Need some autumn fashion inspiration? Here’s the ultimate list of ways to update your look, so you are sure to find something that works for you and your style. See the advice from THE GLOSS Contributing Editor Sarah Macken and Style Editor Aislinn Coffey …
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SORT OUT YOUR CAPSULE WARDROBE
The perfect capsule wardrobe will depend entirely on your personal taste. However, without being too prescriptive, we’ve created an edit of practical, wear-on-repeat autumn pieces that have wide appeal. Shop these AW24 wardrobe building blocks below … @ohegartysarah
Trench coats are ubiquitous this time of year. Minimalists and maximalists alike will see the appeal of this loose-fit trench with cropped panelling. Whether you choose to style it in a boho, Chloé-inspired way, with a ruffled blouse and turn-up jeans, or in a pared-back manner, with a plain knit and loafers, is down to you. Light khaki trench coat, €59.99, at H&M.
Autumn isn’t just about tactile knits, leather is high on appeal for the season. No matter what your style, a sleek leather dress is the kind of piece you’ll rely on for years to come – it always delivers an easy sense of polish. Khaki leather V-neck dress, Autograph, €310, at Marks & Spencer.
Bag a fail-safe knit now and it will pay dividends all season long. New brand to Brown Thomas, Soeur delivers on insouciant knitted pieces that pair perfectly with slip skirts, straight-leg jeans and pleat-front trousers. Cream Will knitted jumper, Soeur, €225, at Brown Thomas.
A white T-shirt needs no explanation as a wardrobe staple, and this season you’ll wear it to death; under an of-the-moment barn jacket, teamed with a trending statement waistcoat or to take the edge off a two-piece suit. White cotton T-shirt, €95; www.flore-flore.com.
Loafers are in vogue every autumn, but if you’re craving an update on traditional oxblood and black leather styles, why not embrace suede? This pair by Zara will imbue any outfit with a certain kind of nonchalance. Beige suede loafers, €49.95, at Zara.
If you spend money on one accessory this season make it a belt as, according to the style set, no outfit is complete without one. The look right now focuses on vintage-inspired belts that also look unisex. Think: high-quality leather and rich suede. On the high street, this one by Arket punches above its weight. Brown suede belt with gold hardware, €59; www.arket.com.
As far as wear-on-repeat coats with wide appeal go, you can’t go wrong with a black wool jacket. Coats with inbuilt scarves are still in high demand, thanks to sell-out styles by Toteme. If you’re seeking something a bit more basic, a simple double-breasted calf-length style is always a wise investment. Black oversized wool-blend scarf jacket, €225, at COS.
The best kind of winter boots? They come in luxurious chocolate brown, croc-effect leather and boast a voguish square toe. Dark brown leather ankle boots, €249; www.arket.com.
If you’re looking for a new pair of jeans, may we suggest a moody pair of indigo denim jeans with a mid rise and a wide leg. Blue full length jeans, €59.95, at Massimo Dutti.
Speaking of the popularity of belts, they’re even appearing on bags this season. Take, for example, this lust-worthy croc-effect bag with its curved bucket design, made from Italian leather. On the high street, look to Zara and Arket for roomy brown suede shoulder bags with high-fashion appeal. Brown belted croc-effect leather tote, Toteme, €1,050; www.net-a-porter.com.
WEAR A BEAUTIFUL LONG DRESS
So-called because of their versatile nature, these dresses are often midi or maxi in style, some boast long sleeves and they come in practical fabrics such as wool or cotton. The bottom line? They work overtime in your wardrobe. Styling them for day is easy with great trainers, or ballet flats (FYI: the do-it-all dress is the perfect workwear solution), and for night they can be taken easily into evening with a pair of knee-high leather boots or a pair of velvet Mary Janes. Shop an edit of beautiful dresses you’re guaranteed to wear on repeat all season below. See some long dress inspiration here. @ohegartysarah
TRY THESE DENIM TRENDS
While we welcome the slew of fresh and exciting AW24 trends, the urge to reset our denim is palpable too. Why? Because denim is a key cornerstone of the modern wardrobe – and, thanks to fashion’s high-low approach to dressing, it’s never been so important. We wear our jeans to work, to dinner, to a bar, to lounge at home, even to special events (see THE GLOSS editors’ favourite jeans ever here).
What’s new for AW24? Dark denim hues are big for the new season, which is good news as they boast a crisp look that sits excellently with shirting, (they’re also flattering and hide stains more readily). While straight-slouchy and wide-leg styles continue in popularity, the shape turning heads now is the curved leg: a move on from the barrel style jeans that proved popular in recent seasons. And before you sound the death knell for skinny jeans, take a pause. Designers and denim brands are experimenting again with slim silhouettes, perhaps driven by consumer demand: according to Google, searches for skinny jeans are up 900 per cent since the beginning of the year. Shop the best denim styles for AW24 below.
What: Mid-rise, bootcut. Why: A throwback to 1990s and Y2K fashion, bootcut styles are permeating the fashion scene again this season, this time with an exaggerated length that pools slightly at your shoes and adds drama. Mid-blue 90s stacked bootcut jeans, €240; www.filippa-k.com.
What: High waist, straight leg, dark wash. Why: If you’re only making one denim investment this season, opt for dark denim that has automatic polish. Vintage black Maddy straight-leg jeans, €285; www.skallstudio.com.
What: Mid-rise, relaxed fit, curved shape. Why: A move on from the barrel styles that gained a foothold in spring, a curved, or horseshoe, shape is the wildcard style of the season. We say: with a more balanced proportion on the leg, these have the potential to be more flattering than barrel jeans. Cream Shon jeans, €560; www.nililotan.com.
What: Light blue, high waist, wide leg. Why: Wide leg jeans are on trend again for AW24, and we like the length on this style, which pairs perfectly with flats. While dark denim hues are big news for the season, conversely ultra-pale, 1980s influenced light indigo shades are a good investment too, as they are set to be on the agenda with designers for next spring. Light indigo high-waisted wide-leg jeans, Autograph, €95, at Marks & Spencer.
What: High waist, pleat detailing, wide leg. Why: Pleating adds a twist to classic denim and has been spotted on jeans both on the high street and from high end brands for autumn. Denim blue wide-leg trousers, €39.99, at H&M.
What: Mid-rise, relaxed skinny. Why: It seems like every season, fashion declares the skinny jean to be back on trend as a counter to the abundance of wide leg and straight-slouchy styles that have dominated over the last few years. This season sees some genuine efforts, too – this relaxed pair of skinnies, with a dark wash and decided vintage feel, by Anine Bing are a good way to go if you’re craving a return to slimmer fits (on the high street, this pair by Massimo Dutti are worth a look also). Iron black Nix jeans, €250; www.aninebing.com.
What: Drawstring, wide leg. Why: In a boon for comfortable dressing, drawstring styles with billowing wide legs are cropping up for AW24. This is a good thing as not only are they generally made from softer fabrics, with a louche fit, the drawstring means you can control how baggy they look too. Dark denim wide-leg drawstring trousers, €115, at COS.
What: High waist, straight fit. Why: Arguably a contemporary classic, straight fit jeans with a high waist and a vintage look wash are a bona fide essential for cool-girl dressing. Note how this pair is teamed with off-duty shoe of the season, the suede moccasin. Mid-blue faded high-waisted jeans, €59.95, at Massimo Dutti.
What: Medium rise, relaxed fit, cuffed hem. Why: Turn up jeans are perhaps the coolest way to do relaxed denim right now (in case you missed it: the Instagram set has paired them with black flip flops all summer long). For AW24, some fits are more cropped, making them the perfect accompaniment for kitten heels. Medium blue Ayla baggy crop jeans, Citizens of Humanity, €369, at Seagreen.
What: High waist, slim fit, flared legs. Why: Call it the Chloé effect, but in line with the bohemia revival for autumn, you can count on flares being back with a bang. Blue Lupine flared stretch jeans, €89; www.arket.com.
CHANNEL HERITAGE COUNTRY
Chloé
Plaid coats, Fair Isle knits, knotted scarves, wax jackets and plenty of pearls, the timeless charm of heritage country style is a designer favourite for AW24.
How to wear it: Think Margo Leadbetter in the 1970s TV series To The Manor Born. Chloé’s graphic check coat and a “barn” jacket in coated canvas by Nili Lotan are two key pieces. Find versions on the high street and see What’s New In Irish Fashion: The Latest From Designers and Stores This Season for inspiration. @aislinncoffeystyleeditor
Dark green Blaise faux fur-trimmed jacket, NILI LOTAN, €1,086; www.modaoperandi.com.
Brown check jacket, €119; WWW.MOLLYBRACKEN.COM.
Brown leather boots, €182, at THE WHITE COMPANY, 72 Grafton Street, Dublin 2.
Caramel Buckle leather handbag, PRADA, €4,800, at Brown Thomas.
DRESS COOL FOR CORPORATE
Stella Mc Cartney
Corporate dressing just got cool again. Dress for the job you want in tailored single- or double-breasted suits: the look is 9-5 dressing that suits all hours.
How to wear it: Choose plains or pinstripes and look out for suits with exaggerated shoulders, all in a boardroom-friendly palette. See also: Banshee of Savile Row On The Eternal Allure Of A Good Suit. @aislinncoffeystyleeditor
Jil Sander
GO FOR WINE REDS
Victoria Beckham
Shades of merlot, burgundy and black cherry are the successors to last season’s scarlet. Expect high street expressions of wine-toned high-shine skirts at Brandon Maxwell, crisp suiting at Saint Laurent, silky frocks at Victoria Beckham and butter-soft leather at Hermès.
How to wear it: Head to toe, or paired with emerald green, caramel, grey or navy.
Burgundy Knott leather coin purse, LOEWE, €350, at Brown Thomas.
Burgundy Lorna wool wrap coat, €429, at ARNOTTS.
Port midi dress, €950; WWW.VICTORIABECKHAM.COM.
Burgundy belt with gold-tone buckle, €14.99, at H&M.
Burgundy The Norma leather bag, €950; WWW.LIE-STUDIO.DK.
Burgundy patent leather slingback shoes, €149, at & OTHER STORIES, 26-27 Grafton Street, Dublin 2.
HAVE FUN IN FLARED SKIRTS
Marni
Full, flared skirts wowed at AW24 shows. The pendulum is swinging back towards fluid, flared midi-length skirts that sit on the hips.
How to wear it: With a tonal sweater, tailored jacket or collared shirt. Wear with sturdy boots for daytime and pointy-toe pumps for the evening.
Valentino
ELEVATE THE EVERYDAY
Bottega Veneta
Look put together, every day of the week. This season, everyday dressing focuses on layering and texture and is cool and not stuffy.
How to wear it: Focus on quality wardrobe staples – coat, trousers, a shirt: buy once, buy well. Look out for subtle twists on classic silhouettes, interesting textures – bouclé and herringbone tweed – and layer. A cohesive, earthy palette will help pull the look together. Choose a cool rather than classic handbag. @aislinncoffeystyleeditor
Dark brown Fernandine suede bag, €299; WWW.ARKET.COM.
Taupe wool cardigan, H&M STUDIO, €79.99, at H&M.
Dark brown Dalli suede blazer, €449; WWW.ARKET.COM.
Rust twisted seam wide-leg trousers, JW ANDERSON, €450, at Brown Thomas.
Cream Delia leather shoes, Aeyde, €245, at SEAGREEN, Monkstown, Co Dublin and Ranelagh, Dublin 6.
Cream wool sweater, WEEKEND MAX MARA, €255, at Arnotts.
IF IN DOUBT, TRY ANIMAL PRINT
Dior
Dior’s ultra-cool double-breasted car coat and Isabel Marant’s faux fur scarves were the first sign: this is a great season for animal print.
How to wear it: Wary of wearing animal print in a big beastie way? Try tamer accessories, a great way to amp up an all-black outfit.
Isabel Marant
BRING BACK BOHO 2.0
Chloé
Boho is back and Chloé’s new creative director Chemena Kamali (who worked under Phoebe Philo in the early 2000s) is responsible for the resurgence. At Kamali’s AW24 show we saw flowy silk dresses paired with over-the-knee boots, sheer frilled blouses worn with highrise jeans, beautiful statement coats and tons of accessories.
How to wear it: Wear a leather jacket, ruffled silk blouse, midi skirt or jeans with leather knee- or thigh-high boots, or statement clogs. @aislinncoffeystyleeditor
Gold-tone metal sun earrings, €15.95, at ZARA.
White ruffle lace blouse, €49.99, at H&M.
Taupe Transformer cape trench coat, KARL LAGERFELD, €499; www.zalando.ie.
Brown suede hobo bag, JOE BROWNS, €83; www.next.ie.
Gold-tone monogram chain belt, SANDRO, €95, at Brown Thomas.
Brown Jeannette wedge clogs, €955.56; WWW.CHLOE.COM.
TRY DRESSING IN HOT CHOCOLATE
Miu Miu
Look out for a flurry of cocoa-hued coats, smart tailoring and knit dresses. Chocolate brown is back in the mix.
How to wear it: Wear different textures and fabrics together – suede with tweed, velvet with wool. You can treat chocolate as a neutral, adding pops of colour too, from emerald green to ruby red or pale pink. Chocolate brown leather boots or a sumptuous leather handbag will enrich your winter wardrobe, even after this trend has melted away.
Tory Burch
WEAR SUEDE
In case you’ve been living firmly outside of the trend-sphere this autumn, you may have noticed an abundance of suede finishes making the rounds with the style set. Perhaps the most plush of all AW24 trends, luxurious suedes in rich shades such as conker, dark chocolate, tan and ganache are arguably the best way to nod to the now.
The good news? Suede is never not on trend, so you may already have a great suede bag as part of your accessories rotation. If not, may we suggest a slouchy hobo bag, such as the style by Michael Michael Kors below.
With a direct line to Instagram trends, brown suede blazers and trenches have gone viral this season. Those below from H&M, Massimo Dutti and Isabel Marant are selling fast, so move quickly if you want to upgrade your outerwear for the season ahead.
Lastly, what about practicality? If you’re going to invest in suede, don’t scrimp on a good suede protector spray. Follow the cardinal rules: avoid wearing suede shoes in the rain and keep them in good condition by maintaining them with a suede brush or, if not, a toothbrush will revive tired fabrics. Finally, while household hacks such as vinegar and baking soda are often recommended for erasing stains, we say err on the side of caution by using a specialist suede rubber or, if in doubt, bring your item to a cleaner that specialises in suede. @ohegartysarah
Brown Fabie fringed suede jacket, Isabel Marant, €2,490; www.net-a-porter.com.
Chocolate brown Sonny suede hobo bag, Michael Michael Kors, €350, at Brown Thomas.
Tan faux suede cord necklace, €17.95, at Zara.
Brown car coat, €59.99, at H&M.
Chocolate brown fringe-trim brown loafers, Polo Ralph Lauren, €599; www.ralphlauren.ie.
Dark chocolate Phoenix cross-body bag, €900; www.neous.co.uk.
Brown longline suede shorts, €399, at COS.
Ganache brown suede belt with blanket stitching, €78; www.jcrew.com.
Khaki suede clogs, €405; www.meandem.com.
Brown suede trench coat, €449, at Massimo Dutti.
INCORPORATE A HERO HANDBAG
Ready your lust-list as these hero handbags – from designer to mid-range – are calling your name … @ohegartysarah
Brown suede bags are high on the agenda for autumn. Perhaps the zenith of this look is Khaite’s Lotus medium bag, a scarf-inspired tote that hangs, just so, in a warming shade of cedar brown. Brown Lotus medium tote, €3,540; www.khaite.com.
It seems the current obsession with belts has reached handbags if Toteme’s new belted bucket bag is anything to go by. With a fixed shoulder strap and a gold-tone slide clasp, this croco-effect dark brown tote is roomy and statement-making. Dark brown belted croc-embossed bucket bag, €1,050; www.toteme.com.
London brand DeMellier has grown a cult following for its New York bag, a roomy but structured trapeze bag with a striking triangle fold design. For autumn, the label has collaborated with style influencer Annemiek Kessels to redesign the bag in a distinctive shade of aubergine with silver hardware, available from October 3. www.demellierlondon.com
In case you needed a reminder that not all hero handbags are designer ones (lest we forget how Uniqlo’s €14.90 round mini shoulder bag went viral last year), COS has come through with a dramatic XL quilted handbag that’s sure to make a statement. Black oversized quilted clutch, €290, at COS.
As autumn’s handbags take on a charm offensive, key rings, keepsakes and a clatter of trinkets are the coolest way to accessorise an It bag. Chloé is quick off the mark with its new Spin tote bag. Made from the softest grain leather and boasting a dangling chain with the luxury house’s signature Chloé and horse medals, it goes right to the heart of the boho-luxe revival happening now. Tapestry blue Spin tote bag, €1,390; www.chloe.com.
Fusing our two great loves: handbags and fine jewellery, designers are doubling down on hardware this season, extending beyond a simple gold clasp to decadent, bracelet-style cuffs and inserts. Look to labels like Jacquemus, Loewe and Khaite to tap into the trend. Animal print Le Petite Calino mini tote bag, Jacquemus, €990, at Brown Thomas.
A move on from Bottega Veneta’s viral Jodie bag, the Andiamo bag from the Italian heritage fashion house boasts the same intrecciato (that is, woven leather) technique synonymous with the brand, but this time in a decadent suede finish, replete with a dainty gold-tone knot. Keep an eye out – it won’t be long before you see one on the arm of an influencer in your newsfeed. Green Andiamo small suede tote, Bottega Veneta, €3,800; www.net-a-porter.com.
The perfect mid-range buy, Ganni’s Bou small cross-body bag comes in under the €400 mark – we love that the latest iteration of the tote comes in an on-trend shade of oxblood, too. Red Bou hexagonal leather bag, Ganni, €395, at Arnotts.
Prada’s Arqué bag has already been spotted on best-dressed lists during fashion week. The sleek leather bag with a crescent shape has a distinctly 1990s influence, and will appeal to maximalists and minimalists alike. Cognac Arqué small leather shoulder bag, €2,200; www.prada.com.
New for AW24 from ever-popular brand Dragon Diffusion is the Grace tote, an evolution of the brand’s traditional basket bag but with a more sophisticated cannage weaving, as well as braided top handles. Pieces are made to order with a window of 10 weeks for pre-order. Dark brown Grace woven bag, €344; www.dragondiffusion.com.
