Normally at this time of year I’d be at New York fashion week, wrapped up in multiple layers and zipping around Manhattan trying to meet the frantic schedule of catwalk shows and presentations that would decide future fashion editorials for the magazine. It was an inspiring process, watching as the new trends formed and then gathered momentum during London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks.

Strange as it may sound, it really is a relief NOT to be a part of that circus anymore and instead sitting comfortably at home and calmly deciphering the ideas coming from the US designers. Now why you ask am I flagging these up now, at a time when you can hardly contemplate British springtime never mind autumn? The truth is, with catwalk images accessible to everyone as and when the shows happen, it seems the perfect time to get ahead and start updating your wardrobe. Little tweaks with accessories and new ways of looking at classic fabrications are all part of the process. It’s a heads up and talking of heads, look out for chokers, bows, skinny scarves and high necklines.

 

 

I’ll be honest, last season I was very cynical about the Saint Laurent offering. The clothes looked cheap and the ideas plundered from doomed rock ‘n’ roll icons and music festivals. It was nothing I hadn’t seen before and quite frankly HAVE seen in Topshop year after year. Strike me down for the honesty. However, for AW16 the collection feels grown up, polished and yes, still the perfect go-to for the rock ‘n’ roll elite.  Plush velvet, extravagantly embellished blouses and bows;  big bows, pussy bow, parcel perfect and silk scarves tied loosely around the neck Jimmy Hendricks style. What ideas should you plunder? Glittery eyeshadow, yes it’s a thing, 3/4 hem lengths, opulent fabrications, wide statement belts, Matador bloussons DRIPPING in sequinage and 70s style dresses with handkerchief hemlines. I liked it. A lot.

Photographs Vogue.com / Saint Laurent

 

 

 

 

Heavy on the embellishment – not the stuff of work-a-day practicality, but the stuff of going out fantasy. Altuzarra brought sari-style length and opulence to the proceedings and floor-swept the runways with these gorgeous works of art. It’s time to unleash your inner magpie and seek out the OTT pieces that are absolutely 100% fine to wear right now.  Photographs Vogue.Com / Altuzarra

 

 

Teeny tiny pearl buttons and a Art Deco belt buckle looped into a silk scarf to make the most beautiful waist cinching belt. Not quite grunge but layering a slim fit twinset cardigan under a pretty sun dress is your spring into summer essential. Old tired buttons – try swapping them for tiny pearls like these or any antique style. John Lewis has an overwhelmingly extensive selection and worth the trawl.

 

 

10 Crosby Derek Lam brings a freshness to heritage fabrications. Cool checks woven into wide stripes or bolder Prince of Wales checks teamed with pretty Victorian lace inserted blouses. Perfectly modern, easily achievable and very NOW. Hem lengths are impractically long and beg a higher heel. Heads up, the choker is having a renaissance and even a simple lace tied loosely at the throat is a nod to an incoming trend.

Photographs Vogue.com / 10 Crosby Derek Lam

 

 

 

Serious hardware alert. Alexander Wang brings punky buckle chokers and chunky chain earrings to the table – team with pretty sheer lace to soften the look. Expect a slew of copies coming to a high street near you soon. Photographs Vogue.com / Alexander Wang

 

 

No surprise that the unashamed bohemian in me has fallen hook, line and sinker for this collection from Zimmermann. Fluid, printed 70s Gypsetter fodder rocked up with obligatory metallic choker and shoulder dusting earrings.  Perfect for summer never mind AW16. NEED.

Photographs Vogue.com / Zimmermann

 

 

Layering – we all know how by now, but the sylph slip over a pyjama style shirt in silken khaki is a new kid on the block from Ganni. It’s perfect with chunky boy shoes and slicked back hair. Photographs Vogue.com / Ganni

 

 

Classic checks and fabrics given a thoroughly modern twist at Victoria Beckham – and a mustard yellow?  Who knew that could look so hot?If you are bold enough mix, clash, button up  and add those boyish shoes. Photographs Vogue. com / Victoria Beckham

 

 

 

Fashion & Style Director Shelly Vella