European fashion weeks have come to an end leaving us with endless outfit inspiration and a sneak peek of what trends are to come for autumn and winter. From sheer skirts to power suits, plaid, vinyl and even a touch of the matrix, autumn/winter 2018 trends are looking fantastic. So grab your striped pants, put some socks on with your heals, and prepare to be scribbling political messages on your handbag. To see what we mean, check out the top fashion trends from European fashion weeks AW18.
1. Sheer Skirts
The street style stars of European fashion weeks have made a pretty strong case for sheer skirts. We know this can be a somewhat challenging trend, but when its done right, it elevates any look from basic to très chic.
Style bloggers and fashion editors have been known to sport this trend in a little more of a risque way, think sheer skirts over high cut body suits and underwear. Which we are certainly loving, but its probably not one for the meeker among us. This doesn’t mean you can’t give this trend a go while maintaining a little more modesty. Try layering sheer skirt over a pair of tight high waist shorts or a bodycon mini dress. You can also wear them with cropped tailored trousers or skinny jeans, or opaque black tights with a slouchy tee and combat boots.
2. Pastel Powersuits
Ladies welcome back to the world of power dressing, and can we just, say it is about time. These pastel power suits are so Jackie O-La-La and oh so fitting of the current fashion climate. Pants suits make a statement, there’s no denying that, and you should never be afraid to rock one. The perfect combination of strong and sexy, these pretty pastel power suits prove that feminity and sexuality don’t always need to be expressed through tight skirts, crop tops and plunging necklines.
For a traditional look, rock a power suit with a frilly Victorian top, or collared shirt. If you want to be a little more modern wear a matching blazer and trouser combination with a casual tee, bralette or minus the undergarment entirely. Powder blue, baby pink and lavender are the hero colours of the season.
3. Vinyl Pants
According to the European fashion week elite’s, glossy vinyl trousers are big news for autumn/winter. In fact, there has been an influx of vinyl and PVC clothing, but these patent pants are probably the easiest to wear.
In place of jeans, these pants elevate any look from standard to street style standard. Equal parts chic and cool, vinyl pants will release your inner fierceness and make you feel amazing. Try rocking a pair with a slogan tee and gingham blazer, or with a crisp striped boyfriend shirt. You can also wear these with fur coats, mohair cardigans, knitwear, or puffy bombers with sneakers or tennis shoes. Or throw on a pair with your favourite band tee, distressed denim jacket and biker boots.
4. White Ankle Boots
White ankle boots have surprisingly come straight out of the seventies to be one of the most significant trends for autumn/winter 18. Spotted gracing the feet of nearly every fashion blogger, editor, model, designer and celeb to grace the streets of Paris, London, Milan and even New York fashion weeks.
From preppy to punky, rocker to country, stark white ankle boots are just as versatile, but a little more fun than their black counterparts. Throw on a pair with plaid or pastel pencil skirt and coloured shirt or knit for a pretty preppy look. Or for something a little edgier, rock them with a pair of overalls and a slogan tee. They also work well with long dresses in striped or floral patterns or plain colours, or with jeans, tees and denim or leather jackets. Put them on with a little black dress or a skirt and crop for a night out with the girls, or with a formal dress for a laid-back street style look. Essentially, you can wear your white boots with anything.
5. Sports Stripe
The athleisure legacy lives on with fashionistas adopting the sports stripe into their street style looks. Typically associated with track pants, the sports stripe has gone from casual to chic, quicker than most the people rocking it could run. Especially considering a lot of them are wearing these striped sports pants along with their high heels.
For all the sporty spices or even those who want to wear activewear without wearing actual gym clothes, this cool girl trend is one for you. It just has an air of laid-back confidence about it, not to mention it’s super comfortable. The verticle stripes elongate the legs, and somehow doesn’t look weird or out of place when worn with smarter or more dressy ensembles. Try this trend with a blazer to match the colour of the stripe, or a playful colour blocked cardigan over a sports tee. Chucky knits, bomber jackets and baseball caps are also encouraged.
6. Socks and Heals
Say goodbye to cold feet because it is officially cool to wear socks with heels. Most wouldn’t go for socks and sandals at this point, but you never know what next year might bring. This trend is preppy perfection and a pair of stylish socks, make super cute and creative accessories, as well as keeping your toes toasty.
Try this out with your sports stripe look, or throw on some socks and a strappy pair of heels with a printed dress or trousers. Try it out with a fitted blazer and a tailored pair of cropped pants or with slouchy distressed jeans and a plain white t-shirt or sweater.
7. Statement Bags with Writing
Accessories have always been one of our favourite ways to make a statement, and these printed bags are certainly saying something. Fashion is one of the best ways to express yourself and your opinion, and now thanks to this trend, you can be anything but subtle when doing so.
Add some flair to your style and let the world know what you’re about by printing your favourite saying or word on your purse. Or have fun with a “wow”, or “love” embellished clutch. Words and fashion are equally as powerful as one another, so it is high time they came together.
8. Plaid Raincoats
Plaid is an autumn/winter staple print and it will be forever seen in various ways through fashion weeks, from skirts to pants, scarves and raincoats. This print has truly stood the test of time.
From classic grey to lumberjack red and even fluorescent yellow, these plaid raincoats could arguably be the most inventive yet practical use of the print yet. Rock your coat over a pencil skirt with tights and boots, or distressed jeans and a baggy jumper. Clash the colours or pick up one of the stripes and match the colour to your undergarments or accessories. These cosy coats also work over your athleisure looks, with socks and heels or with vinyl pants.
9. Matrix Coats
Speaking of raincoats reloaded, these leather and vinyl Matrix coats are equally as revolutionary as their plaid partners. Ditch your classic raincoat this year for one of these badass alternatives.
Keeping you just as warm and dry as any raincoat, these Matrix inspired trenches will also provide a touch of high fashion to your look. Try a black vinyl coat over fitted black pants with a white high neck sweater and white ankle boots. Or switch out the white for a black roll neck and go for a bold red coat with white, red or printed ankle boots. You can also wear these jackets over blue jeans with plain white or slogan tees, or over dresses and skirts. If you’re truly daring, rock your vinyl coat and vinyl pants.
10. Emerald Green
While New York Fashion week was a sunny sea of yellow, it was emerald which dominated the European style scene. This is a gorgeous, elegant and effortless shade which looks good with every skin tone and hair colour.
It can be worn as an all over block colour without looking too over the top, or as a subtle pop to add a point of difference to any outfit. For a classy, corporate look try a pair of emerald cropped pants with a tailored white shirt and black blazer worn on the shoulders. Or clash the colour by wearing a pair of emerald kitten heals with a heavy blue trouser. If you genuinely love the shade as much as we do, why not opt for an all-over emerald look? Try a dress in lighter tone with a darker jacket over the top.
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