lucy's autumn trend report
what to wear and how to wear it
The further we get into the 2020s, the more I realise just how much the vibe shift article was on the money. In 2022, inspired by Sean Monahan’s vibe shift analysis on 8Ball, Allison P. Davis wrote for The Cut about how a turning point was upon us, and that the post-pandemic trends marked a solid break from the trap-scaped, contoured and label-hungry vibe of the late 2020s. The prophecy was correct, and for the past year there’s been an unsettled feeling in the air; we’re moving on, but nobody is sure of what will stick or what will define this era. It’s less of a divide between generations and more of an overall thrust forward in every sense, the dawn of publicly-available AI being the obvious example of the change in gear. This has leaked into my work in a major way, with the overhaul of the dominant social platforms forcing creators to rethink how they make content and giving their skills in adaptability a baptism of fire.
All this to say: despite the liminal space, I feel like we are reaching an unspoken consensus on where the vibe is heading this decade. The humour is dry (read: bleak), the waists are low and the girls who get it, get it. Judging from everything popping up on my fyp, this autumn is going to mark a clear vibe shift for our wardrobes — and I’m buzzing about it. Originality is cool now, which I love as I feel like the late 2020s leaned on overhyped pieces and blending in. (Did anyone wear the Gucci Dionysus bag for more than six months?) Even with the Adidas Samba dominance, there’s so many colours and alternative styles that everyone can find a pair that fits the story they’re telling through their personal style. It’s less paint by numbers these days, which makes me optimistic that we are indeed finding our feet in the roaring twenties.
Below is a summary of what’s been popping up in my feed recently that’s left me inspired for the season ahead. And of course, a disclaimer: everything you already have in your wardrobe is more than good enough to style in the coming months. You don’t need more clothes. But if you are interested in adapting or updating, or in what our collective taste is saying at the moment, here’s what I think we’ll be wearing and how I think we’ll be styling it.
SUEDE OUTERWEAR
The Birks have been in for a minute, but I think the suede moment is going to peak in the next six to twelve months. I’ve seen a lot of brown suede jackets and oversized bags creeping onto my feed, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the hardcore girlies end up popularising suede maxi skirts too.
NAVY & CHERRY
I predicted a rise in cherry red and baby blue at the top of the year, but I didn’t see navy coming back in such a big way as the default neutral, or how popular red leather pieces would become. I regret passing up on the beautiful leather burgundy jacket I nearly bought last winter on Vinted — foolish! My alternative title for this shade of red is Dr Pepper — it’s like a bright maroon that for some reason reminds me of the drink, inspired by Emily from Skins’s hair. I’ve seen a lot of chat about cowboy boots in this shade of red, and I love the way Lucy Williams styled these navy corduroy work trousers on her Tiktok.
MAXI DENIM, CONTRAST STITCHING
Every denim piece I want at the moment has two things in common: contrast stitching and being absolutely humungous. I love the deep indigo of the maxi skirts and softness of the washed out loose jeans I’m seeing everywhere, and can we take a moment for the thick denim outerwear shirts? They’re so cool.
BIG, SOFT BAGS
Maybe I’m just being pedantic but I feel like the term hobo bag probably isn’t politically correct, so I avoid using it where possible. Maybe it’s fine, idk. Even if I did want to use it, I don’t think it can fully encompass the styles of bag that are popular right now. Anything soft, shapeless to an unknowing eye and tote-like in size is a staple in the autumn closets of the cool girls right now. The oversized, quilted COS bag is just one example — the design is a bit postmodern, making it interesting enough to sit well with an everyday outfit, but also practical in material and size — a recipe for versatility.
SAMBAS, STILL
I reckon we’re mid-way through the Samba’s trend cycle, so there’s still time to buy a pair and get a lot of wear from them before the sight of them makes you sick. There’s also some really good alternatives: I like the Spezial and the Velosamba but there are so many alternatives that aren’t Adidas too. If you’re sick of the Sambas already, I’m still loving my Salomon XT6’s (I know, I’m doing wonders for the East London stereotype) and the Asics GEL designs are super chic.
2000s BOHO GIRL/SEVENTIES WAVE
Those white cotton maxi skirts everyone is wearing? Get ready to see them paired with coin belts and flat boots all autumn. Free People must be pumped. In my eyes, this is a sub-genre of the massive incoming seventies wave that’s bringing back flared jeans, wooden mules and those knee-high leather heeled boots. You’ve got to pick your poison or you risk looking kitsch, but I’m honestly buzzing to pick up some flares and for the double denim moments in my future
ALTERNATIVE BALLET FLATS
I love that ballet flats are back but I think some of the designs are a little basic. We’ve already seen the Tabi flats and the Ganni buckle flats growing in popularity, and it wouldn’t surprise me if another unique ballet flat design takes off soon. I’ve seen some pairs with beautiful details like the embroidered lace straps on this cornflower blue Dolce Vita shoe.
BOLD ACRYLIC GLASSES
This is hardly a prediction because they’re already everywhere, but I think weird and wonderful glasses with large plastic frames will continue to be the accessory of choice for when your outfit feels a bit bland.
THE BIG NECKLACE
For the past five years I have worn such a jewellery uniform — the classic Missoma/Monica Vinader timeless gold chain/s with a set of hammered hoops in my ears. I couldn’t see myself changing it up… until this point. I am obsessed with the rise of big silver or glass pendants that you might have bought on holiday in the 2000s, and I’ve scoured eBay for a beaded stone necklace that can sit on top of my simple wool jumpers and give them a bit more personality. This could be the trend I’m most excited about here, honestly, and I think it’s pretty timeless.
VINTAGE POINTED HEELS
Chic! As! Heck!