On the third day of our autumn/winter trends series, we go back to basics and back in time.
Minimal Impact
Max Mara, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Celine. Photos: Imaxtree
The mood: Purity, poise and luxury just about sums it up. Lines are polished, shapes are kept simple, and this is a focus on structure and neutral tones. Designers revisit the classic simplicity of 1990s Prada and Calvin Klein, with chic sportswear references, and print and pattern banished from sight. In short: geometric shapes, sculpted fabrics, and no frills please.
The must-haves: Unfussy shell tops, simple wrap coats, A-line skirts to the knee, asymmetric funnel neck jackets, cropped cigarette pants, leather shift dresses.
MyDaily tip: A sleek ballerina bun and a crisp white shirt is an effortless way to bring minimal dressing to your daily style.
1970s Heroine
Photo: Chloé, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Emilio Pucci. Photos: Imaxtree
The mood: OK, so we said this season wasn't about obvious retro fashions, well this is the exception... The dearth of brights in favour of caramel and camel tones, the tailored flared trousers, centre-parted hair and pussybow blouses pointed unequivocally to 70s styling. Less disco glitterball, more laidback post-hippie chic, think Ali MacGraw in Love Story, Lauren Hutton and vintage Gucci ads.
The must-haves: The high waist kick-flare trouser is key, as are pussybow blouses, culottes, jumpsuits, suede and leather shorts, waistcoats and a trench.
MyDaily tip: Invest in a classic camel coat and centre-part your hair for a chic, no-fuss way to work this look.
Autumn/winter trend report 2010
Celine
Why we love it: Designer darling Phoebe Philo combined leather, shearling and pared down silhouettes to give women what they want – sexy, easy and unfussy style.
Autumn/winter trend report 2010
Balenciaga
Why we love it: The collage-like application of stiff fabric gives a 3D effect that complete morphs the silhouette. Plus, the collection was inspired by cosmonauts and French biscuits.
Autumn/winter trend report 2010
Calvin Klein Collection
Why we love it: Francisco Costa uses impeccable architectural cutting and sculpted fabrics to create essential dressing at its most luxurious.
Autumn/winter trend report 2010
Chloé
Why we love it: Hannah MacGibbon's no-nonsense, masculine designs in all shades of beige provide the touchstone for the trend, and we adore the simple draped movement of this jumpsuit.
Autumn/winter trend report 2010
Giambattista Valli
Why we love it: The ovoid structure, funnel neck and zip fastening makes this coat positions this coat somewhere between futuristic and timeless – not a bad place to be.
Autumn/winter trend report 2010
Givenchy
Why we love it: Simple block colours and masculine tailoring combined with vampish makeup get the balance just right.
Autumn/winter trend report 2010
Jil Sander
Why we love it: If the trend feels a bit too sensible, super-short lengths and chunky boots shake up the look.
Autumn/winter trend report 2010
Max Mara
Why we love it: Winter whites in luxe fabrics are the perfect way to inject modernity and lighten your look.
Autumn/winter trend report 2010
Nicole Farhi
Why we love it: Fastenings are strip right down and replaced by a skinny belt.
Autumn/winter trend report 2010
Stella McCartney
Why we love it: Proof that when it comes to mastering pared down dressing, exquisitely cut clothes are crucial.