AW17 trend report: The ultimate guide to next season

Start planning your autumn/winter wardrobe now

It's that time of year again. After a month of fashion shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris, we've got ourselves a whole set of new trends for the colder months. So, what to expect? 

Much like last season, the shows were a balance of escapism and activism. Many designers made a political statement against Donald Trump's immigration and anti-feminist policies, while others made us dream with colourful gowns, sequins and ruffles galore.

AW17 took us down memory lane with collections inspired by decades past. Mulberry drew on its heritage to provide fun 20s frocks and tailored tweed, while Saint Laurent and Gucci made us dance to the tune of the 70s, disco boots and all.

But it was time to look to the future too: Chanel and Christopher Kane gave us a futuristic glimpse with galactic prints and modern metallics.

Scroll on to see the key looks in our AW17 fashion trend report (and if you want to know what to wear now, do check out our SS17 trend report).

Our obsession with pink continues, and next season there are no rules when it comes to styling the hue. From powder pink silk gowns at Emilia Wickstead and Lanvin to neon pink tulle dresses at Molly Goddard and fuchsia coats at Valentino, any shade and style goes.

L-R: Emilia Wickstead, Empotio Armani, H&M, Lanvin

Get ready for intergalactic take-off. Space's dress code? Glitter boots, metallic jackets and planet accessories, as dictated by Chanel, Christopher Kane and Mugler.

L-R: Chanel, Christopher Kane, Mugler

The 70s are back with a vengance. Disco boots, head-to-toe sequin dresses, vibrant metallics and tonnes of ruffles at Saint Lauren, Gucci, Michael Kors and Pucci are making us want to hit the dance floor hard and party all night.

L-R: Saint Laurent, Gucci, Michael Kors, Emilio Pucci

A healthy dose of escapism never hurt anyone. There's nothing like a few dreamy ruffles for a feel-good moment, the equivalent of a rom-com for your wardrobe if you will. So Molly Goddard, House of Holland and Giambattista Valli, we thank you.

L-R: Burberry, Molly Goddard, House of Holland, Giambattista Valli

From Bora Aksu's flat hats and crochet dresses to Coach's tan sheerling coats and Naeem Khan's embroidered floral frocks, folklore is taking over for 2017.

L-R: Temperley, Coach, Naeem Khan, Bora Aksu

Forget anything you know about tartan. Next season it's making a comeback, with a bit of a makeover. Think floaty chiffon dresses at Jenny Packham, and ombre shift frocks and tartan shirts at Desigual.

L-R: Jenny Packham, Desigual, Mugler

Sports luxe has been a supermodel wardrobe staple for a while - we blame Kendall, Gigi and Bella - and it's going nowhere fast, if Tommy Hilfiger, Versace and Fenty Puma are to be believed.

L-R: Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, Fenty by Puma, Versus Versace

Bows are taking on a life of their own for autumn/winter. They are oversized at Marchesa, floaty and floral on shirts at MSGM and stacked on coats and blouses at Rochas. They key to nailing the trend? More is more.

L-R: Marchesa, MSGM, Chloe, Rochas

Capes, previously relegated to basic outerwear, have just been elevated. There's nothing practical to see here: they are covered in lace and pearls at Burberry, in tassels at Balmain, and gold feathers and stars at Alberta Ferretti.

L-R: Burberry, Balmain, Bottega Veneta, Alberta Ferretti

Take note: florals aren't just for spring. For autumn/winter, they go beyond pastels too: we had pretty chintzy fabrics at Mulberry, multicoloured on black crepe at Preen and chic monochrome at Rochas.

L-R: Mulberry, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Simone Rocha

From scarlet reds at Alexander McQueen and Valentino to deeper wines at Max Mara and brick reds at Fendi, if there's one colour to be seen in next season, this is it. (And just in time for Christmas party dresses season.) Remember, the bolder the better, we're talking head to toe red here.

L-R: Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Fendi, Max Mara

80s revival trend oblige, the catwalk was full of loose tailoring and wide shoulders at Joseph, Victoria Beckham, Delpozo and Calvin Klein to name but a few. Ladies, the new power suit has arrived.

L-R: Joseph, Victoria Beckham, Eudon Choi, Calvin Klein