The Key Style Marks to Hit This Season

Words: Jabulile Dlamini-Qwesha | Photographs: REX Features

One thing that’s apparent about the Fall 2018 collections is that fashion designers are changing their brand propositionings to better suit the changing perspective of Generation Zers. Even pledging large donations to various causes and LGBTQI+ charities, brands like Gucci, Burberry and Balenciaga are putting money behind the repositioning from consumerism to altruism. In the era of #MeToo, Time’s Up and Black Lives Matter where many people are inspired to use their appearance in visual protest, it wouldn’t make sense for Fashion to ignore the world around it, so the golden thread has been to place more emphasis on the wearer than the actual garments, this season.

So naturally, in the cyclical nature of things, it is the trends that have historically been hinged on making a statement, empowering and remaining practical that have been prominent on the runway as well as on the street style front. And we all know that nothing quite certifies a trend’s impact like getting the street style star stamp of approval. Not to take away from the different levels of authority on the catwalk, but there is something about seeing trends broken down into manageable bits and worn by characters you might identify with that wins you over.

According to the forces that be, these are the key pieces that we’re placing our bets on…

The Bright Suit 

Be it sharp or slouchy, bright suiting is having a moment that we can get behind. With the current social climate, it’s all about women owning their power and no matter who you are and what your taste may be, bossing up in a power suit has an unmatched effect. What keeps this classic coming back is that even with the plethora of ways to pull it off, the impact stays the same. Be preppy with a shirt and smart shoes or give it a street edge with a tee and sneakers, the power stance remains unmistakeable.

Moody Florals

Not always synonymous with dainty summer fabric, florals are reloaded with depth and drama, this autumn. Depending on whether you’re on the dark side of romance or a glamour goth, we can all appreciate how versatile bewitching blooms can be and the power of the flower is something that has been known through the ages.

The Statement Knit 

Statement sweaters and knits are where fashion gets very practical this season, without compromising on being unshrinking. You don’t need to be told about the number of ways this is a closet hero, it’s really just a matter of you finding your size and keeping it moving.

White Shoes 

Probably one of the most controversial pieces in fashion, there are so many rules and notions around wearing white shoes. Some say women can only wear them on their wedding day, while Americans have hang ups about wearing them past Labor Day… We’re clearly tapping into the zeitgeist of reimagining “norms” because from mules to boots these are currently the hottest style picks right now.

The Power Trousers

Show up and swiftly answer the question of “who wears the pants?” because power trousers are a must-have this autumn. Whether your aim is to “protect and serve” in a camouflage print, be powerfully feminine in a shape that fits and flares or keep it classic with a checkered print, the point is to stand unshaken in boldness.

The Puffer Jacket 

Made popular in the era of 90s hip hop, the puffer is back and packing even more of a punch. The larger-than-life silhouette is overwhelming, sure, but it's a detail you get around quickly after you realise that it lends itself to a look that can't be substituted. It’s the one jacket that is sure to take you from in-between autumn days to icy winter nights in style.

Get more inspiration by checking out TWoU's fashion faves wearing these key autumn trends their way in this video.