The Spring/Summer 2019 shows may have brought us clashing prints, neon hues and quirky tailoring, but they also showcased neutral minimalism at its finest.
Were you a fan of these opposing aesthetics? If so, you’ll be glad to hear that Autumn/Winter 2019 fashion is carrying on this tale of two sides.
At one end of the spectrum lies understated shapes, styles and colours. On the other, it’s all about elaborate maximalism that would make the cast of Mamma Mia jealous.
From androgynous tailoring to show-stopping sequins, here are the AW19 trends coming in hot for the months ahead.
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Puffy Shoulder Princess
Cold shoulders, be gone! This AW19, the focus is on shoulder detailing that’s large and in charge thanks to designers such as Givenchy, Alexander McQueen and Richard Quinn.
Some of these puffy shoulders served as a ladylike accent to adorn darling dresses and blouses; whereas, others were used as a luxe contrast on sharp tailored jackets.
Either way, an exaggerated sleeve of any kind will undeniably add dramatic flair to your wintry outfit. And we’re in love.
Captivating Capes
Need to revamp your coat wardrobe next season? Not to worry – Celine, Miu Miu and Balmain have got us covered with their captivating cape styles.
Sure, an armless cover-up isn’t exactly ideal for the office or if you’re running errands and need to use your hands. That said, you might find that the wool versions are super snugly as temperatures start to plummet to astronomical lows.
And in the meantime, why not opt for the cape-style blazers that are doing the rounds on the Instagram scene? Team yours with high-waisted skinny jeans and a chic cami to epitomise autumnal elegance.
Seventies Splendour
This year, frumpy has never been so fashionable due to various AW19 trends. After all, Burberry, Gucci and Lanvin all championed boucle and tweed twinsets with knee-length hemlines – a look that was made famous during the seventies era.
Silk blouses, leopard print and argyle diamonds also reigned supreme. Think: middle-class vintage accessorised with neck scarves, brooches and polished pearls.
If you want to commit, you could even add some oversized specs like the ones that your Grandma would wear. Now, that’s what we call bougie.
Oversized Suiting
Speaking of the seventies, do you recall the style of suit that men used to sport back then? We’re talking about those wide-collar and double-breasted jackets with wide-legged trousers.
Well, this oversized tailoring was out in force at AW19 shows such as Lemaire, Proenza Schouler and Michael Kors. The only difference to the vintage menswear options was the muted colour palette. Grey, navy and beige were favoured over the garish hues of the seventies.
Whether you choose to rock your boyfriend’s grey flannel blazer over skinny jeans and a plain tee or wear a bold two-piece with barely-there heels for a night out on the town, one thing’s for sure: androgyny just got a whole lot cooler.
Mesmerising Minimalism
Adored by influencers and high street fashionistas alike, minimalism was a huge trend for SS19. From not-so-boring beige to plain designs and simple styling, AW19 brings us more of the same with a few modern twists.
For instance, futuristic silhouettes and heavyweight fabrics dominated at The Row, Jil Sander and Loewe, while stripped-back shapes in earthy tones were sent down the catwalks of Stella McCartney, Fendi and Tod.
Easy to wear and adopt, this AW19 trend ultimately brings a new meaning to the phrase: less is more. And I’m obsessed.
Acid Brights
On the other side of the coin, don’t push the nineties-inspired neon that commanded SS19 colour trends to the back of your wardrobe just yet.
Why? Well, because acid brights have returned to the style-sphere. That’s right, move over neutrals as it’s time to make way for vivid hues like egg-yolk yellow, hot pink, jade green and turquoise thanks to Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs and Fendi.
Whether you choose to wear an acid bright head-to-toe or use it as a way to add a pop of colour to an otherwise average outfit, be prepared to be spotted in a crowd this season (in the very best way).
Grunge Chic
From one side of the colour spectrum to the other, we welcome back grunge to the fashion world with open arms. (Or at least we do because the rock chick look was previously a big aspect of our personal style.)
Open rose bloom prints, black lace, dark leather, tartan and plum lipstick – we saw it all as part of AW19 trends on catwalks such as Bottega Veneta, Roberto Cavalli and Miuccia.
And the hero piece? Matrix-style leather coats as seen on Tom Ford, Chloe and Tommy Hilfiger. Courtney Love, eat your heart out.
Dynamic Detailing
Undoubtedly the most notable of the AW19 trends, feathers fanned the shoulders, necks and entire dresses of multiple models at the Mary Katrantzou, Michael Kors and Valentino shows. Similarly, sequins were prominent in cluttered and sporadic form at Chanel, Christian Dior and No.21.
The key difference between the two? Feathers are fabulous as your go-to detailing for nighttime events; whereas, sequins work best when they’re exposed to daylight. For example, mix a sequin jacket with smart-casual separates like a crisp shirt and tweed culottes for old-school razzle-dazzle.
Whether you wear both finishes in classic hues as a way of delicately decorating your outfit or decide to embrace a rainbow of colours, you’re guaranteed to turn heads.
AW19 Trends: Juxtaposition At Its Finest
Even though it may seem overwhelming at first, the great thing about the AW19 trends being so varied is that there’s something for every fashion fan to get on board with.
Be open-minded and try new things this season because you just never know what you might like wearing. You could end up surprising yourself.
Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.
