Fluffy knits, funnel necks and feathers: The trend predictions we’re co-signing for autumn
image via @monicacamorales/instagram
words by daisy henry
“I see a return to decadence.”
If there’s a common thread running through this season’s predicted trends, it’s personal preference. Some wardrobes will lean into bold textures and exaggerated proportions as the temperature drops, others will double down on comfort and dependable classics like denim and leather. Whether you’re drawn to statement pieces or the quiet reliability of a good knit, where you land is entirely your call.
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Still, if you’re curious about the styles likely to shape the season ahead, we’ve done the homework. From ’80s Glamoratti shoulder pads, to trackpants styled for everyday wear, we asked some of our favourite stylists, buyers and boutique directors to weigh in on the pieces they’re backing for autumn.
Cosy essentials
Statement knits
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Knitwear will always have a place in any cold-weather wardrobe but Paris Astley, buyer at Fitzroy boutique Error404, makes the case for going big, both in size and investment.
Rather than amassing a collection of knits that only go with select items, her advice is to invest in your dream piece – the one you can wear with anything and will last you years, rather than a season.
Right now, her eyes are on the Frisson Knits’ Nina hoodie. “It’s one of those pieces you thank yourself for buying at the start of winter and are excited to pull it out of the back of your closet each year ,” she says.
Trackies as pants
In a similar vein, we’re leaning into comfort when it comes to cold-weather dressing, and this extends to wearing trackpants, outside the house.
“Trackpants, whether bold and statement-making, or plain black, can look incredibly chic when the fit is good and they are styled well,” says Paris. She points to local designer Olivia Rowan’s winter collection, where we’ll see this trend really come into play.
Texture
Feathers and fringing
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Monica Morales, a Sydney-based stylist and creative director, sees the change in season as the perfect chance to lean into texture. “I’m currently obsessed with anything feathery and foofy for winter,” she says.
According to Monica, this could come in the form of a scarf, a jacket, a mini skirt or even a pair of shoes. “This kind of texture adds a fun and playful feel to any look, as well as keeping you warm,” she adds. If you need convincing, see Lauryn Hill’s look for the Bottega Veneta AW26 show in Milan.
Leather and denim
As far as autumn and winter staples go, you can’t beat leather and denim. Besides a classic leather jacket, Melbourne stylist and creative director, Carlos Mangubat, is predicting statement skirts, accessories and pants. “I wonder who in the Australian market would attempt a mock-croc trouser, but I’d love to see it,” he says. “Maybe Deering?”
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Another timeless texture, denim doesn’t seem to be going anywhere; in fact, it’s multiplying. Lyndsey Spark, the director and owner of Somebuddy Loves You, is looking at double denim, big cuffs and straight leg styles. “The new Idle Jeans from Permanent Vacation, the Samsoe Samsoe Sanadina Jacket and Sashelly Jeans will be my winter go-tos,” she says.
Melbourne-based fashion stylist Billy Chambers echoes the praises of a good pair of low or mid-rise jeans with a simple T-shirt. “I think people are bored with overdressing,” he says. “Building an intentional yet chic wardrobe is in.”
Exaggerated proportions
’80s Glamoratti
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At the other end of the spectrum, bigger might be better. Earlier this year, we wrote about Pinterest Predicts’ forecasted trends and the site’s reported rise in search terms like ”80s luxury’, ‘baggy suit’, ‘chunky belt’ and ‘high collar jacket’.
As it turns out, the prediction might be coming to fruition. “I see a return to decadence,” Carlos tells me, pointing towards sculpted-shoulder suits, dramatic funnel necks and large gold accessories.
Monica is all for bringing back the shoulder pads, having spotted them on both runways and stores during her last trip to New York. “I also love a really long sleeve but balancing these proportions [by showing] some skin or [contrasting with] more fitted silhouettes,” she adds.
Military
Another predicted trend set to dominate this season is one that leans slightly more utilitarian. “A cool military jacket or cargo pants are always a feature in my wardrobe,” Lyndsey tells me. “I love Paloma Wool’s interpretation of [this].”
Statement footwear
Tights and a statement boot
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Sometimes an outfit is built from the ground up. Case in point: a pair of statement boots, worn with a pair of tights, as noted by Paris. “Brands like Kahe and Dirt are the go-to for a really cool, high-quality boot,” she says.
Chunky shoes
Adding to this, Billy’s looking towards durable, chunky styles, like the 2000s Blundstones and Timberlands. “Wearing work boots with everyday outfits is having a comeback. Especially with a jean,” he says. “Over the past few years, a simple loafer has been the go but I think a chic boot is on the rise, especially an everyday one.”
The wildcards
If you relate more to a seasonal ‘vibe-shift’ than specific pieces, take cues from Orson Thomas, brand director at Collingwood boutique, Mane by Stable. He has two (extremely niche) characters he sees coming out of the woodworks as the weather begins to cool:
‘The Brothel Madame’
As the name suggests, Orson’s envisioning “unashamed heavy makeup and faux animal hides. Half a pot of eyeshadow on each eye.” Key references include Courtney Love and Fran Drescher in The Nanny.
Baba Yaga
“Witchy-poo, but emphasis on the poo,” Orson says. “A super unkempt, unwashed sorceress of the woods… there are folk tales about her. Children have disappeared.” Mary-Kate Olsen circa 2004 comes to mind.
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