TRENDS

By Eva Fydrych

Autumn / Winter 2012 Trend Report

Photos by Getty Images

Long before the first leaf falls from the trees, the fashion conscious know it`s time to focus on what is on trend for Autumn and Winter. With British and Milan fashion weeks having taken place recently, fashion is the word on everyone`s lips. So what will the must-have items be this season?

KNITWEAR

Sweaters and knitwear are a great wardrobe staple this year, but forget the cable knit your grandmother used to make you every Christmas. Knitwear this season is sassy and sexy and not a chunky knit in sight. Geometric patterns and bold colours were all over the catwalks in the past few weeks. Black on red or monochrome zig zags, giant checks or wide stripes make for a striking look, especially teamed with skinny jeans or leggings and high platform boots.

Unique, Kenzo, Jonathan Saunders, Proenza Schouler (Credit: Vladimir Potop)

METALLICS

Metallics are very popular this season and you can find them almost everywhere: in knitwear, dresses, tops & tunics. Fine knit sweaters in gunmetal grey or silver have a light floaty appearance and are perfect with slim jeans or wide leg palazzo pants. Try teaming trousers in a tweed fabric with a fine knit metallic top for a contrast in textures. For the evening, opt for a stylish shimmering dress.

Marchesa Autumn/Winter 2012 (Photos by Getty images)

Michael Kors Autumn/Winter 2012

Versace Autumn/Winter 2012

Versace Autumn/Winter 2012 (Photos by Getty images)

VELVET

The key theme this season is luxury fabrics. Diaphanous chiffon tops, either sitting just below the waist, blouson style or in a longline tunic give an ultra feminine silhouette. Wear with slim leg trousers, skinny fit jeans or a straight maxi skirt. Tops in a brocade, satin, or appliquu fabrics give this season`s wardrobe a touch of pizzazz. Velvet is top of the list for luxe clothing, too, especially in trousers with a wide leg, or in slim fit jeans style pants. The catwalks at British Fashion Week were full of velvet outfits, either as separates or all-in-one playsuits. Whatever style you choose, there is something about velvet that fits in so well with the cold winter days as we approach Christmas.

Ralph Lauren AW 2012 (Photo by Getty Images)

MAXI DRESS

The maxi dress has been the big hit of the last two summers. It seems that the style will carry over into the new Autumn and Winter season, with many top clothing retailers, such as Couture Candy, offering strapless maxi length dresses in heavy knit jersey fabrics. Nipped in at the waist, these fabulous frocks are slimming and flattering to all figures and can be worn for the day with a lightweight shrug or metallic knit cardigan or sweater over the top. Transform the look for evening, by adding a sparkly shrug or wrap and some statement jewellery.

Duyos, Victorio& Lucchino, Mara Hoffman, Tadashi Shoji (Getty Images)

FLORALS

Floral fabrics are high on the style agenda this winter, too. Ditsy floral prints in shirts, blouses and tunics are very cute with jeans or smart bootcut trousers. Bold floral prints in clashing colours will make a statement with black leggings or contrasting coloured skinny jeans.

"Flocked fabrics and lace overlays added an air of ornateness, putting a fresh spin on the idea of flowers in winter.� - commented Lucinda Chambers, Vogue fashion director.

McQ

Temperley London

Temperley London

Emporio Armani

Dolce and Gabbana

Osman

ASIAN DETAILS

As China is tipped to become the world's largest luxury market in the near future, designers turned to the east for inspiration this Autumn/Winter. Embroidered birds and flowers, Chinese brocade and kimono prints look young and fresh on tailored or sportswear-inspired pieces, A-line skirts and belted coats.

Asian influences on Autumn/Winter 2012 catwalks (Getty Images)

TROUSERS

They are back. After many seasons out of the spotlight, the ultimate effortless item in a modern woman's wardrobe takes centre stage. There are two key looks for trousers this year. Wide leg pants in patterned or shiny fabrics are the ultimate style statement, not to mention scoring highly in the comfort stakes, too. Alternatively trousers and jeans are very slim fitted, in classic black or bold colours, as well as the traditional washed denim.

Baggy leather pants (Credit: Vladimir Potop)

BOOTS

Footwear for Winter is, as always, all about the boots. Choose very high heels and platform soles in a shoe boot style, or wedge heeled ankle boots in suede to complete your new Autumn Winter look. With their staggering sex appeal, over-the-knee boots are also on the top of this season's must-have list.

Devota & Lomba, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid (Photo by Getty Images)

Devota & Lomba, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid (Photo by Getty Images)

Victorio& Lucchino, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid (Photo by Getty Images)

More inspiration from international catwalks:

Mary Katrantzou, London Fashion Week AW 2012