It may seem outrageously early to already be thinking about Autumn/Winter style, but just as the first glimmers of sun start to hit our dreaming spires, the catwalks are already teeming with warm coats and woolly jumpers. One that stands out is Stella McCartney’s AW17 Ready to Wear collection for women. It is strong, sharp and exudes confidence.
Three key trends can be identified from the catwalk: the first is the almost excessive use of tweed, hound’s-tooth and plaid prints. Though stereotypically masculine, conjuring images of old-fashioned countryside hunting parties, McCartney combines this material with sleek tailoring and structured lines to create a distinctly modern and sophisticated vibe.
For a more explicitly city-girl feel, effortless head-to-toe monochrome is McCartney’s go-to. Luxurious high-neck jumpers tucked into flowing wide-legged trousers are paired with matching suit jackets in rich navies and soft greys. Finally, McCartney builds on a trend that has already exploded for Spring/Summer—embellished lace. Featured mainly in black and white pieces, the detail of these embellishments is exquisite, with the light and airy material creating a striking contrast to the heavier tweed fabrics. This is a collection that exudes poise and sophistication, something that high-street brands have already started to pick up on.
For those who don’t wish to break the bank, high-street shops have some equally beautiful alternatives. H&M is showcasing an array of gorgeous hound’s-tooth prints, ASOS and New Look are the places to go for monochromatic basics, and Topshop has gone to town with lace and mesh. Up-to-date as ever, Zara is the high street brand to turn to for those who really wish to emulate McCartney’s AW style. The ‘Embroidered Tulle T-Shirt’ is a standout piece (see right) which comes in both black and white, and for a more colourful version, the ‘Embroidered Tulle Top’ comes in a delicate blush pink. Alongside these more delicate pieces, there is an array of check-patterned items, ranging from trousers and blazers to dresses and skirts.
Though summer may be around the corner, this season’s catwalks show us it’s never too early to think about AW style, especially with so many exciting trends in store…
