The Gods of Small Things have spoken. Autumn 2015 would be nothing without its accessories – from arty heels to statement septums, spray-on boots to bold new beanies.
Costume drama
The blinger the better, said Mrs Prada when it came to the AW15 jewellery at Miu Miu. ‘Tis the season to throw it all on and shine, teaming doorknocker earrings with heavy crystal neck candy. Magpies, rejoice.
Spotlight on: The septum piercing
Givenchy made the loudest case for the nose ring (and cheek studs, and chin jewels, and inner ear piercings) but Acne’s arty add-ons looked just as cool.
Spray-on boots
Christian Dior’s patent animal print thigh highs are a masterclass in shoe seduction. Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Saunders, Versace and Marc Jacobs are all tipping skin-tight boots for winter too, best worn with big volume up top – a flared mini or a cool cape.
Seventies snakeskin
Patchworked, glossed, tinted and tasseled – snakeskin gets an AW15 makeover. Chloe’s mosaic saddle shape is a new season IT bag if ever we saw one.
All the pretty things
AW15’s ladylike trend comes complete with a wardrobe of elegant accompaniments. Twisted pearl necklaces, prim headbands and pretty brooches topped the debutante dresses at Prada, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney and more.
The low block heel
Said lady’s shoe of choice? A neat low block heel, preferably on a Miu Miu slingback in sweet n’ sour colours.
Opera-length gloves
Over-the-elbow is the length to try this season, best shown off under a cropped sleeve or cape. Classic black will, of course, go with anything, but a shot of colour adds AW15 edge. Maybe steer clear of Marigold yellow, though...
Must-touch
Gucci’s goat hair slippers require regular blow dries, and Fendi’s shearling booties need fluffing round the clock. Who knew accessories could be so high maintenance?
Riding caps
Our favourite hat shape of the season was spotted everywhere from Kenzo to Pucci. Most desired? Lanvin’s black felt number, embellished with feather-like sequins.
Eighties throwback
Want another party clutch option? Try something a little Eighties, made in richly coloured foils or velvet with lurex trimmings, say Christopher Kane and Balmain's Olivier Rousteing.
Arty heels
Acne’s molded gold heels are a thing of beauty, while Dior, Simone Rocha and Roberto Cavalli have all been playing with Perspex. The best block heels of the season are really quite sculptural and really quite special.
Treasure boxes
Uber-embellished or even gilded, AW15’s object of desire is a bejeweled box clutch. Chanel’s mosaic-covered 2.55 bags are top of our lust list.
Cool beanies
If they’re good enough for Gucci’s new glam nerd… The beanie hat is back and looking better than ever. Loving our AW15 accessories trend report? Read our rundown of the new season’s main fashion trends.
Animal magic
Once a dirty word in the fashion world, leopard print is having a renaissance for AW15. Well you would too if you’d been made-over by design heavyweights from Louis Vuitton to Marc Jacobs.
Mismatched Earrings
This one’s all in the styling - J.W. Anderson’s geometric ceramics lead the trend for asymmetric bling – spotted on even more lobes at Balmain and Balenciaga. Buy a perfectly odd pair from the new collection, or just play swapsies with your own favourites for free.
Get the AW15 issue of Marie Claire Runway, on sale 23rd July.