Fall in Love with AW12 Fashion

With autumn in the , it’s time to start embracing the styles for the new fashion season. AW12 is most definitely upon us, with the first of the collections already firmly in place on the high street (and some already in the sale)

If the thought of buying a new season wardrobe has you tied up in knots, if you’re not sure which trends to embrace, which will suit you, which have longevity or what the trends even are, then fear not! I'm here to help guide you through the AW12 maze. Follow my new season guide to keep your look stylish, on-trend and above all, fabulous!

Brocade: 

Combine baroque opulence with rich brocades, embellishment, beadwork and damask with sumptuous colours to achieve this on-trend look.

Balmain AW12

Marni AW12

Leather:

Fashion has turned to leather for AW12. Tough black leather and severe cuts were seen all over the runways, thanks in particular to Rooney Mara’s character in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

 

Gareth Pugh AW12

Givenchy AW12

 

Peplums and curves:

Designer’s celebrated the female shape for AW12, showcasing the waist and emphasising the hips, by adding peplums, pannier and padding.

Lanvin AW12

Stella McCartney

 

Great British Heritage:

Downton Abbey had an effect on the runway this season. To achieve this heritage look, think checks and plaids in rich, earthy tones and sweeping coats, which would look perfect on a windswept moor.

Burberry Prorsum AW12

 

Gothic Romance:

Silks, lace, tulle and other stunning fabrics were seen in dark yet oddly romantic colours– deep black, rich blues, lavish purples and beautiful maroons.

Gucci AW12

New Military:

Khaki, army coats, epaulettes, big pockets and gold hardware make this trend pop. Mix these elements plus shiny black boots and tailored detailing and you have the AW12 military look in the bag.

 

Maxmara AW12

 

Purple Haze:

If there’s one colour to be seen in this season, it’s purple. Glamorous and feminine, wear this colour as a block or as a print and choose to go either head to toe or simply opt for purple details.

 

Erdem AW12

 

Burberry Prorsum SS12 Show

Readers of Belle of the Ball would be well aware that as much as I love fashion, I am a much bigger fan of the autumn/winter collections than spring/summer. I don't know why exactly, but I love the idea of layering, textures, accessories and I just tend to find autumn/winter collections to be more creative.

Imagine my delight then when I saw the Burberry Prorsum SS12 collection - which could easily be mistaken for a pre-fall collection. Yay! It seems that Christopher Bailey was inspired by our non-existent summer this year (and most years come to think of it), so much so that parkas, belted trenches, hats and deconstructed layers ruled his collection.

Accessories wise, we're talking wide belts, wedges, big bags and tribal influenced jewellery - lovely! I loved the combinations of prints and colours, stripes and parkas, and some gorgeous block colours in rich hues. The whole collection was a breath of fresh air, a world away from the pastels and acid brights we've been seeing, and this is definitely a collection that will be inspiring my SS12 wardrobe! Enjoy x

images from style.com