The Brown Thomas Autumn Winter 2021 show comes at exactly the right time, as the easing of all restrictions was announced by government yesterday evening and as we look forward to a more optimistic season ahead. Shelly Corkery, Fashion Buying Director at Brown Thomas, says “Designers are celebrating the start of the return to normality and the chance to dress up again.”

Shot on a rugged windswept clifftop on the west coast of Ireland, acclaimed photographer Perry Ogden expertly juxtaposed the softness and beauty of the new season collections against the Wild Atlantic Way. The bright primrose yellow of a Prada coat was echoed in the wild flowers trailing along the cliffedge path; sky blue knee high boots were matched with the faraway horizon; and new shades of green were added to the seemingly endless surrounding hues; it was almost as if these collections were made to be showcased here.

Whether you are ready to get dressed up and go out again, or are on the more apprehensive side of returning to normality, the autumn winter collections at Brown Thomas encompass everything we need for our re-entry to the world.

Structured tailoring offers an easy transition back to the workplace, with suits in indulgent fabrics and strong silhouettes. Celine’s houndstooth blazer is perhaps one of the most practical buys, styled effortlessly with a blue and white striped shirt and straight leg jeans, both of which you’ll likely already have in your wardrobe. Victoria Beckham’s structured separates are likewise easy to introduce to your existing wardrobe. While Bottega Veneta’s three piece herringbon trousers, double-breasted jacket and bouclé coat are the cream of the crop.

Always an autumn winter staple, rich and luxurious knitwear makes a statement. Look to Max Mara and Bottega Veneta for the most beautifully crafted pieces. Pair with Max Mara’s heritage pleat skirt and check double-breasted blazer for a failsafe head-to-toe look.

If you only buy one thing, make it a statement coat or jacket. Green is the colour of the season, with Khaite’s double breasted coat with fur collar, Dries Van Noten’s moss green velvet coat, Alberta Ferretti’s shaggy masterpiece and Prada’s exquisite emerald green diagonal corduroy crombie. Luxe leathers from Khaite offer the perfect base for all manner of autumn outfits – particularly when paired with their simplistic knits.

Dries Van Noten brings the playful glamour we’ve all missed over the past 18 months, with sequinned two pieces in optimistic shades of saccharine pink and cherry red. Alexander McQueen’s pleated tie dress in both red and pink is an elegant option for upcoming autumn occasions, while the green puff shoulder bodice cropped top is guaranteed to make an entrance …

New brands for this season include Alaïa, Fendi, Jacquemus, Roksanda, Alberta Ferretti, Issey Miyake and Coperni. Additions to contemporary-wear include Instagram favourite Loulou Studio, Magali Pascal, Free People and SLVRLAKE and Good American denim.

Accessories wise, Prada’s colour pop leather gloves add interest to everyday outfits. Thick stomping boots from seasons past are going nowhere (and everywhere) for AW21, as seen at Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Isabel Marant and Prada. Logomania returns at Gucci, Valentino and Celine, though Givenchy’s subtly monogrammed grey wool coat is perhaps a more sophisticated option.

One thing is for sure, we’re ready to get dressed up, break free and go out again.

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