Retro influences from the latter part of the 20th century continue to inspire fashion trends this autumn. There's a modern mix of couture, elegant glamour and minimalism. Classic British tailoring and knitwear form an important base which is updated with a new slant. Sportswear too incorporates new technical fabrics and features new details and functions.
"The outlines - on the one hand a wider silhouette with more voluminous pieces and on the other sexy, elegant shapes of the 70s - have become established in fashion. This season we will see new fabrics, details and styling. 90s' minimalism and grunge are key references," says H&M's head of design Margareta van den Bosch.
Inspiration at H&M This Autumn
Outlines and Proportions
A-line, tulip and bell-shaped styles from fashion history provide a source of endless inspiration this season. This autumn the cut is exaggerated and tailoring is refined with the focus on quality. There are androgynous styles including oversized men's styles for women and smarter styles for men.
Elegant Glamour
In the early 1970s, fashion was glamorous, elegant and sexy. H&M's design team has taken this as its starting point and has allowed itself to be inspired by the style icons of the time: Steve McQueen, Robert Redford, the Rolling Stones, Diana Ross, Britt Ekland and Marisa Berenson. Curvaceous, slinky styles with the emphasis on hips and decolletage, and big, expressive patterns and accessories are the order of the day.
Styling
Grunge styling with layer on layer, tailored pieces mixed with knits and sports-inspired styles. The important thing this autumn is to mix it up and give it a new twist. Anything goes.
Silhouette
Loose-fitting to voluminous or contrasting narrow and wide styles.
Styles
Tailored garments like suits, shirts and dresses are especially important this season, in either classic or new technical fabrics. The tailoring is styled with knits and sport-inspired pieces.
Colours
Dark and light neutrals, classic grey, blue tones, khaki, brown and camel, warm autumn hues like amber, wine-red, orange and emerald-green, and cool pastels.
Patterns
Tweed, stripes, checks, paisley, floral, graphic patterns and prints.
Fabrics
Wool tweed, Merino wool, angora, jersey and satin, denim, velvet, corduroy, poplin, sweatshirt cotton, Lurex and lame.
Accessories
Loafers, pumps, boots, shoulder bags, couture scarves, bangles, wooden jewellery, hosiery, chunky necklaces, berets and gloves.