8 of 8

Write now Article Tools

This fall or autumn, there are so many different styles, with so many different designers and collections. Clothes are in many different colours, including lots of rich deep autumnal tones and the staple for this season, black is just about every where. There are also, all sorts of historical references. But what are the key trends for autumn and how can you adapt these trends to suit your wardrobe?

Grunge

Grunge was a trend originally started in the nineties by Marc Jacobs and this autumn, it is back. A really easy trend to wear taking inspiration from catwalk shows of Burberry Prorsum and Alexander Wang amongst others. To get this look layer fine knits in dark colours add fingerless gloves, slouchy boots or beanie hats. This season grunge is more glossy and glam than first time around so look for luxurious fabrics and slouchy relaxed cut clothes for a comfortable and laidback feel.

Gothic / dark romance

At the autumn shows, it was hard to get away from the Gothic and dark romance references. With Alexander Mcqueen high necked black lace inspired by Elizabethan costume, Luella's witch like outfits, black lace dresses and long crimped hair, Yves St Laurent's identical black haired, black polo neck clad models and Derek Lams black lace veil. Black lace is probably the most popular version of this trend, try wearing it with dark eye make up and red lips or dark red or black nail polish.

Folk

The folk trend was seen at Dolce and Gabbana, Hermes, Gucci and DKNY. It definitely had a feel of seventies bohemian about it. This is a great trend for autumn as it combines rich autumnal colours with black in paisley, ethnic or tartan prints. Short dresses are teamed with black or coloured opaque tights and flared trousers teamed with tunic tops, the look was completed with scarves, fringed accessories and faux fur trims.

Structured

Tailoring for this season is all about structure with collars and shoulders making a big statement. The structure on the top half was balanced with simple and streamlined bottom halves. Trousers were slim legged and cropped and skirts straight and knee length. Structured tailoring was particularly seen at Jil Sander, Balenciaga, Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs with angular shoulders and upstanding collars that looked as if they may have been constructed by a structural engineer but feminine with it. Look out for exaggerated and rounded shoulders on suits and dresses and big shawl style collars.

Punk

Rodarte led this way at the autumn shows with punk styling including cobweb tights and ripped dresses. Marc Jacobs autumn winter had a strong punk theme but this time with a much prettier edge. The main features of this trend are ripped and slashed clothes, fishnets, checks, plaids and mini skirts.

Military Style

Military style is big news this season with double breasted and closely tailored suits and coats, epaulettes, gold and brass details and buttons and military badges. Alexander McQueen contrasted Navy blue military tailoring with cold trim with a chiffon skirt and gold sparkling leggings. At Temperley, there were white, fitted military style jackets and at Ralph Lauren, red military style blazers and berets. This trend has emerged on the high street as differing styles of military coats and jackets.

Couture details

The autumn 08 catwalk shoes have seen a trend for all sorts of lavish couture like details adorning clothes including beading, embroidery, pleating, folding, bows and ruffles. This trend translates very well to the high street for Christmas evening wear. There will be all sorts of elaborate dresses and minimalism will certainly not be something associated with evening dresses this winter.

Learn more about this author, Ceri Heathcote.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Fall fashion trends 2008?
We want to hear your view. Write now!