Citizen Femme speaks to three fashion insiders about the pieces on their AW24 wish lists, the brands they reach for season after season, and the items they’ll be re-wearing over the next few months.
As we enter the new season, pack away our summer clothes and prepare ourselves for the inevitable wardrobe change, we’re taking inspiration from some of London’s fashion industry critics.
Read on for insider knowledge into this season’s hottest trends, as well as styling tips to help you fully embrace the autumn/winter you.
Chloe Street, Fashion Editor and Creative Consultant
Writer, editor and creative consultant Chloe has been in the fashion industry, working in luxury print and online media, for over 10 years. With a job at the forefront of fashion, you can count on her to be in-the-know about what’s hot right now, as well as the upcoming brands to invest in.
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At this time of year, we’ll find you wearing…
I tend to dress quite simply, and in winter there’s a lot of baggy denim, cosy knitwear and boots or loafers. I just bought a grey mohair cardi from COS which looks and feels much more expensive than it is – I’ll wear it with a black kilt, black tights and ballet pumps for a school-girl feel. One of my go-to winter dressing formulas is boots, tights, a cosy knit and a miniskirt.
Which brands do you typically reach for every autumn/winter season?
I relish the first autumn chill as it signals the arrival of layering season, when you can really have fun with your outfits again. I’m a jacket addict, and always enjoy pulling my ever-growing collection out of storage. For knitwear, I rate American Vintage, Vince and COS, and I also love a Finnish brand called Santosh which makes the chicest cashmere knits and accessories.
One of my favourite things about colder weather is getting back into black tights. It might sound boring, but I really think they’re worth investing in. Wolford and Heist are a cut above – be sure to hand or cold wash them if you want them to last.
Tell us about the shoes you love for autumn/winter?
I tend to invest in one key pair of everyday boots each autumn, then wear them to death for six months. Jimmy Choo boots are not cheap but I find them so comfortable and they keep their shape really well, so I think they’re worth the investment. Khaite and Toteme ankle boots are also elite.
Are there any trends that you will be buying into?
I’m very into the ballet pump trend, and I’m in the market for square-toed iterations which I think have a fresh feel. These studded ones from Pretty Ballerinas are quite bad ass.
How will you style your looks with accessories this season?
Oblong bags are trending for autumn 24. Sadly the Alaïa version is not in my budget, so I’m thinking about this lovely one from Fréja New York. Silver jewellery is reigning supreme, and I love everything Danish brand Lié Studio makes, as well as Parisian belt brand Déhanche. I have this style but with a silver buckle, and rarely take it off. The gold buckle will be perfect for days when I wear gold jewellery.
The pieces you’ll be re-wearing this season include…
A distressed oversized leather biker jacket I got last year from Mango, and a massive, floor-skimming brown cashmere Nanushka coat I’ve been wearing for several years now. I also have a pair of over-the-knee Jimmy Choo biker boots that I can’t wait to whip out again, and Khaite’s Nevada ankle boots in suede – the leather version is on my wish list for rainy British days. They make me feel invincible.
What pieces are on your wish list?
Sarah Coffey, PR Officer at Saint Laurent
Sarah Coffey is a London-based PR Manager who’s worked at luxury shoe brands Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo, and is now at Saint Laurent looking after PR and communications. With a love for neutrals and timeless tailoring, her effortless style as a working mum is one to be envied.
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Which brands do you reach for during autumn/winter season?
Arket and COS are always my go to brands – they have the chicest knitwear, denim and coats – without the designer price tag. My new favourite brand is Massimo Dutti. Maybe I’ve been living under a rock but they are killing it! So elevated and timeless, I’ve purchased quite a lot recently and I love every single item.
Which trends do you love right now?
I don’t know if I’m trend driven. I like certain items that I suppose are ‘trendy’ but I prefer to buy good quality staples that will last the test of time. I bought the Arket canvas jacket which feels very Prada/The Row. I’m also obsessed with suede at the moment, I bought a chocolate suede bag from Massimo Dutti and it is heaven. Lastly, I think the brown suede blazer jackets are very cool, I know COS and Source Unknown have some great options.
What’s your typical go-to style for autumn/winter?
I always reach for an oversized grey jumper – usually from Arket, straight jeans from COS and either a chic loafer from Saint Laurent or my Toteme boots, with my Margaux bag (I hate to say it but I totally see the hype around this bag!) It’s very simple but works for me every season.
Any smaller touches you’ll add to your looks?
Yes, my nails. My manicurist is Megan Margot Evans and she’s the best. Having your nails done completes a look, and always makes me feel put together. For autumn/winter I can’t wait to try deep berry and chocolate tones.
Which pieces from your own wardrobe will you reach for again this season?
My Saint Laurent oversized black coat, it’s one piece I will truly treasure forever. When you wear an investment item like this, you feel different – and now I’m back to work from maternity leave I’m so excited to wear it. I also swear by a good black midi skirt – I think it’s such an underrated and versatile item for this season. You can wear it with knitwear boots for the day, or a chic top and heels for the evening. I bought mine from Zara years ago and I still love it.
What pieces are on your wish list?
Kate Benson, Buying Director at NET-A-PORTER
Formerly a fashion buyer at Alexander McQueen, THE OUTNET and now buying director at NET-A-PORTER, Kate is ahead of the game about next-season trends, and shapes the way we shop. This is the fashion advice to follow to ensure you’re buying the best products and brands each season.
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Are there certain brands that you reach for every autumn/winter?
Yes, I look to The Row, Jil Sander, Khaite, Bottega Veneta and Róhe to cater to my everyday work style. For something more casual, I love Bode and The Elder Statesman. I also admire smaller brands that have a strong point of view such as Cristaseya, Standing Ground and Attersee. Standing Ground is one of the latest winners of the LVMH Prize. Whilst their founder, Michael Stewart, doesn’t currently work with any retailers, it’s hard to ignore his sheer talent and I am full of admiration for him, for doing things his own way.
Do you have a typical autumn/winter style?
I will always opt for a timeless capsule wardrobe that transcends seasons and trend-cycles. As temperatures drop, I look forward to delving back into knitwear and tailored outerwear.
Which colour trends will you be buying into this season?
With every season comes a new colour story and the standout for AW24 is a deep burgundy. Head-to-toe looks as seen at Erdem, Ferragamo and Khaite gave maximum impact and delivered the message that burgundy is the new neutral. I’ll also be buying into the trend through non-apparel and particularly loved the patent burgundy bags at Saint Laurent, the maxi clutch at Ferragamo and the ‘Onda’ Mary Jane’s at Loewe.
And tell us about the fabrics and prints you love right now?
Seen at Miu Miu, Gucci and Bottega Veneta, suede jackets are set to be the must-have piece for autumn. This suede jacket from Bode is on my wishlist. Leopard print has been loved for decades and should be a permanent fixture in any hard-working wardrobe. I’ll be investing in these ballet flats from Valentino with their square toe and iconic logo to ease into the trend this fall.
Shop your own wardrobe: which pieces are you re-wearing this season?
I tend to go back to old McQueen favourites for coats in the autumn, they never date. And my Gucci Sylke loafers are an absolute staple.
What pieces are on your wish list?
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Any Questions or Tips to add?