Checks, croc and collars: this season's womenswear trends

Munich/Kirchheim - Fashionistas are often seen in small checks this autumn and winter. Leopard and zebra prints might now be seen mainly back at the zoo.

What previously worked well in the office is now also being worn outside of meetings.

These are just three examples of fashion developments for this autumn and winter. They show that fashion does what fashion does: it changes.

Here is what is really in, what is out, what is coming, what is staying, and how to style the latest trend pieces.

What is new this autumn and winter?

The increased use of croc-effect is particularly noticeable. Embossing reminiscent of crocodile skin can be seen at Elie Saab on shiny coats, skirts and fitted blousons, paired with delicate glitter skirts.

Alaïa gives a long-sleeved red flowing dress with a V-insert in a croc-effect both structure and extravagance. Francesca Liberatore adorns a red miniskirt with matte grey croc elements.

Those who want to embrace the croc trend can also opt for a more understated look with faux-crocodile shoes or bags. The latter can be seen in Prada's autumn/winter collection, for example, in shiny brown and combined with a matching croc belt.

At Celine, the croc-embossing features on a small brown clutch. Michael Kors uses a croc-effect on a matte black shoulder bag. Lanvin offers knee-high boots with a buckle and crocodile embossing.

When wearing croc-embossed items, it is important to maintain focus. This means one animal print per outfit is usually enough.

If you want a little more, it is best to stick to one 'faux animal'. For instance, pair a croc-effect bag with a faux-croc belt. According to style consultant Dunja Heß, zebra and leopard prints should not be mixed and matched, nor should they be combined with a croc-effect.

According to her, classic jeans with a faux-crocodile bag work well. “It is not too loud, but it has a modern touch.”

What else is trending?

“When it comes to outerwear, faux-fur trim is a key feature for autumn,” says Vogue Germany editor Valerie Specht. This refers to a decorative border or insert made of synthetic fur, for example on hoods, collars, sleeves or pockets.

“This was a big trend last autumn-winter season, but it is set to continue.”

On the catwalks, furry-looking collars were seen on denim jackets at Michael Kors and on bomber jackets at Simone Rocha.

Brunello Cucinelli adds a woolly fleece to the collar of a leather jacket. Dior features one on a sculptural green blazer with an extravagant peplum silhouette. At Bora Aksu, a woolly collar is paired with a checked blazer in a striking all-over check and skirt combination.

Check patterns are everywhere. According to fashion editor Valerie Specht, checks are making a comeback. “But not like the typical checked shirt you might associate with indie band members. Instead, we are seeing smaller checks, often placed in surprising ways.”

At Acne Studios, checks are seen on a long-sleeved top. Chloé opts for a colourful, flowing checked skirt with a blazer. Dries Van Noten combines a voluminous puffer jacket with a large check pattern with a small-checked blouse.

How to wear it off the catwalk?

Take inspiration from Dries Van Noten by mixing check patterns. For example, pair checked trousers with an oversized checked blazer or a checked skirt with a checked jacket.

“If you want to keep it elegant, you can ensure the size of the checks is consistent,” says Dunja Heß. This is not essential, however.

“This year, we are definitely seeing a mix of large and small check patterns.” In this case, she advises paying attention to harmonious colour combinations, such as opting for check patterns that are all in the same shade of blue.

“If the colours are too different, it can be jarring to the eye.”

Checked blazers and co are currently in vogue. Are there any other trends that also work well in a business meeting?

Clean silhouettes, blazers with broad shoulders and, above all, pinstripes, says Dunja Heß. According to her, the latter are now mainly seen in the form of classic pinstripe trousers or pinstripe suits.

According to the style consultant, what is particularly noticeable at the moment is how clothes with a classic business touch are being worn. They are no longer confined to the office.

“Business and casual looks are now blending together significantly,” says Heß. “While we used to incorporate casual pieces into our business wardrobes, business style is now making its way into our leisure time.”

The sculptural blazer is now worn into the evening, and the pencil skirt is seen far away from desks and laptops.

Dunja Heß advises wearing wide-leg pinstripe trousers with a white T-shirt, perhaps paired with trainers.

What other trousers are being worn this autumn and winter?

Mainly wider styles, such as those with a rounded balloon shape. A classic is also making a comeback: the straight-leg jean.

Vogue Germany editor Valerie Specht sees the regular Levi's 501 making a comeback. “It has a completely straight cut that initially seems unassuming but brings a certain effortlessness and looks best when well-worn.”

How to style straight-leg jeans?

According to Dunja Heß, they work well in an all-over denim outfit, for example with a denim shirt and denim jacket. She also notes that straight-cut jeans are now usually high-waisted.

“Paired with an oversized blazer and a slim-fitting shirt underneath that accentuates the waist, it looks super modern.”

For those who find this too plain, jeans with eye-catching details like pearls, studs, glitter or lace are an option. According to style consultant Heß, all of these are becoming more common again.

According to Vogue Germany editor Valerie Specht, belts are also back in fashion. Specifically, a version that has been out of the limelight for a long time: the logo belt, often with a large gold buckle, as seen at Dior.

What are we seeing less of, and which trends have had their day?

“The really bright colours are completely gone,” says style consultant Dunja Heß. Neon colours are therefore out. Goodbye pink.

Instead of bold colours, shades of grey are playing an important role, for example in combination with a soft butter yellow that can transition from summer into the colder season.

And chocolate brown. According to Dunja Heß, this warm brown tone is the colour of the season. “It also looks great styled monochromatically.”

Those who prefer something stronger can also opt for shades of red. “The darker variants are more on-trend here, such as bordeaux and cherry red,” says Heß, “and also a plum tone.”