The Elys Edit: Autumn/Winter 21 Trend Report

It’s a new season and with it come new trends to update our wardrobes. So, after the success of #TheElysEdit Autumn / Winter fashion show 2021 I bring you the key trends styled on the runway with tips on how to wear them. I’ve covered the key items we all look for in the winter months - knitwear, coats and denim - while injecting colour trends to brighten our style and finishing with party looks because let’s be honest, we’ve earned it!

Knitwear Must-Haves

The Sleeveless Knit

Sleeveless jumper, Only; Belt and boots, LK Bennett; Roll neck, Great Plains; Skirt, Boss.

The tank top is back and looks equally at home styled with new season flares for a 70s feel (check out Levi’s) as it does paired with a silky slip skirt to transition summer pieces into winter. Layer your tank top over a printed roll neck to instantly add pattern to your outfits and introduce another key trend piece.

The Cardigan

Cardigan, LK Bennett; Blouse, Weekend MaxMara; Jeans, Levi’s; Bag, Kate Spade; Heels, Mango.

Cardigans are also having a revival this season, particularly in pastel tones with a hand-knit feel like this blush pink LK Bennett pick. Contrast the softness of the wool by styling with crisp denim.

The Cable Knit

Full outfit, Reiss

Continuing the hand-spun feel, the cable knit is a must for men this season. This Reiss cream chunky-knit jumper is a great option to lighten up a winter wardrobe. Use coloured crew neck t-shirts to layer underneath and give a flash of colour at the collar (try Colorful Standard’s).

Denim Update

Fear not, you can still wear skinny jeans but if you’re looking for an update the new denim shapes are wider, giving more room in the leg. 

Try Levi’s Ribcage Straight with a high waist fit or Whistles’ Barrel shape jean that’s cut wider on the thigh and tapers in at the ankle. For a smarter look choose Reiss’ flared jeans.

Jeans, Levi’s; Boots, Dune

Colour Trends

Purple Reign

From lilac to violet, purple is having a fashion moment and it’s a welcome injection of pigment which uplifts denim, navy and black while creating a show-stopping combination when worn with other brights, particularly red or yellow. 

Jacket, Ted Baker; Sweatshirt, Scotch & Soda; Jeans, Levi’s

Be Seen in Green

Another shade to lift your wardrobe is bright apple green. This checked Phase Eight dress works perfectly with a block colour Albaray sweater; don’t be afraid to style multiple tones of one colour in the same outfit, it adds stylist-approved polish to your look.

Jumper, Albaray; Dress, Phase Eight; Bag, Longchamp

Red Alert

Red is a hit for women and men this season but it can feel bold if you’re not used to wearing brighter tones. This AllSaints men’s shirt has an impactful print but it can be toned down with a leather biker jacket and black jeans to offer just a dash of colour. 

Outfit, AllSaints

Shoe Update

The super chunky-soled boot is everywhere this season and featured heavily on #TheElysEdit runway to toughen up dresses and skirts outfits and finish jeans looks. Try All Saints’ hiking boots and Dune Chelsea boots in grey.

 

Boots, Dune

Coat Trends

The Quilted Coat

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to quilted outerwear in every shape and size. They’re selling out as quickly as they drop in-store though, so you’ll need to get in quick for these must-have jackets in shades of green for women and men.  

Quilted coat, Mango; Sleeveless roll neck, Barbour; Dress, Ted Baker

Quilted coat, Belstaff; Shirt, Fred Perry; Jeans, 7 For All Mankind; Trainers, Dune

Hybrid coats

With spliced sleeves and mix-and-match textures for versatile dressing, hybrid coats are giving us that high-low feel to dress looks up or down. AllSaints’ trench with contrast sleeves is a modern twist on a classic but there’s more to this than meets the eye with 3 looks in one: the trench comprises a removable cropped jacket which reveals a long-line waistcoat beneath.

Full outfit, AllSaints

The Cape

It’s a timeless option which every wardrobe needs and brings an air of elegance to winter looks. LK Bennett’s military-inspired option is ideal for wearing over work- or evening-wear.

 

Cape, LK Bennett; Roll neck, Lauren; Trousers, Benetton; Heels, Mango

Dress Up and Show Up

Velvet Touch

Nothing says winter party wear quite like velvet and this luxe texture takes every form for AW21 from the velvet suit (Reiss) as an alternative evening look for women with a Studio 54 feel to the classic wrap-style dress (Ralph Lauren). For show-stopping glamour try Reiss’ open-back jumpsuit in red velvet - a huge hit on #TheElysEdit runway.

L-R: Velvet jumpsuit, Reiss; Velvet dress, Lauren; Velvet blazer and flares, Reiss; Gold blouse, LK Bennett

For men it’s Daniel Craig providing the sartorial inspiration for the party season with a velvet blazer that will have you red carpet or cocktail party ready.

Velvet blazer and white shirt, Moss Bros

Stand-Out and Shine

After a long wait, now is the time to go all-out with sequins and sparkle. From high shine metallics at Dolce&Gabbana to maxing out on sequins at Rodarte, designers prove that more is definitely more. Maximum impact doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort though with stretch fabrics and easy shapes. 

Sequin dress, AllSaints; Lurex dress, LK Bennett; Leather jacket, AllSaints

AllSaints’ disco ball of a dress features a sporty collar and cuffs while LK Bennett’s lurex knit dress flatters curves with an elegant pleated skirt. The key in styling these statement pieces is to keep everything else simple and let the dress shine.

Book a complimentary Styling Session with Helen and the Elys Personal Styling team to tailor this season’s trends to suit you and your shape. 

Follow Helen @cocomamastyle on Instagram for more fashion inspiration.