Autumn Update: How To Wear This Season's Trends

This autumn, some of the catwalk's coolest trends have worked their way down to the high street stores that us normal folk shop in and; lo and behold; most of the stuff is ridiculously easy to wear and for the most part, quite timeless, which means that you can invest in a few pieces now and still wear them next year, the year after that and the year after that. So, not only will you be bang on trend, but grabbing yourself a bargain to boot. Here, we round up some of autumn/winter's hottest trends and tell you exactly how to wear them, whether you want to go for full-on party glamor or everyday wear that won't get you given the side-eye in the supermarket. First up, our favorite...

Normcore

Really, normcore sounds exactly like what it is. It's "normal" clothes. Sweats, tees, sneakers, socks with sandals, "ugly" shoes, layered basics, etc, etc.

But what is so cool about normcore is that it's cool. It means that you can be comfy, practical and fashionable, all at the same time - and that's pretty unusual. Our advice, to make your whole outfit slightly more special: e.g. not just like you're going for a hike, is to add a pretty accessory. This autumn, faux fur is all the rage (more on that later), so try adding a little faux fur stole or a faux fur bag. Add some stylish sneakers, something sparkly or a cool structured satchel. Even a sparkly nail will pep everything up.

Fluffy Teddy

You'll actually see sweaters and jumpers marked "teddy sweaters" in clothes shops, because the fur isn't your average faux fur - it looks like the fur of a teddy bear. People'll want to stroke you, you'll look so soft. The easiest way to wear the trend is with a super fluffy black sweater, as you can shove it on with jeans, patterned cigarette pants or a pair of plain black leggings and it'll go with everything. But for extra style points, and if you're a little bit braver, try baby bright pastel fluffy pieces.

See Also: 6 Simple Ways To Boost Your Body Confidence This Autumn

Because the fluff adds bulk, tone it down by wearing something slim fitted or tailored on your bottom half to show off your shape - head to toe fluff and you will actually look like a fully grown teddy bear.

Pastel Power

We'll make this one quick - pastels were all over the place last autumn/winter, as well as through the spring summer. They're still here this season, but have been updated with a few embellishments and different textures. Go all out and layer sweaters, trousers, coats, scarves and your bag in different pastel colors and keep your makeup soft and pretty for a dreamy look.

Wear Trousers, Not Jeans This Autumn

Jeans are the epitomy of a wardrobe stable. They go with everything and you can wear them virtually every single day without fail. Easy peasy, right? Well, although a pair of black skinny jeans or blue boyfriend jeans will still be bang on trend in five years' time, this year - and next spring/summer, it's all about the printed trouser. They're much more comfy than you might think (hint: go for a jersey pair - they'll feel just as comfy and slouchy as jogging pants or yoga pants but they're effortlessly stylish).

Layer up with plain knits or the aforementioned teddy sweaters, and pick out colors from the trousers to use as inspiration - for example, if you're wearing a floral print, pick out the green of the leaves or the red of the flowers in your accessories and in your basic pieces.

If you're worried about your butt, choose a printed trouser with a darker pattern and a larger print, as they'll flatter your figure more.

Faux Fur

Fur should always be faux, but this year, it's very obviously faux. Look for the loudest and boldest faux fur pieces that you can find, but buy cheap - this is a look that will probably fall out of favor this time next year. Go for faux bags, fur stoles and fur collars - and don't forget to try out a fur gilet/waistcoat. It's a key silhouette and makes for a really interesting look - wear with a long-sleeved sweater to keep you warm and toasty.

Color Block

Color blocking has been a big deal for what feels like forever, and this winter, it's going nowhere.

Team identical patterns or colors together for a full-on "I'm cool and confident" look, or mix and match and wear as separates with similar colors/colors picked out from the pattern. A matching suit (shorts and jacket, for example), is definitely an investment, as you can wear the shorts on their own with tights, boots and a knit now, and on their own with bare legs and a cami in the summer. The jacket you can throw on with jeans and a sweater now, and in the summer, over a little white dress to keep you cool in the evenings. Simple!

See Also: Cool And Quirky Autumn/Winter Hair

Peekaboo

Nope, we're not just trying to scare you (although it is the spookiest time of year!) - we're talking about peekaboo sheer or lace panels. They take a boring jumper and turn it into something sexy and add a ton of interest to your average little black party dress. They're also a brilliant way to get in on the cut out trend if you're slightly self-conscious about your body and don't want to show any actual flesh - instead, the sheer panels give the illusion of skin without actually showing anything. Clever, huh?

Happy shopping, girls!