WHICH WOMEN'S FASHION TRENDS WILL DOMINATE THE COMING SEASON?

Fashion moves fast. Every season brings new trends that shape our outfits and inspire new fits. The coming season promises plenty of surprises too, in colour and in the cut of the clothes. Yet for all the churn, fashion has to stay functional. Clothes should be stylish, but practical and comfortable as well, so that style and everyday ease go together. For many people a more considered approach to shopping matters just as much: investing in well-made pieces that last longer than a single season.

Fashion is also moving steadily towards sustainability. More and more labels are committing to ecology and responsible production. Recycled fabrics and organic materials are now a fixture of modern collections.
Shoppers increasingly look beyond how a piece looks to how, and in what conditions, it was made.

The coming season is shaping up to be a colourful one. Pastels lead the way – mint, lavender and powder pink. Classic colours stay in play alongside them: white, beige and black, which sit well with bolder shades. For anyone who likes a braver outfit, stronger colours will be popular too – neon greens, yellows and intense blue. They bring energy and freshness to anything you wear. Colour accents work in everyday outfits and in smarter ones as well, giving your look
a modern edge.

New this season are metallic shades – gold, silver and shimmering pink, made for evening dressing. Metallic accents will show up on dresses, shoes and bags, and their presence lifts an outfit instantly. Earth tones such as khaki, brown and olive green, with their nod to city dressing, will dominate casual outfits.

Combining colours is a skill worth learning. This season, go for monochrome outfits in which different shades of one colour pull the look together. Contrasting pairings are another good option – purple with orange, or green with pink. Setting clashing colours side by side will be very much in fashion; pairings that at first glance may
look risky in practice make for bold, original outfits. It pays to experiment: neon accessories with pastels, say, or a muted outfit with one strong, stand-out piece.

Another trend to watch is colour blocking – setting large blocks of colour against each other in a single outfit. Trousers in one intense shade with a blouse in a contrasting tone, for instance, give a daring but balanced result. Ideal for anyone who isn't afraid to experiment with fashion and wants to stand out from the crowd.

The coming season belongs to midi and maxi dresses and skirts. Floaty, light fabrics such as silk and tulle bring femininity and elegance to anything you wear. Look out for shapes with
flared hems and gathers, which add charm. Asymmetric cuts are new this season; they flatter the figure and add a modern note. Asymmetric lines catch the eye and set you apart, while staying thoroughly elegant. Among the popular styles you'll also find dresses with puff sleeves, a nod to retro fashion.

Long pleated skirts are back in favour, especially with a metallic finish or in nature-inspired prints such as flowers and leaves. Shapes like these are elegant and comfortable, which makes them right for everyday wear and special occasions alike. For
anyone who prefers a more minimalist style, pencil skirts in muted colours will be the fashionable pick, and they work beautifully in the office.

Wide-leg trousers are back in favour. Worn with elegant blouses in asymmetric cuts, they make modern, stylish outfits. There is room too for classic jeans and shirts, which never go out of fashion. High-waisted trousers, hugely popular over recent seasons, stay in the trends as well. They balance the proportions of the figure, marking the waist and lengthening the legs. Blouses, meanwhile, can carry modern details such as frills or draping that add elegance and a feminine touch.

Blouses with large, statement collars will also be in fashion – a nod to vintage style. Details like that give even the simplest outfit some originality. Collared blouses work with smart trousers or skirts, for looks made for formal occasions.

The coming season is a golden one for outerwear as well. Oversized coats, bomber jackets and classic trench coats will be indispensable. Watch the details – decorative buttons or unusual fabric textures that give an outfit personality. Wool and cashmere coats will be a hit in the months ahead, especially in muted colours such as camel, grey and olive. Outerwear in high-quality fabrics is worth investing in: it will serve you for many seasons and finish off any outfit. Checked coats, or ones with leather
trims, add an urban edge.

Puffer jackets are back too, and they are ideal for winter days. Go for models in strong colours such as cobalt blue or vivid red, which bring energy to winter dressing. Oversized coats with large collars and teddy bear coats will be an excellent option for anyone who values comfort and warmth.

Bags will be small but functional this season. Chain-strap styles and bum bags lead the way. In footwear, comfortable trainers and elegant low-heeled ankle boots will rule. Jewellery will be delicate and minimalist, mostly gold and silver. Large geometric earrings and bracelets will be very fashionable as well, giving personality to even the simplest outfit. Shoes in metallic shades are worth a look too, as a finishing touch to evening outfits.

As for bags, the return of small baguette styles, popular in the 1990s, won't escape lovers of retro fashion. Chunky-soled shoes, ankle boots especially, will be a great answer to colder days, adding a modern, urban feel.

Wide-brimmed hats, silk scarves and leather gloves are the accessories that finish an outfit. Buy well here: pieces like these bring chic and elegance and let you build a look of your own. Hats, particularly in wool or felt, will grow in popularity in autumn and winter dressing. They give any outfit definition and elegance. Berets and smart gloves with leather trims also fit this year's trends, being stylish and practical at once.

Bringing new trends into your wardrobe needn't be difficult. Start small – a few new accessories, or one fashionable dress. You can add pieces gradually to build coherent, modern outfits. If you're not sure where to begin, go for
versatile pieces that combine easily with the rest of your wardrobe. An elegant coat or shoes in a fashionable colour can refresh a whole look without an overhaul. That way the latest trends find their way into your everyday dressing without much fuss.

You could bring the season's colours into a classic wardrobe through accessories, for example – a pastel bag or shoes in a bold colour will freshen up any look. What matters is not being afraid to experiment and to try new trends. Experimenting doesn't have to mean changing your style completely. Sometimes different jewellery, another cut of trouser or a new bag is enough to make an outfit feel current. The important thing is to feel good in what you wear – confidence is what makes any outfit look better.