#1: Plaid Please
If there’s one pattern that was everywhere on the PFW runways, it’ll be classic plaid. Whether it’s on a coat, dress, a pantsuit or skirt, this timeless print was adapted by several designers in all sorts of different ways. Colours ranged from neutral greys, like at Lacoste, to more daring shades such as bright yellow. Sizes also ran the gamut from small, precise checkers to enlarged ones such as at Undercover.
At Dries Van Noten and Loewe, the print was used from head to toe in elegant and perfectly cut pantsuits. While the former presented a more clean-cut silhouette, and the latter a more comfortable, slouchy and relaxed fit, we can imagine that for both looks, the pieces would look just as good separate as they do together.
For some inventive layering, turn to Rick Owens, where different sized prints in the same colour palette were mixed together. Or, try your hands at combining two entirely different plaid patterns in the same outfit, a la Carven.
#2: Funky Headwear
From fedoras to beanies to turbans, this was the season for all sorts of fun headwear to rule the show. Lacoste managed to make the bucket hat – largely reserved for elderly male tourists – look cool again, while if you want a more sophisticated yet mysterious vibe, Saint Laurent’s dramatic topper will do the trick.
The forever chic Nina Ricci gave us ultra-voguish, structured berets with dotted mesh veils – we would love to wear this with a 50s-inspired outfit while walking down Parisian streets. For a more indie, artsy and effortless vibe, follow Vivienne Westwood and finish off your look with an oversized turban.
Going somewhere cold soon? A simple, normal beanie won’t do the trick, oh no – you need a towering, furry and bright red beanie like at Undercover. Another tip to keep your whole head warm: take inspiration from Christian Dior and get yourself a balaclava.
#3: ‘Ugly’ Sneakers
The ‘ugly’ sneakers trend has been around for so long, we don’t remember a period where it wasn’t all the rage. And it seems like it’ll be sticking around for the foreseeable future, if the PFW runways are any indication. We’ve got very bouncy-like shoes at Off-White, with balloon-like, transparent soles and a literal “AIR” stamp. Meanwhile, Rick Owens gave us some cool-looking sneakers with an interesting, fuzzy material.
If you’re looking for more monotonous footwear, Issey Miyake has a sleek, boot-like leather pair in bright red. Or, go for Yohji Yamamoto’s stylish black pair which we are sure will look good with anything, while adding a bit of edge.
Our award for ‘ugliest’ shoe though, has to go to Maison Margiela – this somehow reminds us of sneakers you might wear if you’re a professional hockey goalie and have to protect your ankles or something. We’re looking forward to seeing how street style stars might rock this.
#4: Waterproof Coats
Have a majority of the designers decided to change careers and become weathermen? Because a slew of stylish, waterproof outerwear rocked several PFW runways this season. First up, we have more monotonous looks from the likes of Dries Van Noten and Off-White, with exaggerated shapes and hoods.
If you’re looking for something more colourful and fun, then there are the coats from Lacoste and Maison Margiela – the former is perfect if you’re going on a safari trip, with its photo prints of lush greenery and tigers. The holographic version from the latter is ideal if you just want to turn heads whereever you go.
Then, there are the ones with a more PVC or vinyl look. Marine Serre presented a rather pretty yet still practical pink coat, while if you really want to go all out, take a cue from Balmain and just go head to toe PVC/vinyl everything (well, you definitely won’t get wet).
#5: Oversized, Tinted Shades
We are gonna go out on a limb and say it: mark our words, this will be the shades to be seen in come next season. These oversized, tinted (but not opaque) sunglasses have a slightly sporty vibe to them, and were seen at both Altuzarra and Issey Miyake.
However, the ones we believe everyone will be clamouring over will be the versions at Christian Dior. Whether it’s orange, green, yellow, red or pink, these covetable shades were paired with a multitude of different hats such as berets, balaclavas and newsboy caps. Get ready, as we believe these will sell out in an instant once they hit stores.
Images: Showbit.com
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