How to make the hottest trends at New York Fashion Week work for your real-life wardrobe
It’s February, folks, which means frosty mornings, a confusing calendar (28 days? 29? Does anyone know!?) and Valentine’s mush.
But it’s not all bad news, because it also means a whole new season of fashion shows brimming with wardrobe porn for you to pore over.
As ever, it fell to New York to host the first of the four week-long showcases.
And with the likes of Victoria Beckham, Alexander Wang and Tom Ford on the schedule, it was always destined to bring the action.
But while the front row and street style stars provide a wealth of easily-replicable looks - albeit on a slightly more generous budget - it’s not always clear how to translate the smorgasbord of creativity streaming down the runway into a workable every-day wardrobe.
We heard your cries, people, so we picked some of our favourite elements off the runway throughout the week and discus how they would work best in reality.
You’re so welcome.
REXTONAL DRESSING
Tonal dressing is nothing new, but it is more ubiquitous than ever right now. And it seems - if these autumn/winter '18 catwalks are anything to go by - that they're going nowhere any time soon. Milly's fusion of reds, fuchsias and burgundys are a heavenly and very easily-replicable way to jump on the trend.
Getty ImagesELEVATED ATHLEISURE
While the concept of athleisure has been done and re-done for several seasons, this week it fell to VB to show her take on the look. Predictably polished, but no less cool, a sweatshirt-dress/hoodie hybrid is a perfect way to trick your boss that you've dressed up for the meeting while remaining firmly in weekend comfort mode.
Getty ImagesNEON BURSTS
Tibi are not only championing our favourite white boot for Autumn, they're also tapping into our neon impulses. Often a scary concept, tackling fluro is best via a base. While black would be too stark, opting for a camel tone à la this look is a safe, modern way to offset such a punchy hue.
Getty ImagesBILLOWING RIBBONS
Endlessly feminine Brock Collection saw almost its entire autumn/winter '18 collection bolstered by billowing ribbons tied into bows at the shoulder. Perfect for an evening, the look can be brought forward into your daywear wardrobe via a simpler slip-version layered on top of a roll neck.
Getty ImagesCLASHING PRINTS
If there's one trend we didn't forsee ever making it into the mainstream it's this. Once the bugbear of the super stylish, next season sees a penchant for the awkward. Think leopard print and stripes, or Prince of Wales check and spots. It's less daunting to jump into if there remains a semblance of colourway consistency.
Getty Images / REXLEOPARD PRINT
If you haven't spotted these spots this season, where have you been? Animal print - in particular leopard - is huge. If you decide to swerve the sequin leggings and fishnet tights, replace with faded black denim and stark white t-shirts.
Getty Images / REXVELVET
With Juicy Couture back on the fashion week schedule, it's no surprise that velvet is having another moment. But while Juicy may have dropped the fabric, Jeremy Scott has picked it up and we're here for it. We're dreaming of these draw-string trackies ruched at the ankle with sparkling black heeled sandals. Or, of course, with an enormous hoodie on a hangover day. Yas.
Getty Images / REXUPDATED JUMPSUITS
Jumpsuits are nothing new, but for autumn/winter '18 they've been updated in a whole manner of ways. Think unexpected fabrics and mis-matched shades. You've got to be brave and go for it with this one... but perhaps a vibey leather number would benefit from softer hair if you didn't want to intimidate everyone at your local.
Getty Images / REXHEADBANDS
Scrunchies may have been huge last year, but 2018 is already the year of the headband. Whether they're more like your 90s Alice band or a full 360 degrees wrap-around-your-head job, wear them with hair down in the day and up at night for a more put-together finish. Bet Lynch earrings optional.
Getty Images / REXDOUBLE DENIM
Yes, double denim is still here. And no, it's not going anywhere. But rather than the trickier-to-pull-off statement pale denim, autumn/winter '18 sees a darker shade take precedence. Swap the tiger-print vest for a plain white roll-neck and the lace-up boots for some white dad trainers.
Getty Images / REXMETALLIC SUITING
Metallics are having a real moment, and we've been drooling over Tom Ford's take since it hit Thursday's runway. Boxy, silver jackets work perfectly over a pair of slim blue jeans and heeled boots for a more relaxed evening look, or crank up the volume via a pair of leathers.
