Buckle up fashion fiends, it’s a 1970’s fever dream out there.

Curiosity Collars:

Just one glance at the Gucci runway or the Ganni website will signal loud and clear that collars are back, baby! The fashion gods have elected 2020 as the year of the statement collar and I am utterly here for it. They’re bigger, better and more traffic stoppingly radical than before. Plus, they’re not just reserved for the runway either. These lovable attention seekers have massively infiltrated both the high street and its virtual equivalent, so it’s likely you’ve already been introduced. Love them or loathe them, it’s absolutely something you can moderate to suit your own taste. So, will you dip your toe in or cannonball? Maybe you’ll keep your collar pretty subtle. Maybe it becomes the (best) reason people struggle maintaining eye contact with you. Either way, it’s definitely the season to experiment with this fun focal point.

Check it Out:

Similar to florals for Spring, checks for Autumn/ Winter doesn’t seem particularly ground-breaking. But wait, there’s a twist and it’s all in the styling. Picture the following scene. You’re looking inside your wardrobe in a bid to get appropriately dressed for another day of tackling 2020.  Now, take out everything you own which dons a print remotely resembling a check. Okay great. Now put it all on at once! You heard me right- I do mean everything, matching is irrelevant. It seems it’s nearly impossible to overdo it with checked or heritage prints this season. In fact, finding a designer that didn’t incorporate the print into their Fall 2020 collection was ultimately pretty tough. Be bold with it this time around; think bright colours and statement silhouettes. Don’t shy away from a head to toe co-ord a la the ones seen at Miu Miu if you really want to freshen up this cold-weather classic.

Leather Untethered:

Much like check, leather has such a timeless quality that sees it coming back around every year. Of course, it’s no surprise that it made it onto this list, however, it does feel significantly different this year. The reason? It’s all about the modern makeover that keeps it interesting, while still retaining some vintage charm. We are just seeing so much of it this year- leather is absolutely everywhere and it’s covering all bases. It turns out every item in your wardrobe has a leather twin, and they’ve all hit the runway at once. One of the most prominent trends of the season, we’ve seen so many creative interpretations in interesting shades and experimental styles. A personal favourite of mine is a very 60’s modish leather coat in a dark cherry hue from Richard Malone.

Vest to Impress:

If this trend makes you groan slightly, then I’m kind of with you. I did warn you- refer to 70’s fever dream. Though I’m not entirely shut off to the idea of a knitted vest making an unexpected comeback. I think I’m just intimidated by the prospect of broadening my knitwear horizons when my owning too many jumpers is already a problem. Anyway, I deeply respect the layering potential these knitted vests present and how great they look when paired up with the aforementioned show-stopping collars. It’s a nostalgic look and one that has proven extremely popular amongst street style elites. I love the androgynous quality they possess- anyone can wear them and look instantly fashion-forward despite their retro roots.

Sleeve it to Me:

Let’s talk about all these sleeves and how amazingly extra they’ve grown to be. Irrespective of the garment they’re attached to, they have no problem taking centre stage. There’s no such thing as overshadowing darling, more is more. They puff, billow and balloon, there’s always something going on. I’m obsessed with the drama and movement they bring to what might otherwise have been an underwhelming piece. They don’t just belong on dresses or gowns though, casual knits that feature voluminous, ballooning sleeves slouch over the arms in the coolest way. As well as serving some crucial attitude, they’re an important design feature to incorporate when drawing from and emulating styles from bygone fashion eras.

Metallic Bond:

This trend is one I feel particularly passionate about as it appeals immensely to my inner magpie. My gravitational pull toward anything shiny or iridescent meant that the majority of AW20 collections were something quite special to behold. There’s shimmering brocade and embellishment everywhere you look, so prepare to be dazzled when the ghost of Christmas party season sheepishly blesses us with a courtesy visit this year. But hey, who says you have to restrict your sequin wearing to nights out? Why not wear your metallics casually, pairing them down with casual footwear or combing them with denim or cosy knits. If living through a pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the importance of practising self-care and prioritising happiness. So yes, aim to become a full-time disco ball! Though do keep in mind: the only thing we’re trying to catch is the light.

Left on Red:

Finally, I’m spotlighting the colour red as a trend in itself because it appears to have risen to overwhelming popularity. It’s clear that a pattern has emerged from this list of trends, and it’s of a distinctly maximalist persuasion. For instance: If you’re going to wear red, wear all of the red. Though, for best results stick to the same shade of red this season. It’s a commitment sure, but the result It’s such a striking colour, and there’s a shade out there to suit everyone. Many designers opted for a little red dress- a great high mileage wardrobe investment to vivaciously showcase this fiery colour for years to come. If dresses aren’t your thing, try a red-hot suit or coat for the same effect. In conclusion, inject a little red and you can’t go wrong. Just opt for a swipe of screaming red lipstick, it’s a classic for a reason and an irresistibly glamourous one at that.