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- We’re Calling It: The 7 Trends We Predict Will Be All Over Fashion Week
We’re Calling It: The 7 Trends We Predict Will Be All Over Fashion Week
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Winter is almost here — can you believe it?!
Although we may prefer warm nights at the beach, there’s just something about winter fashion that wins us over every time. But what’s going to be on trend this winter?
“We are seeing the resurgence of key trends from eras that have a very clear aesthetic such as the 90s and early 2000s,” Bridget Veals, David Jones General Manager of Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories, tells POPSUGAR Australia.
Veals says she’s predicting new takes on nostalgic classics through relaxed blazers, straight cut leather trousers, racer back vests and halter tops
So, in other words, it turns out that Y2K is the era on everyone’s minds, with a side of effortless elegance. But what exactly does that translate to in terms of trends? Ahead, Veals, along with the POPSUGAR Australia team, share seven of the trends she thinks we’ll be seeing a lot of this Australian Afterpay Fashion Week 2022.
Functional Utility
Effortless style is always on trend, let’s be honest, but it seems to be having a moment more than ever right now.
Since COVID, we have a new appreciation for comfort and functionality when it comes to fashion. We want pieces that are versatile and make us feel good.
“Comfort led, and functional pieces in our wardrobes continue to be paramount with key brands such as Bassike, Jac + Jack and Acler leading the way in elevated styles which can provide the ultimate effortless look,” says Veals.
“Key pieces include utility dresses, trench coats, safari suits and shackets in neutral tones with pops of khaki green.”
Utility also refers to an actual style itself, with refined utility pants and boots set to have a real comeback this year.
Platform Shoes
It’s no secret that platforms have made a true comeback. In keeping with the ’90s and early 00’s trends coming back, platforms lead the way, with platform boots, sneakers, lace-ups and heels being the look right now.
While there will always be a place for a classy stiletto boot of pointy-toed pump in winter, we predict that platform boots and brogues will be dotted consistently throughout Australian Afterpay Fashion Week, both on the catwalk and on the streets this winter.
With brands like Tony Bianco and ROC taking the lead on platform boots for this season so far, we’re excited to see all of the mini skirts with tights and platform styles (straight out of a Pussycat Dolls music video) that will emerge in the coming seasons.
Low-Rise Bottoms
We’re not sure how to feel about this trend. Ever since Miu Miu came out with their Spring/Summer 2022 runway at Paris Fashion Week back in late 2021, we’ve been seeing low-rise everything everywhere.
Highlighting low-rise flares, mini skirts and baggy utility pants, the styles are reminiscent of “it girls” of the early 2000s, but with a slightly more grungy, androgynous vibe to them.
Although we like the look, we’re not so sure about mainstream fashion jumping back on a trend that only suits a specific body type. Low rise skirts, jeans and pants are almost always more suited to those with more lean, athletic, thinner bodies, which doesn’t do much for the hopeful progression of mainstream fashion. How can we expect to see more curve models walking in runway shows if the clothes are designed for the quintessential thin model figure?
Even still, there are low-rise designs that accentuate and look good on curves. Australian designer Emily Watson is becoming well-know for her y2k mermaid-esc designs, that are often low cut, but made with stretchy and flattering fabric that looks fabulous on curves. More of this, please.
Chic Knits
“Now viewing the world of work as a collaborative endeavour, we expect to see smart dressing become a huge trend for AW22 as consumers look for updated work uniforms which are still chic however pulled back when needed in order to thrive,” Veals says.
Brands such as Anna Quan, Marle and Viktoria & Woods, have a range knitted sets, dresses and jumpers which are perfect for the business casual lifestyle, but also fit into that functionality trend, while remaining classy and comfortable.
An off-the-shoulder detail on a knitted dress or an oversized knitted vest are gorgeous ways to stay warm and comfy, both of which we’ve been seeing heaps of already.
Calf Boots
From ankle boots to thigh-high boots, now we’re looking at something more in the middle; the calf-high boots. Arguably the chicest of them all, calf boots typically go the length of your calf, finishing just under the knee.
We’ve seen calf boots steadily rise into popularity over the past six months, especially with winter styling. Long knit dresses or skirts, are often being paired with a calf boot, so for that full-coverage look.
Calf boots also look amazing with short dresses, skirts and shorts, with either bare legs or opaque stockings underneath. With heaps of brands releasing calf boots as their winter staples, we predict lots of these at Australian Afterpay Fashion Week.
Statement Trousers
So, apparently, it’s also all about statement trousers this year. Whether that be a statement colour or cut, it’s up to you.
“When we think Autumn/Winter fashion, we don’t normally expect bright bold colours however re-energising our wardrobe with uplifting colours will take over our wardrobes this season,” says Veal.
“Statement trousers, shift dresses and matching sets in bold tones of pink, mango and turqouise from brands such as Bondi Born, Arnsdorf, Kitx and Acler, are expected to be super popular this season.”
Bogan Sunnies
As if we need any more proof than Kim K wearing speed dealers to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party? Even though we’re pretty sure we’ll be seeing some speed dealer sunnies on the runway at Australian Fashion Week, we’re not sure how we feel about this trend.
Statement sunnies have been back for a while now, with brands like Aje bringing back the mod-style of sunglasses from the ’60s and ’70s, but now, it seems to be all about the speed dealers, with the return of basically every trashy party girl trend from the early aughts.
