Of the 4,000(ish) runway looks at Paris Fashion Week, these are the only 15 you need to see to prep your wardrobe for next season
Fashion month can be hugely overwhelming - and we don't just mean for those of us in the industry.
Sure, designers, models, and editors are currently putting their feet up after four weeks straight of endless catwalks all across the globe, but those of you sitting at home trying to digest the looks no doubt feel entirely inundated.
With around 10 runway shows taking place every day - and those are just the ones on-schedule - over 29 days across four cities, there are about 290 brands showcasing their latest collections. With approx. 50 looks per show, that's 14,500 looks. No wonder you feel a tad overloaded...
The majority of brands, of course, were also showing their autumn/winter 2020 collections, giving you even less desire to fully indulge - who plans their wardrobe over six months in advance?
But with the Great British weather forever undecided as to which season it's in, and with our ever-growing concerns surrounding sustainability and throwaway clothing, fashion week can often in fact serve merely as wardrobe inspiration and a source of creative encouragement.
Whether you're keen to reignite the fire in your current sartorial offering, or you are indeed looking to pre-prepare yourself for a seriously on-trend AW20 aesthetic, we've taken on the mission of simplifying Paris Fashion Week just for you.
Eight days, ten shows a day, and approx. 4000 looks overall - here are the only 15 looks you need to see to prep your wardrobe for next season's trends...
1. TONAL GREY IS THE NEW CREAM
Isabel Marant's tonal grey look has convinced us - full-cream is out, full-grey is in.
2. SUPER-WIDE LEGS AND WRAPPED ANKLES
If anyone could persuade us that trousers need to get even wider, it's Loewe. Just make sure those ankles are ribbon-wrapped.
3. DEEP-V SWEATERS
If you thought the v-neck was over, Valentino just proved otherwise.
4. SKETCHY GRAPHICS
Bold prints are taking a backseat, as Chloé makes the case for sketchier shapes.
5. PUFFS TO CUFFS
Puffed sleeves aren't going anywhere, but for AW20 make like Chanel and elongate the situation via a tight cuff.
6. CLASHING LAYERS
Maison Margiela is forever serving up layer goals, but next season's coats-on-coats is our favourite take yet.
7. CLEAN WHITE SUITING
They may be known for their intricate pattern-work of late, but Dior's clean white suiting is the look we'll be replicating as soon as autumn hits.
8. CHECKED PANELS
Checks go rogue next season, with Alexander McQueen's panelled take on suits set to influence every wardrobe.
9. BROWN IS THE NEW BLACK
Black leather has been the go-to for seasons, but according to Saint Laurent it's time to soften the vibe via brown hues.
10. HEAVY ASYMMETRY
One-shoulders may have been huge this season, but in six months time - thanks to Givenchy - we're looking at one full-sleeve alongside a minimal strap.
11. BLACK TIE BOOTS
Cocktail hour gets cooler next season, as we swap mini-dress-and-heels for a full gown and heavy boots à la Giambattista Valli.
12. SKIRTS OVER TROUSERS
It's official - Louis Vuitton has dubbed the skouser (skirt-over-trousers) back, and you need not say any more.
13. SEQUINS GET TOUGH
What was once a super feminine sartorial accent, sequins are getting tougher for autumn with the likes of Paco Rabanne opting for deeper hues and mixing them with tough leathers.
14. SUITING UNDONE
Forever the queen of a two-piece, Stella McCartney's suiting felt loose and relaxed, with slouchy trousers and flailing straps.
15. FULL QUILTING
It's time to say goodbye to the puffer and replace it with quilting... floral-printed, if you want it to be Balenciaga-approved.
