A/W 2018 Trend Report: Prints, Pigments & Plaid

Now that summer is over, it’s time to store away our sundresses and wedges. We can finally start to embrace the latest fall fashions and incorporate major trends from the A/W 2018 runway collections into our daily wardrobes. There are still a few weeks left before temperatures really start to drop, but now is the time to start planning for the transition. Here are three major themes that dominated the runway—and pieces you can score without breaking the bank.

  1. Wild Thing

Top Left Clockwise: Max Mara, Gareth Pugh, Tom Ford, Gareth Pugh, Max Mara, Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, Victoria Beckham

Top Left Clockwise: Max Mara, Gareth Pugh, Tom Ford, Gareth Pugh, Max Mara, Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, Victoria Beckham

Leopard print seems to appear season after season. It first came into focus in the 1930s, when jet-setting style-makers embraced its exotic appeal. Almost a century later, this staple shows no sign of disappearing. The playful print could be seen all over the A/W 2018 runway collections, from the ‘80s fueled Tom Ford collection to the voluminous statement pieces at Parisian label Gareth Pugh.

Embrace your wild side by adding animal motifs to your fall wardrobe with a faux fur coat or chunky ankle boots. You’ll look impeccably chic while strutting through the concrete jungle. Here are a few pieces to grab:

1. Free People ‘Kate’ Coat, $298 2. Sole Society ‘Zypa’ Vegan Satchel, $64.95 3. Boohoo Faux Fur Coat, $40 4. Lulu’s ‘Branwen’ Hat, $47 5. Aldo ‘Broadbent’ Bag, $48 6. Zara Button Down Shirt, $45.90 7. Current Mood Rebel Kitty Backpack, Dollskill, $…

1. Free People ‘Kate’ Coat, $298
2. Sole Society ‘Zypa’ Vegan Satchel, $64.95
3. Boohoo Faux Fur Coat, $40
4. Lulu’s ‘Branwen’ Hat, $47
5. Aldo ‘Broadbent’ Bag, $48
6. Zara Button Down Shirt, $45.90
7. Current Mood Rebel Kitty Backpack, Dollskill, $38
8. Pretty Little Thing Wide-Leg Pants, $38
9. Forever 21 Ankle Boots, $34.90
10. H&M Printed Tee, $12.99
11. Boohoo Block Heel Boots, $25
12. H&M Jacquard-weave Skirt, $39.99
13. Boohoo Fitted Mini Skirt, $6

2. TASTE THE RAINBOW

Top Left Clockwise: Roksanda, Rochas, Carolina Herrera, Balmain, Prada, Marni, Sonia Rykiel, Haider Ackermann, Prada, Tibi, Milly, Ulla Johnson

Top Left Clockwise: Roksanda, Rochas, Carolina Herrera, Balmain, Prada, Marni, Sonia Rykiel, Haider Ackermann, Prada, Tibi, Milly, Ulla Johnson

When I first knew I was moving to NYC two years ago to attend fashion school, I made myself a rule: everything I would buy from then on would be black. It’s flattering on everyone, goes with everything, and leaves ample opportunity to accessorize with whatever you want. While black is undoubtedly stylish, should we really allow ourselves to fall victim to constantly dressing as if we’re going to a funeral?

Just because colder temperatures are approaching doesn’t mean your fall wardrobe has to be dominated by dark and somber tones. The A/W runways were bursting with color—Barbie pink, lemon yellow, lime green, tangerine and hot magenta, just to name a few. If you’re feeling bold, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of color into your closet with a bright coat, bag, or a pair of booties. The key to nailing this look? Stick to one shade: a monochromatic look head-to-toe is sure to turn heads. Or allow one piece to make a statement: let fluorescent boots or a neon bag do all the talking.

1. H&M Sweatshirt, $8.99 2. Boohoo Collared Faux Fur Coat, $40 3. Topshop Batwing Trench Coat, $130 4. Zara Monochrome Satchel, $29.99 5. Boohoo Wide Sleeve Faux Fur Coat, $30 6. Current Mood Slime Bootie, Dollskill, $46.80 7. Boohoo Oversize De…

1. H&M Sweatshirt, $8.99
2. Boohoo Collared Faux Fur Coat, $40
3. Topshop Batwing Trench Coat, $130
4. Zara Monochrome Satchel, $29.99
5. Boohoo Wide Sleeve Faux Fur Coat, $30
6. Current Mood Slime Bootie, Dollskill, $46.80
7. Boohoo Oversize Denim Jacket, $42
8. Fashion Nova Don’t Doubt Me Bootie, $20
9. Zara Velveteen Pants, $49.90
10. Public Desire Radio Croc Booties, Dollskill, $60
11. Pretty Little Thing Cut Off Crop Sweater, $18
12. Boohoo Tangerine Denim Skirt, $20
13. No Ka’ Oi Chocolate Bar Quilted Purse, Farfetch, $37
14. Boohoo Neon Turtleneck, $18
15. Topshop Belted Peg Trousers, $35

3. CHECK, MATE

Top Left Clockwise: Versace, Michael Kors, Prada, Zimmermann, Miu Miu, Fendi, John Galliano, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney

Top Left Clockwise: Versace, Michael Kors, Prada, Zimmermann, Miu Miu, Fendi, John Galliano, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney

Plaid isn’t exactly a groundbreaking print, but designers got creative for the A/W season and found fresh ways to incorporate the classic pattern into their collections. Donatella’s collection for Versace was the ultimate tribute to her late brother, Gianni, revisiting his groundbreaking collections through pure ‘80s and ‘90s mania. Elsewhere, the trend appeared in both neutrals and brights everywhere from Miu Miu to Fendi. Check and tartan prints are a perfect way to elevate your wardrobe and transition your outfits from casual school days to more sophisticated work-ready looks. A high-waisted trouser, collared coat or plaid mini skirt a-la Clueless are perfect ways to embrace this timeless trend.

1. Burberry Vintage Check Bucket Hat, Neiman Marcus $130 2. H&M Checkered Shirt, $17.99 3. Jeffrey Campbell Siren Block Heel Boots, Shopbop, $125 4. H&M Knee-Length Coat, $69.99 5. Forever 21 Plaid Ankle Boots, $34.99 6. Topshop Jersey Doubl…

1. Burberry Vintage Check Bucket Hat, Neiman Marcus $130
2. H&M Checkered Shirt, $17.99
3. Jeffrey Campbell Siren Block Heel Boots, Shopbop, $125
4. H&M Knee-Length Coat, $69.99
5. Forever 21 Plaid Ankle Boots, $34.99
6. Topshop Jersey Double Breasted Blazer, $75
7. Topshop Slinky Funnel Top, $35
8. UNIF Stax Platform Boots, $148
9. Zara Plaid Mini Skirt, $49.90
10. Zara Plaid Pants, $34.90
11. Target Trapezoid Satchel, $29.99
12. Boohoo Prince Of Wales Button Mini, $14
13. Boohoo Woven Tapered Trousers, $42

Runway Image Sources- livingly.com, vogue.com, online stores
All Graphics- Pamela Kivi