Autumn style guide
Wednesday 23 September 2009
There are loads of fashion designers to look out for this autumn. Check out what their styles are and how you can get their look for cheap.
Girls
Ruth Green
22 year old Ruth Green is at the top of every girl’s wish list at the moment. After bagging the Warehouse Design Competition, she was given the opportunity to design a small range of clothes for the high street store.
All her clothes are really autumn friendly – knitted, chunky and layered to keep you warm. She’s kept to a few statement colours too – black, red, grey and beige - bright enough to keep winter at bay for a bit longer, but not too bright that they're completely out of season.
Get the look
Don’t expect designer prices for Ruth’s collection. Warehouse is completely high street, phew!
However, you can create Ruth’s look from the clothes you already have. Raid your wardrobe for items in Ruth’s key colours and see what you can mix and match together. Why not put a simple long black top underneath an oversized red cardigan? Or a beige top with a red belt and grey knee high socks?
Hannah Marshall
Unlike other up and coming designers who studied at a fashion school, Hannah’s story began in a garage at her home in Essex. There she designed girly dresses in the style of Audrey Hepburn, a famous actress and style icon, which had a twist of ‘The Matrix’.
She recently showcased her latest collection at London Fashion Week, and is now designing clothes for Topshop.
Get the look
Hannah’s latest designs are all about flattering clothes that have a hint of gothic. Pick out the most structured, chunky and statement-making clothes in your wardrobe. Clothes made of satin or suede are perfect.
The gothic scene isn’t just about clothes though. Pencil on some thick eye liner with some bright red lipstick, comb your hair back and slap on some gel to hold it together and you'll have the look down.
William Tempest
William first made a name for himself whilst working at Giles Deacon. There he was able to show off his stylish eye in pattern and design.
Since then he has designed loads of tailored mini-dresses and smart evening wear. A few of the celebs that have rocked his clothes on the red carpet include Emma Watson, Lily Allen, Girls Aloud and the Sugababes.
Get the look
Anything goes with mini-dresses this season. If you can’t bear to go too short then pair up a dress with tights or jeggings - half jeans, half leggings-type bottoms.
Mini-dresses might not be so fitting for the autumn so why don't you put your own twist on it? Sneak into you dads wardrobe and look for an oversized blazer. It’s a perfect match - especially if you’re recycling this summer’s dresses.
Find out who William's style icons are.
Boys
Gareth Pugh
Gareth is one of London’s hottest designers. It was his final collection at Central Saint Martins, where he showcased outfits made out of inflatable material, that first caught people's eyes.
This season his designs are all about suits. Not posh evening wear though - Gareth’s designs are based on suits of armour that will keep you warm against the chill.
Get the look
Don't worry if your wardrobe is still suffering from summer’s style guide. You can use it to your advantage. Layer your summer clothes over the other – try putting shirts under cardis, or t-shirts under jumpers. For a winter twist why not bring out your old thick boots to tuck your jeans in to?
Headgear is also making a comeback. Gareth’s into furry items but if you prefer something a little simpler then try a mullet cap. It keeps your entire head warm, and you can zip it up at the front to protect your face.
Henry Holland
Henry seems to be everywhere these days - everyone's wearing his clothes. He’s known for his funky and brightly coloured over-sized t-shirts that have messages printed at the front. One of the reasons why his t-shirts are so popular is because they usually represent something about modern society and celebrities.
Get the look
Want to make your own t-shirts with personal messages on them? Head down to your local charity store and you’re bound to find at least one plain, brightly coloured t-shirt. Next, buy some transferable iron-on prints from a crafts store and you're sorted.
These t-shirts alone however, aren’t going to keep you very warm this autumn. Ask your granddad if you can borrow his vintage cardi, or his double breasted coat to go with it. Warm, stylish and cosy.
