A-Z of Autumn/Winter 2011 Trends (Part 1)

Gucci A/W '11

A – Ahead of the crowd

If in doubt, add a hat. From Frida Giannini’s much-coveted jewel coloured fedoras at Gucci to Marc Jacobs’ polka dot pillboxes and Burberry’s baker boy hats, retro-inspired looks were topped by perfectly nostalgic headwear. This season it’s all about the hat.

B – Bows

A micro trend in seasons past, the bow is set to go macro. At Jason Wu, bows were worn as quirky neckties providing a feminine contrast to mannish suits. Pussy bow blouses at Gucci and Ferragamo complemented a ladylike look with pencil skirts and court shoes. Adding a bow made from a length of ribbon tied around a shirt collar will give last season’s shirts a simple new season makeover.

C – Cigarette pants

The cropped, skinny style is a timeless classic but is enjoying a style renaissance this season. Celine’s tailored trews are atop many fashionistas’ wishlists and have inspired a myriad of high street designs. Keep the look pure and simple with co-ordinating separates or contrast with feminine touches.

D – Dotty

Kooky prints are everywhere this Autumn/ Winter, with polka dots the most prolific. Spots, circles and anything in between ruled the catwalks: Marc Jacobs combined dotty separates with spotted accessories and Stella McCartney’s laser-cut spots and circles were a sophisticated take on the trend. David Koma’s spots were a more playful interpretation, accentuated with supersize pom poms; whilst Topshop Unique took inspiration from 101 Dalmations and Cruella de Vil with everything from coats to nails speckled with dalmation print.

E – Egg-shaped

Egg and cocoon shapes form Autumn/Winter’s freshest silhouette. Burberry’s sixties-inspired cocoon coats cut a sophisticated shape, and Mary Katrantzou’s Fabergé egg-inspired creations are luxurious collectibles in themselves.

Christopher Kane A/W '11

F – Futuristic

Christopher Kane’s innovative Autumn/ Winter ’11 collection is forward-thinking fashion at its best. Yet again, Christopher Kane took things to the next level with his futuristic aqua gel-filled PVC detailing and black crochet-effect leather material.

G – Gender Bending

This season’s ladylike aesthetic meets its antithesis in androgynous ensembles. Paul Smith, Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel all took inspiration from menswear with classic white shirts, sharp, oversized tailoring and masculine trouser suits.

Paul Smith A/W '11

H – Highland Fling

This Autumn/Winter, fashion took inspiration from traditional Scottish fabrics. Tartan, Prince of Wales checks and hound’s tooth were seen on everything from trousers to dresses – often paired with contrasting checks and tartans. Burberry and House of Holland gave tartan tailored jackets and dresses a modern twist in bright yellow and orange hues.

I – Indulgent Colour

Jewel hues abounded on the Autumn/Winter catwalks and are fast becoming a defining trend of the season. More subtle than Spring/ Summer’s eye-popping brights, gem-inspired colours evoke richness and subtle sophistication. Colour was often combined with black but for maximum impact take inspiration from Gucci’s top-to-toe ruby, emerald and sapphire-coloured sumptuous maxis.

J – Jumper

The humble jumper is making a name for itself this Autumn/Winter with tongue-in-cheek motifs (Henry Holland), eye-catching texture (Erdem, Emma Cook) and a signature slouchy shape (Acne, Balenciaga). OTT oversized knitwear was paired with chic pencil skirts and floaty midis for an insouciant vibe.

All images: style.com