the next few weeks and you're now feeling inspired to try something new out.  If however you're still feeling overwhelmed and find the idea of updating your wardrobe and going shopping too stressful then let's have a chat, I'd love to help, just click here to get in touch.

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Have a very stylish autumn and I'll see you soon.

Karen xx

ps - take a look at some of the new items now available below