A-Z of Autumn/Winter 2012 Trends (part two)

For the last couple of seasons, I’ve written a sartorial A-Z of the biggest catwalk trends (AW11 here and here, SS12 here). It even got the Grazia seal of approval, featuring in Grazia Daily’s Fashion Blog Round-up. Here’s part two of my summary of the top trends for autumn/winter 12 (you can read part one here).

M – Matchy-matchy

Suddenly co-ordinating your colours and even prints is cool – a matching printed trouser suit is the most dapper take on the trend. That counts for accessories and even make-up too: if your coat, lippy and bag match then you’re winning at fashion.

N – New Season Prints

Unusual prints ruled the catwalk for autumn/winter 12. Mary Katrantzou’s typewriter pattern ignited fashion’s lust for unique retro-referencing design and Burberry’s owl motif has spawned a multitude of high street spin-offs. Seventies inspired eye-popping patterns certainly aren’t for shrinking violets; NB loud and proud physchedelic prints as seen at Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu and Prada.

O – Oversized Outerwear

When it comes to this season’s outerwear, mannish overcoats are big news. Manly, double-breasted and strong-shouldered styles are in, as seen at Céline and Hermès, or draped dressing gown-like designs like Jil Sander and Daks. Balance is key: fitted trousers and high heels balance the volume up top.

P – Perfect Polos

This season, feather-light polo necks were layered under anything from shirts and suits to dresses. See Paul Smith, Alexander Wang, Louis Vuitton for tips on how not to look like a Geography teacher.

Q – Queens of Quilting

Lovers of the Great Outdoors rejoice – the humble down jacket is à la mode for autumn/winter 12. Posh puffers and quilted jackets were once the reserve of dog walkers and country bumpkins, but have been given a new season makeover in fresh modern cuts and bold hues. If it’s good enough for Burberry…

R – Romance

Floaty fabrics, winter florals, soft necklines and elegant hemlines all channel a romantic, overtly feminine feel this season – as seen at McQ, Christopher Kane and Dior. It must be love.

S – Super Shine

Super shiny finishes glistened on the autumn/winter catwalks. Patent leather, PVC and rubberised rainwear at Acne, Jil Sander, JW Anderson lead the way.

T – Trophy Trousers

The straight leg fitted trouser is the go-to cut for autumn/winter 12. The good news is anything goes in terms of colour or print – the more bonkers the better; think clashing colour and kooky prints. Take note from Balmain, Acne, and Christopher Kane.

U – Umbrellas

When an accessory features heavily in Burberry’s catwalk show it’s a safe bet it will become one of next season’s most coveted items. This autumn/winter: the humble brolly. Burberry Prorsum closed the show with models sheltering themselves from a rainstorm of glitter – the forecast never looked so chic.

V – Va-va-voom Velvet

This season head-to-toe velvet came down the catwalks – think tactile boiler suits, trouser suits and separates. Keep silhouettes modern and accessories fresh to inject some new season pizzazz – as seen at Gucci, Paul Smith and Ralph Lauren.

W – Western

A smattering of Western references were spotted on the catwalks, and this is a big trend on the high street this season too. Think appliquéd western shirts and embroidered detailing as seen in Isabel Marant, Marios Schwab and Proenza Schoulers’ AW12 collections.

X – X-rated

This season it’s all about subtle, titillating details: thigh-high boots under girlish skater skirts, cut-out peek-a-boo paneling and split dresses for the more daring. Versus, Dior and Topshop Unique took the trend fifty shades more stylish.

Y – Yeti Furs

It’s official – shaggy, yeti-esque faux furs are in, as seen at Mulberry, House of Holland and Giorgio Armani. The most fashion forward faux furs this season come in bold hues. This is a trend best approached with caution – fuzzy accessories are a more wearable take on the style if you don’t want to look like an extra from Sesame Street.

Z – Zigazgs

Stripes are officially old news – Pringle of Scotland, Missoni and Kenzo favoured zany zigzags. To keep the look modern, it’s all about ziggy lines and colour blocking.

Images: style.com