London Fashion Week: What the trends are for Autumn/Winter 2024
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By Annabel Rackham, Culture reporter
BBC
London Fashion Week has drawn to a close, showcasing the looks set to dominate our wardrobes next autumn and winter. From playful textures to a surprising return for tailoring, hear’s a rundown of the key trends.
Fringing: It was everywhere. From dresses and skirts to jackets and even accessories, designers embraced movement and texture with swathes of fringe. Expect to see this playful detail adding a touch of fun to outfits.
Stripes and Pleats: A classic combination got a fresh update. Designers played with different widths and directions of stripes, often paired with the structure of pleats. This trend offers a elegant yet versatile look.
Ruffles and Color: Bold colours and dramatic ruffles were a recurring theme. Think vibrant, eye-catching dresses and separates that make a statement. this is a trend for those who aren’t afraid to stand out.
Tassels takeover: Another texture trend, tassels were used in abundance, creating a visually striking and almost hypnotic effect. Outfits were fully covered, demonstrating a commitment to maximalist design.
Mini Skirts are Back (with Ruffles): The mini skirt continues its reign, but this season it’s all about the details. Ruffles added a feminine and playful touch, offering a fresh take on this classic silhouette.
Colour Pop and Loud Luxury: Key Trends From the Runways
For years, fashion has favoured florals and calming pastels, but this season’s runways were all about bold block colours.
The catwalks of big fashion houses such as Loewe, Dior and Fendi were awash with rainbow brights in yellow, red and green, with some mixing and matching shades for added dramatic effect.
Belgian designer Meryll Rogge’s show also featured head-turning outfits in electric blue.
Style tip: If you want to replicate this style yourself, try focusing on wearing one statement item in a bold colour so it really stands out.
Loud luxury
Fashion Forecast: What Trends Will Dominate in 2025?
Fashion choices are frequently enough a reflection of what’s going on in the world around us, with some trend forecasters indicating that the increase of embellished pieces – such as tasselled bags and fringed skirts – is due to global economic uncertainty.
In times of financial trouble, investment pieces with bold, eye-catching designs become the go-to as a way to add something extra to an otherwise ordinary outfit.
Australian label Aje’s catwalk was full of delightful fringed pieces, whilst Balmain’s models graced the runway with huge, suede messenger bags.
Ellie Saab and Louis Vuitton’s neon fringed and tasselled dresses and trousers also stood out, as models sashayed down the catwalk in their designs.
style tip: You probably own something that fits into this trend already, as it comes back around frequently enough, but if you don’t, a fringed leather or suede bag is easy to come by on secondhand websites and in vintage stores or charity shops.
Textures
Getty ImagesA trench coat is a wardrobe staple for many – perfect for the transitional period between spring and summer, and also autumn and winter.
This season, designers showcased trenches everywhere, primarily in the classic light beige. However, some fashion houses, like Celine, added a twist with vibrant inner linings, while Saint Laurent experimented with different fabrics and colours.
Ellie Saab’s runway featured sleek, tightly belted trenches, and Givenchy presented lighter-coloured designs with bold black buttons and buckles.
Style tip: Trench coats remain perpetually stylish, so investing in one guarantees ample wear.