AW18 is the season we finally took the rule book and threw it off the side of a cliff, with fashion insiders proving real style is all about injecting your own personality into an outfit, not subscribing to old-fashioned directives. Here, we demonstrate how to successfully shatter six style 'rules' and find new-season sartorial joy.
Shop the look: Earrings, £12; Blazer, £38; Trousers, £28; Shoes, £35, all V by Very
Yellow has always been perceived as a tricky colour to wear, and one that’s only suited to sunny weather and warmer climes. But it really isn’t. Like every colour, ‘yellow’ isn’t one single shade. There are a plethora of tones within its spectrum; ochre, mustard, daffodil, canary, lemon, to name just a few. There really is a shade out there to suit everyone, for every season - and that’s why it’s the hottest colour for AW18. Be bold and wear your chosen hue head-to-toe; a tailored trouser suit is the perfect way. Just add chic accessories - like some colour-pop heels and gold jewellery - to really make the yellow shine.
Shop the look: Jumper, £30; Skirt, £28; Bag, £28; Shoes, £45, all V by Very
Nude shoes may finally have had their day (someone tell Kate and Meghan) - they’ve been superseded by their brighter, altogether more edgy sibling. Finally free of their previously unflattering connotations, white shoes have become the new neutral, meaning you can and should wear them with anything. This season, opt for a western-style ankle boot, the hottest shoe shape of AW18. They’ll look as good teamed with a boho prairie dress as they will a pair of wide leg trousers or kick-flare jeans and a cosy knit. Just remember to keep them looking fresh and clean for maximum impact.
Shop the look: Jacket, £45; Dress, £40; Shoes, £38, all V by Very
We've all been clashing our prints for so long now, it feels like second nature, but AW18 brings us ultra-clashing, a glorious mash-up of print and pattern. Style in its purest form is about wearing what makes you feel good, after all. Florals and checks work particularly well together. The softness of blousy blooms and the linear nature of checks (in any form - tartan, houndstooth, gingham) contrast beautifully, but feel free to clash any manner of prints, like polka dots and animal print, stripes and spots. The key to making it work is to find a mutual colour in each pattern to hold it all together. It really is as simple as that. This season, we're all mix masters.
Shop the look: Jumper, £35; Trousers, £28; Bag, £25; Shoes, £38, all V by Very
Those popper-side track pants you wore in your early teens have been making a comeback for a few seasons now, successfully shedding their Sporty Spice wannabe image. The ever-growing popularity of athleisure means we’re always looking for ways to combine comfort with style. And, this season, the sporty aesthetic has fully fused with office wear, so expect to see your wide-leg check trousers given a go-faster makeover. Wear with a neutral knit and kitten heels for the perfect dressed-down but still boss-friendly look.
Shop the look: Coat, £90; Dress, £58; Bag, £30; Boots, £55, all V by Very
The more animal print the better is the motto of the season. No longer should you think of animal prints as a statement that should be worn sparingly and accompanied only by sober black or white. Layer up your animal prints - whether that’s two or three pieces of leopard all worn together, or a bit of zebra teamed with a bit of tiger or cheetah. Don’t be afraid to really go for it. Tie it all together with block colour accessories that emphasise the tones within the chosen prints.
Shop the look: Blouse, £32; Skirt, £35; adidas Originals, £75, all Very
Dig out those sequins right now, because they’re no longer just for the annual round of Christmas parties. The AW18 catwalks were awash with sparkle in all forms, from muted metallics and subtle embellishment to all-out glitter and megawatt crystals. The best part? You can wear them all day, every day if you fancy. Invest in a sequinned midi skirt, pair it with a crisp white shirt or neutral chunky knit, and dress it down with comfortable ankle boots or trainers for a look that brings a little glam to even the greyest of autumn days.
For more rule-breaking new season looks, head to Very.co.uk
