Get ahead of the AW14 trends and see the trans-seasonal potential of these 7 key pieces...
The Splice Skirt Every new season brings with it an exciting new fash term to coin and for AW14 that buzzword is 'splicing'. As in, quite literally, splitting and slicing a garment - either into several breezy bias panels (as at Versace), or completely cutting it to ribbons, à la Cavalli. The incarnation that we want to start wearing right now? Christian Dior’s acid bright cutwork dresses, where even the haute jewel embellishments got all nice n' spliced. Image: Christian Dior AW14
The Bold Rain Mac Because the dodgy British weather is so unpredictable, we thought we’d better flag this one up early. Designers took our actual weather systems into account this season and have catered for the elements with a whole slew of practical (but totally chic) proofing clothes. Miu Miu’s techicolour dream coats are the most spectacular - team with plastic fantastic booties for the full look. Image: Miu Miu AW14
The Comedy Clutch Chanel milk cartons? Moschino Happy Meal box bags? Accessories have become one big joke season, as domestic products rule the (super) market. Can’t afford Anya Hindmarch’s ‘Corn Flakes’ clutch at £995? Then try a DIY job - you’ll need an empty Coco Pops box, some double sided tape and probably a sparkly pipe cleaner or two. Doesn’t get much more normcore than that now, does it? Image: Left, Chanel AW14, Right, Anya Hindmarch AW14
The Chunky Flatform Cara proved the practical nature of this one when she skipped down Stella’s runway in those mega-wedge brogues. From Celine’s sandal version to DKNY’s high-tops, every good shoe should come with a stacked-up sole. The perfect trans-seasonal shoe, with enough height to keep you out of puddles. Image: Stella McCartney AW14
Something Grey Wear something, anything, grey. In fact, the more grey tones you can work into a single look, the better. From Armani to Ralph Lauren, via Christopher Kane, designers devoted entire collections to marls and metallics. Ease your way in by wearing paler shades (dove, taupe and silver) now, before moving on to darker slates, gunmetals and charcoals as the temperature drops. Image: Left Giorgio Armani AW14, Right Christopher Kane AW14
The Blanket Take the chill off as the summer nights draw in with an easy, throw-on cape.It would be totally acceptable for Sam Rollinson (pictured) to do double-duty with her personalised Burberry freebie, using it as a picnic blanket while the weather's still nice. Image: Burberry AW14
The Single Earring The ultimate new symbol of cool, Emma Watson’s already successfully trialed the trend in real life after it was shown on the catwalks at Celine, Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch. But if you’re going to sport just one, it needs to be a seriously statement dangler. The bigger and bling-ier the better, quite frankly. And as fine jewellery is so excruciatingly expensive these days, why not split the cost of your dream pair with a friend and keep one each? Just kidding… or are we? Image: Celine AW14
