The AW18 season is well underway and of course it’s bought with it all manner of new trends. But what if like me you can’t afford to buy a whole new wardrobe? And, how can we reuse our AW17 wardrobe for this season’s fashion? Whether you’re doing it for financial reasons, eco reasons, or just don’t want to part with your favourites, in this guide we’ll cover what’s hot for men and women this autumn/winter, and help you re-use your most treasured pieces from seasons past.

Styling menswear

One of the biggest trends of AW17 outerwear was shearling – a combination of suede and wool in one item. Thankfully it’s back this year; Giorgio Armani took it one step further with a shearling, suede and leather jacket that looks smart yet cosy for the colder months.
You might want to dig deeper than last year’s AW clothing with one of this season’s trends. This year it’s all about throwing it back to the ’90s hoarders rejoice!). You might have hoped you’d seen the back of shell suits and full tracksuits, but they’re back with a vengeance- on the catwalk, Prada completed the look with branded bucket hats and lightweight waterproof jackets (ideal for autumn weather).
Another garment that comes out year after year is the leather jacket. This year, instead ofthe shorter bomber style it’s all about oversized leather coats that can be paired with slim-leg jeans and winter boots. Fendi, Balenciaga and Paul Smith were all rocking the look during their AW18 shows- check out vintage stores and charity shops if you don’t have one hanging around.
When it comes to colours it’s autumnal brown that’s in this season- a colour you’re bound to have knocking around in your wardrobe. From brown men’s suits to oversized ponchos and shiny leather jackets, the brown colour palette is so versatile. If you don’t want to overdo this shade you can keep it simple with brown accessories such as hats, scarves and shoes to get in with the trend and mix shades to get a cool take on the trend.
Layering always takes to the main stage- it’s all about bringing together different garments in an effortlessly stylish sort of way. You might not have worn your V-necks in a few years but bring it out this year and slip it on top of a roll-neck jumper for an on-trend outfit. Other ways to layer include pairing an open checked shirt (a print that was everywhere for men’s shirts in AW17) with a graphic t-shirt and black skinny jeans.

Styling womenswear

Similar to the menswear trends, layering is on-trend for the ladies this AW too. Designers such as Balenciaga showed their support of the fashion technique at their shows. If you’re bold enough, the best way to layer is with contrasting colour and textures; digging out you metallic puffa jacket from last year and wearing it over a fringed jumper for example.
Animal print was also a big part of this season’s shows. While Victoria Beckham demonstrated her love for leopard print, other designers such as Isabel Marant were all about snake patterns. The best thing about this style being on trend is that you can mix and match animal print and still create an outfit that looks well put together. Leopard print has rarely been out of the spotlight in recent years — why not pair your printed cami dress with snakeskin boots and a matching clutch? Chances are everyone has some kind of animal print hiding somewhere in their wardrobe and this is the year to get creative.
Whilst glitz and glam was reserved for Christmas and New Year events last year, this season they’re acceptable throughout autumn and winter. Paco Rabanne showed off their models in oversized silver sequins that brought some much-loved sparkle to the runway. Tis the season to embrace sequins and glitter whatever the occasions- metallic Mondays and sequinned Saturdays? Yes please!
Oversized and chunky knit is back just in time for the cold snap too. This year it’s all about picking out your chunkiest jumper and popping it on over your camisole dresses, meaning your summer wardrobe can work harder too. Miu Miu showed off an outfit that was made up of a green floral midi dress and fluffy grey knit – in my head this is exactly how I’d dress every day!

Have you got any top tips for making your wardrobe work across all seasons and all trends? Leave them in the comments if you do…

The nights are drawing in and it’s getting colder by the day. Leaves are falling from the trees and it’s no longer possible to just throw on a t-shirt and jeans. As we bid farewell to summer for another year it’s time to switch our attention to fall fashion. If you’re looking for seasonal style tips or your wardrobe needs a revamp then you’ve come to the right place.

Fall-proofing your summer staples
It’s not t-shirt weather anymore, but it’s also not quite time to dust down your winter coats. The key to getting it right when the seasons are changing is learning to layer and using statement pieces to liven up your fall basics. You don’t have to give up your favourite summer outfits just yet provided that you can find ways to make them weather-proof. Take the simple, chic cami dress you’ve lived in all summer- just because it’s cooler outside you don’t have to consign it to the back of the closet. Adding a long-sleeved t-shirt or polo neck jumper underneath, throwing an oversized shirt or a cardigan over the top and adding a pair of tights and some boots will give you a fresh new outfit that will keep the cold at bay and ensure you look fab. If you feel more comfortable in skirts or dresses than trousers you can discover casual day dresses for women online. There’s a huge amount of choice available, and it’s almost always possible to weatherproof your style. Pinafores and dungaree dresses are great for a casual look while simple shifts are ideal for work.

Accessorizing
One of the best things about the arrival of cooler temperatures is the range of accessories that are available. Think hats, scarves, bags and shoes. Go for prints like animal or winter florals to tick off the latest trends or stick to block colours like burgundy, emerald green, mustard and red. You can turn even the most basic, simple outfit, such as a slouchy jumper, skinny jeans and a pair of biker boots into a chic get up by adding touches like a printed tote and a felt fedora. Swap summer sunglasses such as aviator styles for bulkier, heavier framed shades in black or tortoiseshell and replace caps and straw hats with a trilby or a bobble hat. When you’re looking at scarves go for thicker fabrics like wool and faux fur rather than silk, cotton and linen in the colder months.

Creating your capsule wardrobe
Creating a capsule wardrobe is a brilliant way of embracing new trends and looking great without breaking the bank. In fall, you want to look stylish, but you also need to make sure that you’re prepared for every eventuality when it comes to the weather. One day it could be mild and sunny, the next it could be pouring down with rain or blowing a gale. It’s always worth investing in some key pieces that tick off the principal trends for the season. This fall, it’s all about the color red, cozy textures like faux fur and shearling, eye-catching boots, plaid, and sporty touches. You don’t have to put outfits together that celebrate every trend. You can take elements of the looks you love and create ensembles that match your individual style and taste. Not every trend is going to float your boat. Once you’ve got staple items, such as cigarette pants, well-fitted jeans, polos, jumpers, and blouses, you can embrace the new season runway looks by adding accessories and investing in statement separates. Consider teaming a plaid pinafore dress with a plain blouse or putting a chic faux fur coat with a basic jumper and cigarette pants for a lunch date or pairing an LBD with some glittery ankle boots for an evening out.

The new season is upon us and what better excuse to sort through your closet and indulge in a little retail therapy? Every season there are new trends to try, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to look the part. Recycle your favourite summer looks by adding layers, work on a new capsule wardrobe and pick and choose from the statement styles everybody is talking about. Use accessories to brighten up basics and create unique looks, and focus on being comfortable as well as chic. You can mix and match staples with new pieces to make a whole host of looks that are suitable for both casual and smart occasions. Have a look through some fashion magazines and check out articles online to get ideas and don’t be afraid to celebrate your individual style and have fun.

As gender fluidity becomes more commonplace within mainstream society it’s having a significant impact on the fashion industry.
For many women, dressing conventionally as a ‘woman’ through gendered stereotypes is becoming less relevant- and many can feel a sense of dysphoria in conforming to how society thinks they should dress.
With this in mind a rise in popularity of the humble the suit and designer boyfriend jeans is happening. They are becoming more and more popular on the high street and within the world of fashion. Trilogy Stores- retailers of quality denim explore how – and why – women are opting for men’s styles to satisfy their need to explore new areas of clothing that help them express who they are.

A rising trend
In the US a survey conducted by Fusion found that 50% of those asked claimed that gender was not limited to male and female and this change in attitude has led to many women feeling as though they are entitled to wear men’s clothing as part of their wardrobe.
This shift in attitude and trend towards women embracing their identity through clothing comes as no surprise. In a time when popular-figures such as Jaden Smith wear skirts, the rapper Young Thug claims there’s no ‘such thing as gender’ and Teen Vogue offers an advice column on gender identity many women feel that now is the time to wear whatever makes them feel most comfortable in themselves.

Breaking the glass ceiling
For many women working in big cities surrounded by men who are often in positions of authority it can be difficult to get noticed. Wearing more masculine pieces of clothing, such as a suit can sometimes break down the differences between men and women allowing them to feel more empowered and equal.
The idea that women can sit alongside men in the same clothes becomes infectious, leading them to feel differently about themselves and do things they wouldn’t normally do with added confidence.
By opting for a suit the pressure of finding the perfect outfit disappears – as they only need to contend with a couple of pairs of trousers, shirts, ties and a blazer that can be mixed and matched. In the world of contemporary fashion then, hyper-femininity seems to be losing it’s appeal and clothing appears to be more tailored to the individual as opposed to the gendered group than it ever has been before. Many high street retailers are now offering unisex ranges for example.
In the past the trend has been for women to wear masculine silhouettes – now – many are simply heading to the men’s section of the store.

What to wear
As already covered a suit can make you feel empowered among the men and with one on there’s nothing separating you from them along gendered lines. To make the most of this look try ankle-skimming trousers with a slimming, abbreviated jacket teamed with a polo neck or loose fitting shirt.
Trousers should always make you feel at your best – extending your height and creating a sense of sophistication. Christine Lagarde, a French lawyer and head of the International Monetary Fund is a notable figure when it comes to women and power dressing. She can often be spotted in a pair of slim-fit navy trousers with a matching blazer and neck-tie.
As well as a suit boyfriend-cuts are what to wear when you want to sport casual denim. The looser the better – but try to get a pair that are tapered at the leg when you can. To complement this look try an oversized t-shirt tucked in at one side- helping to complement your figure and give your street and style credentials a well-deserved boost. More than anything wear clothes that make you feel like you.

Personally I love nothing more than borrowing a jumper from the boyfriend to wear with my jeans, and I often find myself browsing menswear departments for items with a looser, cooler fit. I don’t tend to think of my clothing as “his” and “hers” if you will, I just go for what makes me feel good when I wear it. What’s your take in this new direction in fashion?